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I do find it helpful when someone I love or who I care about it notes that I seem down or depressed. They often notice it before I do. Other folks might not appreciate it as much, but I would rather know.

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author

Yeah, I definitely agree.

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Thank you for sharing this. If this isn't too personal to ask (in a public forum no less), is it helpful for you if someone who does love you tells you that you seem depressed? Or asks about it?

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This is a great checklist - I can relate. I also have one for when I'm getting into a hypomanic phase, the number one thing on that list is not sleeping because I'm too wired. It's hard sometimes to be mindful of where you're at and look at the checklist, especially during hypomania when everything feels great.

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Thank you for the long-form version of this! I borrowed the idea when you shared it on Twitter and it's been really helpful. (Surprise! I'm depressed! It's January during year eleventy million of a pandemic--I shouldn't be surprised.)

If you're up for it, I'd really love to know more about what it looks like for you after you fill out the checklist and realize that you need to deploy some of your strategies.

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Usually what it means for me is that I try to be a lot gentler with myself and start to push back at the really negative thoughts. I talk to my therapist about it to for their suggestions. But a lot of it is knowing that I'm in it and just trying to ride it out gently instead of beating myself up about it. I hope that helps some.

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