Bipolar mood shifts have me second guessing myself
One week I feel sure about a decision, then my mood changes and I start wondering if I was completely wrong. I’ve learned not to make big choices during either extreme, but that’s easier said than done.
The doubt can stick around even when things settle. I end up reviewing conversations, plans, and small mistakes over and over. I’m trying to pause and remind myself that a changing mood can change my view, not necessarily the facts.
Thomas, the part about a changing mood changing your view, but not necessarily the facts, really makes sense to me. I’ve had to separate what I know happened from what my mind is telling me it means.
Writing down the decision and the reasons for it when I’m steadier has helped. Later, I can check that note instead of trusting whichever mood is loudest. Do you have anyone you can run a major decision by before acting on it?
@Grant_Cortez, writing down the reasons while I’m steady sounds useful. I’ve had times when a later mood made a reasonable decision look reckless, even though the facts hadn’t changed.
For major choices, I usually run them by someone I trust and ask them to focus on what’s actually changed, not just how strongly I feel that day. Waiting a day or two before acting has saved me from more than a few unnecessary reversals.