Constant cycling between shutdown and being ok

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I feel like my symptoms go through predictable cycles. It has always been this way and it is very hard to manage. I will have a period where I get by ok (sometimes only a few days, but usually weeks), and then I suddenly fall into shutdown for two weeks. My level of functioning is drastically different depending on which phase I am in. In shutdown mode I can't handle anything- all stimuli is too much, I can barely manage simple tasks like bathing. But after a couple of weeks it eases off and I am actually quite functional. It is in this time that I need to "make the most" of the situation and get done the things that I won't be able to manage when it inevitably cycles back again. Can anyone relate?

That was me all the time until I resolved to stick to a routine and exercise regularly.
I still have down times, but instead of being down for days weeks or months, it usually only lasts a day or two at most.
I'm also struggling with, but committed to the 5/2 diet - where you eat normally 5 days a week, but on 2 days you "fast" - that is you restrict your food intake. In my case I have a normal breakfast, a couple of pieces of fruit for lunch, and a smaller dinner - no snacks (though I often give in to my cravings).
I exercise on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; just 25 mins on an exercise bike, plus 100 crunches.
I also do some swimming on weekends, 40 laps and 300 squats.
The exercise bike days it only takes about 40 minutes of my time, including setting up and showering afterwards.
The swim days it takes a couple of hours, but it's worth it.
There is no quick fix to managing depression, anxiety and other difficult symptoms, and I've long since given up hope of a pill to take away my problems; though sometimes if extremely over stimulated taking something to help sleep on rare occasions does have it's benefits.

You can work out your own routine, maybe you'd prefer jogging, going on long walks, or lifting weights, playing tennis, or whatever.
The only thing I can promise you though, is that if you don't work off the stress hormones in your system by exercising, nothing is going to make you feel better.
I frequently do my exercise when I would rather cut my arm off, but I feel better after, even if it's only a little better sometimes.
The bottom line is, you need to do something different if what you're doing isn't working, remember the definition of stupidity is doing the same thing over again and expecting a different result; so you need to change what you're doing if you want to change how you're feeling.
I hope that helps.

alexi Yes, I can relate. I'm usually too 'into' whatever, to notice a pattern. other people have though. I still don't know what mine is.
benh72 Yes, very good stuff! Helpful to me anyhow. Most of your stuff is. =)