Entry #25: Answering Questions Sent In By YOU!
I asked you to send in your questions and they’re so awesome! Let’s GO!
How do you recoup after social events? I say, “Know thy self.” Self-care is knowing about events BEFORE I go. I use “radical acceptance.” No matter how much I wish I could attend events, some I can’t. I also accept when I do go out, I need to leave when I’m overwhelmed. I must respect how bipolar disorder, ADHD and PTSD limit me so I can remain stable, peaceful, as well as not allow any situation to steal my joy. When we’re tired, we’re vulnerable to making bad decisions on all fronts in our lives.
How do you practice what you preach for your mental health? I touched on this in question 1. I want to share my self-care routine next month. In short form, I would add that nothing gets in the way of my sleep, fitness, seeing my psychiatrist, and taking my meds as prescribed. Personal responsibility is key to living a stable life.
Why is the gym so important to you? I struggle with an eating disorder. I grew up in a family obsessed with diet culture. Living a healthy lifestyle helps me win the mental war of the vicious cycle of overeating, weight gain and feeling bad about myself. The gym is my natural medication. Also, if we invest in our health now, we reap the rewards as seniors.
Do you believe in setting resolutions? We should show up for ourselves every day because each day we breathe is precious. There’s a quote that says, “Love your neighbour as you love yourself.” You can’t give what you don’t have. Let’s love ourselves in a balanced way (by ways of self-0care that I shared above) so we can love others on a full tank. July 1st, 2025 was no less important a day than July 1st, 2026 will be. What is stopping you from creating the life you want?
Didn’t see your question? I will be answering it in Entry #26. To be continued…
Stephanie Preston creates powerful, humorous videos on managing bipolar disorder symptoms. She is a Social Service Worker, Health Care Aide and suffers from severe bipolar depression herself. She is the proud wife of St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston, loves being a grandma and is Crossfit obsessed. Follow her at www.tiktok.com/@bipolaronthebrain and www.facebook.com/bipolaronthebrain.
