Tuesday, January 6, 2026
What you are about to read IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. Please do not replace solid therapy and well laid out treatment plans. These are only (deep dive researched) suggestions from another person who has suffered and understands what you are going through.
Finding the right diagnosis can feel like finally receiving a map after wandering in the woods for years. For me, getting the words Bipolar I, severe anxiety, and severe OCD on paper wasn't a burden—it was a relief. It meant I could finally build a toolkit that actually worked for my specific brain.
But then comes "Old Man Winter." For those of us navigating complex mental health landscapes, the shorter days and freezing temperatures aren't just an inconvenience; they are a genuine hurdle for stability.
If you’re like me and trying to keep your head above water this season, here is how I’m shaking the winter blues while honoring my diagnoses.
With OCD and anxiety, sensory overload can trigger a spiral. In the winter, we spend so much time indoors that our environment becomes our entire world. Here's what I do to stay stable during a gray deep freeze, "baby it's cold out there," disgustingly slushy and well...a miserable day.
Curating My "Sensory Sanctuary"
I close the blinds and turn on all the lights in my house for 20 minutes every morning. It somewhat mimics sunlight and helps regulate my circadian rhythms (these are our body's internal clocks telling us when to sleep and when to be awake) These are very important for Bipolar stability.
My Routine (The Bipolar Anchor)
Bipolar I thrives on routine, but winter wants us to hibernate and lose track of time. To fight the "winter slump," I keep my anchor points non-negotiable:
Consistent Wake-Up Times: Even if I didn’t sleep well, I get out of bed at the same time to keep my internal clock from drifting.
The "One Product" Rule: On low-energy days, I commit to one hygiene task (like washing my face). It’s a small win against the lethargy that winter brings.
My Baby Steps of Movement-literally
When you have severe anxiety, the idea of a "crowded gym" can be a non-starter. Instead of a high-pressure New Year’s resolution, I focus on:
Nature Walks: Even if it’s just 10 minutes, the cold air hits the "reset" button on my intrusive thoughts.
Meditating on my daily devotionals: For some reason beyond my understanding, this calms my mind and brings peace to my soul.
Setting "Winter Boundaries"
The holidays and winter social expectations can be a minefield for OCD and Bipolar triggers. I’ve learned that "No" is a health requirement.
I limit late-night outings to protect my sleep (essential for preventing mania or deep depression).
I’m honest with friends when I’m "peopled out." True friends understand that your stability comes before a dinner party.
Managing My "Mind-Loop"
Winter provides a lot of quiet time, which can be a playground for OCD ruminations. To combat the "mind-loop," I use active distractions:
Audiobooks and Podcasts: Keeping my brain engaged with a story prevents it from looping on anxieties.
Journaling my thoughts: Again, I don't know! I guess the act of organizing my thoughts on paper gives me a huge sense of control, removing any chaos niggling in my mind and readying my brain to process.
A Note to My Fellow Warriors: Proper diagnosis is the first step, but the daily "maintenance" is where the healing happens. Winter is hard, but it’s also a season for rest. Don’t confuse a need for rest with a "relapse." Listen to your body, take your meds, and be gentle with your progress.
What do you do to keep yourself safe from a straight up serious meltdown? Mine couldn't be the only tricks of the trade, after all.
Well, bye for now, my sweeties!
xoxo
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