I apologize for my hiatus. As I am sure many of you have experienced or are experiencing, depression, bipolar depression, anxiety, mood cycling, hypomania (or any combination of them) is running rampant in these conditions. For a disease that flourishes on depression and isolation, COVID is without a doubt its best friend. The uncertainty of the time and the inability to move about and congregate as we please leaves us under the constant strain of COVID.
I am trying my hardest not to let my bipolar depression take over but it’s fucking hard. I have, however, found a few things that help. Schedule a walking date or a backyard date with a friend. This allows you to socially distance yourself but still enjoy each others company. Try to keep something planned. I find that it’s helpful when I know that I have something to look forward to, big or small. Video chat is helpful but, I have to say, at this point I’m pretty tired of it. As always, take your depression outside and exercise. I know in the throws of depression that even the smallest task can seem monumental. That's okay! There is always tomorrow. But whatever you do, remember to be kind to yourself.
I hope something in there was helpful. Don't be afraid to reach out to loved ones, too. This is a very strange time for all of us. The more we can stick together, the more hope we will bring about.