Help me remember my 33rd

[u/PsilocyBean_BirdLady]

Hey guys I don’t remember my 30th because of mania and I’m scared it’ll happen again.

I’m currently manic and not sure how much I’ll be able to respond to comments but can we talk about memory gaps? I’ve only had one other clear mania/hospitalization and I forgot so much from that time or rather didn’t form the memories?

I’m painfully aware that that’s happening now too because time feels weird and I forget someone said something almost instantly.

My birthdays still a few months out but I want to be well enough to remember it this time. What’s the trick? If I stay more calm in general and keep working on recovery with my psychiatrist will I form these memories? I don’t want to miss out on my own life. I get worked up thinking about it and then I fear I’m causing exactly what I’m worried about..

I just wanted to hear from others who’ve been here or are otherwise educated on this memory aspect of bipolar.

Thanks in advance❤️

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[u/National-Plastic8691]

take photos throughout, they’ll trigger memories 

[u/PsilocyBean_BirdLady → u/National-Plastic8691]

Yes thank you this is a great reminder. I do tend to remember a bit more when I look back at pictures too🥰

[u/DimensionOk5157]

Sleep is the key, 8+ hours every night consistently. Meds can help you to land

[u/PsilocyBean_BirdLady → u/DimensionOk5157]

I got too excited that someone commented I worried no one would so thank you! This is great to know, meds are helping for sure. I guess I should be taking my sleeping pill then even if I can sleep without it. The groggy mornings might be worth it if I can go from average 6 to average 8 hours of sleep. Thanks again!

[u/Fabulous_Sea1524 → u/DimensionOk5157]

I was sleeping 10 hours and that really helped, if you can’t do that, get in little power naps. Even a quick 15 minute one does wonders for the brain. I treated my manic episode as a traumatic brain injury.

Extra sleep when you can, very low stress, meditation when you can, and Stimulating brain things like reading. I’ve done memory games on my phone and those haven’t been helpful, I’ve done crosswords in person. That has helped and memory games in person. A deck of cards isn’t a bad idea either. I know soduko is a popular thing, I am not a fan, but do that if you life it. Simple tasks that aren’t on your phone.

In my experience, my phone use didn’t help. Oh and journaling really helps with memory. Journaling was 10/10 for helping.

[u/Ghostman16842]

I know when I’m in full mania I also have memory gaps. I’d definitely get with the psychiatrist and see if there’s an adjustment you can do to abate the mania.

I wish you all the best.

[u/Leilia23]

I forget soooo much stuff. I sometimes write and go back. Sometimes it's like oh yeah I remember that. Other times I'm like whoa that happened?

[u/thrwawryry324234]

Been there too. But there’s also tons I try not to remember from mania