Bipolar disorder anxiety and work!

I’m sitting here at my desk writing my column for BP Magazine.  The topic is great- the length requirement is great. I have been writing these columns for years and usually enjoy the process. Today, things are tough. My anxiety is just hitting me from all sides! I feel it in my body- my brain and all around me.  There is nothing wrong- I’m on track to write the article, even though I’m a few days past my deadline.Anxiety can be so debilitating because it’s so physical. I can sit and work when I’m depressed or mildly hypomanic. I can even work when I’m mildly psychotic. But anxiety is tough!!!!!I have to finish this though- I need a plan.

1. Change my writing position. I have a crate I use on top of my desk where I can stand up and write instead of sitting.

2. Do a few minutes of yoga. I have yoga lessons on my Itunes- I can just play a lesson right from my computer. I like yogajournal.com

3. Remind myself that I will feel 1000x better if I get this done today and sent to my editor. Otherwise, it’s just another work albatross I have to carry around.

4. And, as always- I will keep something very important in mind.. all day… I have bipolar disorder. Anxiety is a normal part of bipolar disorder. It comes and goes. This will be gone by the end of the day I’m sure. Especially when I finish this article.I’m glad I have my treatment plan. It helps me remember what anxiety feels like so that I’m not confused about what is happening. Oh, it’s so uncomfortable! But I can definitely work through it!  Do you have anxiety that makes it difficult to work? Julie

Here is a picture of a stand up desk. I have had a lot of success with this style of working- but I have to admit, I don’t have a treadmill attached to my desk. I just use a plastic bin! 🙂