4. Remind yourself racing thoughts are part of the illness (not the truth).
Fast, who also pens a blog on bipolar disorder, calls her brain racing “brain chatter.” “Imagine having a super noisy gymnasium in your head, and the main voice is your own.” Depression is an inflated inner critic.
For Fast such thoughts might look like: “You’re unlovable. That is why you’re single. Look at that couple over there. Everyone is happy and you’re not. Work is not even an option for you. Look at the wedding rings. Everyone is married and not you!”
This kind of chatter is typical of bipolar depression. When her negative thoughts start swirling, Fast reminds herself: “This is the depression, Julie. You are not like this when you are well. Don’t get caught up in what your brain is saying. Focus your energy on ending the depression so the chatter will stop.”