TAT and mental health

[staehpj1]

Re the advice about cutting the trip short:
I have reframed this trip as “see how far I can get in under 90 days” rather than having the added pressure of “I must get coast to coast in that time”. When time is a constraint it can often trigger insomnia.

Sounds like a good idea.  90 days is a generous time allotment so chances of finishing are pretty good even if you take it easy, but it will be a great experience going part way as well.  Not having the pressure of needing to make the coast probably increases your chances of doing it.  Lots of great scenery and interesting people along the way will make it worthwhile regardless of how far you ride.

That said some folks ride to Pueble or so and come back another year to do the rest if they really do want to complete it and going all in one go doesn't work.

I hope you have a great trip.

[rayed]

I hope you are doing better these days.
Please give as a little update please

[Westinghouse]

I don't know about bi-polar disorder. Well, except for this one girlfriend.  It did not last long, that relationship.  She had these times of elation, and super positive attitude, and bubbly, and highly intelligent and conversational, and everything about life was agreeable, etc.  Then she would plunge into depths of far-off-the-charts hate, negativity, screaming, vulgarity, epithets of any kinds.  It was wild.  When we first met, she was on the upswing. I had no idea what I was going to experience. I had been 13 years in 37 countries, and had never seen anything like it.  As for bicycle touring, I would not trust her at all.  I suppose there are different levels of severity of BPPD.  I am not a doctor.

[Alessa3322]

I had a relative with bipolar disorder, so I know what you are talking about.
People with bipolar disorder can experience distinct shifts in mood and energy levels. During manic episodes, individuals may exhibit elevated mood, increased energy, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior, and decreased need for sleep. The frequency and intensity of these episodes vary among individuals.

As for treatment, I'm not a doctor, but I know that it typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Medications like mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants can help manage symptoms (I read about all of them on the Canadain Pharmacy site). Therapy can provide coping strategies and support. Developing a consistent routine, practicing stress management, and engaging in healthy habits also contribute to overall well-being.
It's crucial for such people to work closely with mental health professionals to tailor a treatment plan that suits an individual's specific needs.

But yes, it is very hard for family, friends, and people nearby.