From Wikipedia:
Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a category of mood disorders defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated mood clinically referred to as mania or, if milder, hypomania. Individuals who experience manic episodes also commonly experience depressive episodes or symptoms, or mixed episodes in which features of both mania and depression are present at the same time. These episodes are usually separated by periods of "normal" mood, but in some individuals, depression and mania may rapidly alternate, known as rapid cycling. Extreme manic episodes can sometimes lead to psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. The disorder has been subdivided into bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia, and other types, based on the nature and severity of mood episodes experienced; the range is often described as the bipolar spectrum.That sounds fun, doesn't it?
Anyway, I have highs and lows. In the last 6-8 months those highs and lows have significantly decreased and I've leveled out a ton. Biggest factor contributing to that -- lower stress levels. But, I still have it and I still deal with symptoms of it, most notably periods of depression or being a sort of down kind of funk.
Sometimes, it's really hard to get through a day. Sometimes, it's not so hard. It really just depends. With two children, some days are definitely better than others. But, if I have one good thing to say about bi polar disorder, it's that manic highs are productive and useful.
Take this morning for example. I got up around 8. At 10:30 I made a list of things I wanted accomplished today. Caleb and Lorelei had the simple task of cleaning their rooms. I also made a list of tasks for both George and I to complete; though George missed out because he stayed blissfully asleep on the couch.
In three hours I cleaned the following:
1. Entire Kitchen.
2. Entire Dining Room.
3. Entire Living Room & Entry Way.
4. Downstairs Bathroom.
5. Upstairs Hallway.
6. Master Bedroom. (my room)
7. Upstairs Bath.
By cleaning, I mean that I swept or vacuumed every floor in the house. I also mopped the dining room from the dinosaur extraction mess. I folded every piece of clean laundry and put it away. I cleaned toilets, and wiped down counter tops. I put away dishes. The only thing I didn't do? Dust and start more laundry. For three straight hours from bottom to top I went through and cleaned the ENTIRE house. I think I took one or two short breaks in between.
And this house? It's not big. 1270 square feet at best. So maybe I should have been done sooner? But, I certainly feel accomplished.
So, all the cleaning that I hate doing and put off and procrastinate on? It's done. Everything is nice and clean to start off the new week. And now, I'm a tad worried about crashing from the high. But, here's to hoping -- that I don't.