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I have type II bipolar disorder, though mine is more like going through periods of being okay and periods of depression now, as I hardly experience manic episodes anymore… I felt a depressive episode begin yesterday, probably because I forgot to take my meds for a few days in a row, and everything just feels so hard! I’m glad for my animals otherwise I don’t think I could have gotten myself out of bed, but now I’m thinking about all the tasks I have to do and dreading them so, so much. I’m not in a position at all to have several days where I don’t get anything done.

Does anyone else experience this? How do you shake yourself out of it?

My sister has Bipolar II, and I've had depression. Please, don't forget to take your meds. With my sister, I didn't know which version of her that I'd get that day, so it was like walking on egg shells around her at times. Taking your meds isn't just for you - it's for your family.

now I’m thinking about all the tasks I have to do and dreading them

There's an old joke: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

Instead of focusing on the totality of what needs to be done, just focus on the next task. Do task 1, then move to task 2, etc. Realize that you may not get to all of it. Another thing is to look at what can become the responsibility of somebody else. For example, when the kids were little, we ate on paper plates so I didn't have to do too many dishes.

What helped? Knowing that this stage would pass. I would expose myself to more sunlight or light and play upbeat music. Practice self-care. Need to grab groceries? Stop by the coffee shop for a treat or pick up some flowers. Reach out to friends. Try to avoid ruminating. Call your IC to see if you can get in & discuss.