During the rapid cycling, depressive, and euthymic episodes, the fatigue can be pronounced—but some simple strategies can help you get your energy back on track

For as long as I can remember, I have had an intermittent battle with crippling fatigue. Don’t get me wrong, I have experienced the hypomanic and/or manic surges of Energy like everyone else that I know with bipolar disorder. But my life’s journey has also been punctuated by fatigue that just seemed to knock the wind out of me.

Sometimes these episodes of fatigue correspond with depression, but often not. Sometimes they arrive during the aftermath of a string of nights with little sleep, like a final crash. But often, I will experience both episodes in the same day, with bounding energy all day long, followed by a down-surge in the late afternoon or early evening. Then, the next day, it starts all over again.

To be honest, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea a few years ago, after putting on some weight. But these episodes of fatigue were happening long before that time. They also continued despite treatment for sleep apnea and corresponding weight loss. Besides, it has been found that there is a possible link between sleep apnea and bipolar disorder, as well.

I am currently working on a “treatment plan” of sorts with myself to better manage my Energy Levels. Here is what I have learned thus far:

1. A good multi-vitamin is essential.

2. Regular exercise is helpful. A nice walk in the sunshine can also help with vitamin D levels and corresponding energy.

3. The process of setting boundaries is so important. I don’t know if it is the fact that I have some type of “superwoman-in-training” complex, the reality of working in the helping profession, issues with my personality style, etc. but I find that I take on way more than I can handle at times. This leads to a cycle of initial excited energy followed by a crash of exhaustion. Taking as good care of myself as I do of others is often foreign to me. That must change.

4. I need to be more mindful of taking all doses of meds prescribed to me, even when I feel too tired to get up and out of bed.

5. Minimizing caffeine and junk food would help. I won’t lie, this one is tricky for me (I am drinking caffeine as I write). Increased hydration can be good for energy levels, also.

6. For me, yoga, meditation, prayer, and spiritual reading are essential. Mindfulness helps me to ration out my energy a little better throughout the day.

Finally, I think it is important for all of us, whether we have bipolar disorder or not, to give ourselves a break. Our fast-paced society has led to unrealistic expectations. We are expecting instant gratification from one another.

While this is fine from time to time, if we live our lives as if we are always on call, we will burn out. Unless we are in a profession requiring such accountability, we all might be healthier turning our phones off from time to time, taking our time to smell the roses, delaying checking e-mails, and s-l-o-w-i-n-g down.

Reminding ourselves that we can’t be everything to everybody all the time is so important.

Life is good, especially when it is balanced. Proper circadian rhythms are like the dance of the waltz, all in proper timing. Please don’t forget to be good to you!

Eat, sleep, dream, and love; one step at a time.

Learn more:
5 Ways Circadian Rhythms Are Important to Bipolar Disorder
4 Things to Remind Yourself After a Depressive Episode 

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