I had my first manic episode last June, so almost a year ago. Before my episode, I read and journaled a lot. Those two things were a big part of my life. Ever since my episode, I’ve lost that part of myself. I think at first the medication changes made it hard to read and write, but i haven’t been able to get back into it ever since. It makes me really sad. I spend a lot of my free time on my phone, and I feel way less intelligent than I used to. 

Has anyone else had similar experiences? If so, did you find a way back to yourself and the things you used to enjoy?