Time Warp

 If you don't understand what a time warp is or what it is like, then try suffering from bipolar disorder. It provides firsthand experience. 

Truthfully, I understood the concept of a time warp, but I didn't recognize that I was experiencing it firsthand until after my diagnosis and subsequent research into my disorder.

Autopilot is a state of being mentally absent and not fully present. It's important to acknowledge this concept and ensure our loved ones understand it, too, as this is a time when someone might have trouble remembering.

The term "autopilot" in the context of mental health often refers to a state where a person goes through their daily activities without much conscious thought or engagement, almost as if they are on cruise control. Autopilot can connect to mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or burnout, where individuals may feel emotionally detached or overwhelmed.

Going on autopilot can sometimes be a coping mechanism, but it can become unhealthy if it leads to disengagement from meaningful activities and interactions. It's important to recognize when autopilot becomes a predominant mode of operation.

If you feel like you're living on autopilot, try reconnecting with your present experiences and those around you. Engaging in mindfulness practices, setting small daily goals, and seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals can help break the autopilot cycle and improve overall well-being.

One mindfulness technique I lean on the most is Mindful Observation: Choose an object—a flower, a tree, or any everyday item—and spend a few minutes observing it closely. Notice its color, texture, shape, and other characteristics. Engage your senses, allowing yourself to be fully present with the object. This practice helps shift your attention away from automatic thinking patterns and encourages mindful awareness. I will discuss the variety of mindfulness practices in a separate blog article. 

Here is what your loved one needs to know to help you. It requires empathy, patience, and a willingness to understand their experiences. They can provide adequate support by:

Educating Themselves: Learn about the distinctive mental health conditions they are dealing with. Comprehending the symptoms and challenges can help you furnish better support.

Listen Without Judgment: Offer an open ear and listen to their experiences and feelings without trying to fix them immediately. Just being heard can be very comforting.

Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge their feelings and battles. Validation can make them feel understood and less isolated. 

These are just a few things you should share with your loved one. I will post another article or two focusing on this subject. 

You can add things to your daily routine to help you stay in the moment, like mindful waking up, disconnecting from screens, and practicing gratitude daily. I will gather the data and post it as well. 

It's important to remember that seeking help and dedicating time to mental health care is perfectly acceptable. If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties, contacting a healthcare professional can offer personalized guidance and support.

Learn more 1themighty.com 2psychologytoday.com 3medium.com 4idontmind.com 5calmsage.com 6bing.com

Timewarp Autopilot

In the quiet halls of routine, Where seconds stretch like overpraise strands, Autopilot whispers its lullaby, Steering us through life’s shifting sands.

We wake, we work, we sip our coffee, the bags of existence crumbling down. Yet hidden within this temporal spiral lies a secret path where dreams can grow. -K.Sidebottom