Bipolar Weekly

Category: Exercise

Posts related to exercise

Allan Moves for Movember

November 1, 2021 /

The rate of suicide among people who have bipolar disorder is approximately 10 -30 times higher than the general population. Researchers estimate that between 25% and 60% of individuals with bipolar disorder will attempt suicide at least once in their lives and between 20% (of mostly untreated) people who have bipolar disorder will die by suicide. The reasons why this occurs can be complex but I will try to explain it from the perspective of someone who has the illness.

Most of these deaths occur during depressive episodes. When you understand the symptoms of depressive episodes it is easier to understand why these deaths occur. The first problematic symptom is that depressive episodes give you suicidal ideation. Our illness impacts our thoughts and behaviour when we are acutely ill. This is a physical response caused by the illness. In my experience, pep talks and trying to have a positive attitude will have little impact in improving these thoughts when our symptoms are severe. In fact, people may conclude that they are to blame for their symptoms because they are not trying hard enough to have a positive attitude which reaffirms any negative thoughts they are having about themselves.

There are other symptoms of depressive episodes that can contribute to suicidal ideation. You have thoughts that you are worthless, no one likes you, and every aspect of life appears dark. Depressive episodes create concentration problems which make conversations impossible. During acute depressive episodes it is very difficult to enjoy anything. This means eating, entertainment, family gatherings, music, Netflix do nothing for you. It feels like you are a shell of a human being, and it is easy to conclude that there is no purpose to staying alive.

Often people who have depressive episodes think their episode will continue for the rest of their lives which is rarely the case. We generally go back to baseline, and we may even head into hypomania or mania. It’s a journey to get the right mix of medication, therapy and a positive routine to create a positive life long term. There are many people who have bipolar disorder who are able to do this, one need only attend a peer support group to meet some of them.

This year, I will be participating in Move for Movember. For this campaign, I will be walking 60 km this month for the 60 men we lose every hour around the world to suicide. There is simply not enough support for men to receive the treatment they need to prevent these deaths so I am going to participate in the walk so that in my small way I can contribute to a solution to this problem. If you would like to make a donation in my name please click here.

If you are suffering from suicidal ideation, please know you are not alone. There are many people who have suffered just like you are. It is possible to have a better life. You may not be able to think of a solution to your problems but that does not mean that a solution does not exist.

Below are a few links to resources for support for people who are struggling with suicidal ideation.

Peer Support

OBAD (Organization for Bipolar Affective Disorder)

DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance DBSA)

Distress Centre Lines

Crisis Services Canada 1-833-456-4566

Lifeline (US) 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Befriends Worldwide (International)

Lifeline (Australia) 13-11-14

Exercise Does Not Cure Bipolar Disorder But …

October 9, 2020 /

I often hear the notion that if people with bipolar disorder just exercised more, they would be close to symptom free but that is simply not the case. Everyone who has bipolar disorder has a set of symptoms that differ in severity and type so generalizing what every individual person is capable of is not possible.

Exercise certainly can help in managing bipolar disorder. In my case, when I become aware that a depressive episode is starting, I try to exercise a bit more so that it does not get worse. When I exercise right when it starts it does not relieve my symptoms but if I do not exercise, I land in a bigger pit. Once I am in the pit it takes a long time to get out of it.

When people with bipolar disorder are having a severe depressive episode, the fatigues is so extreme that mustering enough energy to brush your teeth and take a shower requires a tremendous amount of will power. I often tell people in this state that if they cannot exercise then just try and keep moving as much as possible. Do your best to stay out of bed and even if you sit outside that is beneficial.

When my mood is low the best way family and friends can support me to be more active is by inviting me to join them to do an activity. For example, “I am going for a walk. Would you like to come?” would be a good question. It is important that the person who invited me to join them does the activity even if I do not have the energy to go with them.

I have had people in my life who are trying to be helpful tell me that when they are down, they exercise so I should do the same. Depressive episodes are not the same as feeling down. During depressive episodes you are not well. You have physical symptoms like aches and pain and extreme fatigue and exercise does help you get out of it faster, but it does not immediately alleviate the pain.

Nature’s Beauty Appreciated

October 4, 2020 /

This summer my friends and I went to Glenbow Ranch provincial Park just outside Cochrane, Alberta, Canada. When we got out of the car everyone immediately grabbed their phones to snap a picture of the spectacular view of the wide expanse of grassland. These type of pictures do not capture the vast beauty of this type of geography, they simply record the memory.


As we hiked through the many trails in the park, we came across a spot that was close to the river. We were soothed by the sound of the water gently passing us and we enjoyed the sight of cows coming to the opposite bank to get a drink of water. If

There was a time when a day like this would make me feel uncomfortable. Occasionally, when I have a depressive episode I am still uncomfortable with this type of activity. The problem is when you are having a depressive episode you are not able to enjoy things. The subtle beauty of nature is particularly difficult to appreciate.

If I go with my friends to a place like this and my mood is low I will not enjoy the hike. However, I still want to be with my friends. I don’t want to bring a dark cloud to the activity so I do my best to act like I am enjoying the beauty.

Everyone who has bipolar disorder has moments when they act like they are ok when they are not. We generally don’t tell people we are not well because the well meaning responses are not helpful. We can’t just change our attitude or exercise it away instantly. We are physically sick. Exercise can reduce the severity and the length of depressive episodes when they occur but it does not entirely alleviate the suffering for most people.


I am currently well enough that I can appreciate nature most days. If I am having a depressive episode I just accept it. I don’t panic. I know what is going on and I understand that it will not last forever. I will do my best to not bring the group down by acting like I am ok. If I don’t have the energy to do that then I just accept that I am doing my best and I don’ beat myself up about it.


If you have a friend who has bipolar disorder please be compassionate when they are not well. There is no need to keep asking them if they are ok or offer advise. We know what is happening and how to deal with it. Please do not be upset if the person does not seem excited about an activity. They are not well and it may have taken a great deal of effort to come spend time with you because of the fatigue depressive episodes cause. They have made the effort because you are important to them and they want to spend time with you.

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