I came up with an idea based off something I saw in a facebook group. Basically a safe word for yourself to indicate you need to start doing whatever it is you do to try to prevent a downward spiral (or upward if you're manic??) Basically you can use it for yourself or your friends/family can use it as well. Basically to say hey, I see you slipping, you need to use your plan.

&amp;#x200B;

For me, my plan is to take my hydroxyzine to calm down, read a letter that I've written to myself  to remind me that things are ok and I need to use my skills (still need to write this), and then write in my journal. Journaling is the most effective strategy for me. It makes me think about things and sort them out as opposed to what feels like ignoring them with other things like coloring or whatever.

I made a list of things to do once in those instances, but I find myself either flat out ignoring it, or being pessimistic when I look at it - basically no I don't want to do any of that. Granted, this plan is still subject to the pessimism but it's worth trying. I'm willing to try anything if it helps prevent a spiral.