Disclaimer: Those who suffer from mental illness should always consult their physician. I am not a medical professional. This is my personal journey. I have been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. I am openly unmedicated, and have managed my symptoms with the love, support, encouragement of my family. This is not a suggestion that someone should be unmedicated. I do believe that medicated or not, those of us who suffer with this disorder can always share our own coping skills and be better for it.
When I look back to my childhood it seems that cooking has always been part of my life. My father was an excellent cook, and my mother really tried. Love you Mom. It is my intention to use this platform to discuss two things. My love for cooking and recipes along the way, and how this form of creativity helps me manage symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Cooking can be a therapeutic activity that can help individuals with bipolar disorder to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. Here are a few ways in which cooking can be helpful:
- Provides a sense of accomplishment: Cooking can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, which can help to improve mood and reduce feelings of hopelessness or helplessness that are common in bipolar disorder.
- Helps with concentration and focus: Cooking requires concentration and focus, which can be helpful for individuals with bipolar disorder who may struggle with symptoms such as distractibility or difficulty with focus.
- Encourages mindfulness: Cooking can be a mindful activity, which means that it can help individuals to be present in the moment and reduce stress and anxiety.
- Promotes a healthy lifestyle: Cooking can encourage individuals to eat healthier and make more mindful food choices, which can improve overall physical health and well-being.
- Provides a creative outlet: Cooking can be a creative outlet, which can be helpful for individuals with bipolar disorder who may struggle with negative thoughts or emotions. Creative activities can help to channel those emotions in a positive way.
These are just some examples, but for me, the most important. As you will see throughout my post, the creative outlet is the main focus. I cook, I knit, I crochet, and I sew. There are times it’s difficult to stay on track, I have a difficult time especially with focus, but when I do, some pretty amazing things can come from it.
Follow me on my journey! Maybe even learn a thing or two, me to you, and you to me.