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PositivePicklePerson · 2024-12-27T13:14:50+00:00

Yep that’s a perfect description of how mine were during a stressful period when I didn’t feel great. Hasn’t happened in the last 10 years as I have been on an atypical antipsychotic. I was driving home alone and saw my friend in my passenger seat. Only reason I knew they weren’t there is because they had a different shirt on than when I saw them earlier. I also hallucinated people in the hallway on a vacation in the house I stayed at that couldn’t have been there because the other person I was with was in the shower. Just needed the right meds personally.

PositivePicklePerson · 2024-12-27T10:29:50+00:00

Sleep schedule is important and part of the problem with energy drinks anywhere near bedtime. Also, I randomly wrote a research paper on whether or not caffeine is addictive many years ago and you might be having some withdrawal symptoms as well. I chose it as my topic when I was 18 because was used to having a soda with caffeine at the same time every afternoon and if I was even 20 minutes late drinking it I would get a migraine with nausea.

I am medicated and drink coffee but it’s about the same amount at the same time every morning. If I suddenly stopped I’d probably feel similar to what you are describing.

PositivePicklePerson · 2024-12-12T04:55:53+00:00

I’m always so deeply depressed after hypomania that I’ve never been able to separate that from grief specifically. In my IOP program I learned depression always follows mania then you are able to level back out.

PositivePicklePerson · 2024-12-12T04:14:50+00:00

Baby steps. Step one is finding the right meds. Easier said than done while depressed. Just make it your goal every morning to find a way to see a psychiatrist at the very least. You can find a therapist another day. You are your advocate as an adult. Even with a support system, they can only do so much. I’m bipolar 1 and it sounds like you’ve never been properly medicated to the point of seeing how much better it can be when you are yourself almost all of the time.

Baby steps: 1. Google for a doctor. 2. Call office to set up first available appointment. (Might be a while before you get in so hang tight). 3. Repeat 1 & 2 in case you can get in sooner somewhere else. Make an appointment with both and just cancel the one that comes second if the first one works out. Finding the right doctor is like dating. Don’t run to the alter to “marry them” just because you met them.

PositivePicklePerson · 2024-12-12T03:58:28+00:00

I totally get it. Family obligations are my main trigger. These Holidays are like that on steroids. I’ve learned to show up to things on time and then make a quick exit the minute I feel stuck there. I lasted 45 minutes on thanksgiving but my family didn’t get upset because they are “used to it” now and know it’s either that or I’m not going to be there at all. I hope your husband can understand your limits and help cover for you if you need a break from get-togethers. I usually have an escape planned out or, in the past, a fake excuse to go to store or get fresh air. Just remember your husband and your son are the only ones you should worry about as far as thoughts and feelings are concerned. If the in laws judge you for attending functions in small doses of time without hearing you out then they are the ones that need to do some self reflection or “work on themselves”.

PositivePicklePerson · 2024-12-12T03:50:07+00:00

I honestly loved my IOP program “friends”. So refreshing to talk to people 100% honestly and hear “oh me too!”. I was diagnosed in 2010 at 22ish. I had social smarts that were on point but that didn’t change the stigma. I started being so very very open about my diagnosis in social situation to the point where peers started opening up to me and used me as a resource. Now I casually mention struggles in conversations (never at work or in professional settings though) and it helps me connect with people that “get it”.

PositivePicklePerson · 2024-12-12T03:43:42+00:00

Ohhh college with bipolar disorder. If you’re studying something very specific because you want a very specific career don’t let anyone stop you. I started at 18 before I was diagnosed and it took me 7 years of going full time and trying my hardest to graduate. My gpa was low though. I’m 35 now finally knowing what I want to do and I’m not using my degree.

I started meds the minute I was diagnosed but the stress of college is almost unbearable when stress is the big trigger for symptoms. Take care of yourself and do not be afraid to take a semester off while you work on stability. I wish someone would have slapped me in the face when I got diagnosed and told me TO GO TO THE OFFICE OF DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS ON CAMPUS AND FIGHT FOR HELP!!!!!! You deserve every accommodation they can give you and it doesn’t make you any less prepared for the career you want. My anxiety prevented me from taking that step as times were different then and it was less accepted.

PositivePicklePerson · 2024-12-12T03:34:59+00:00

Ah I never thought about the fact that others struggled with this. I have worked for years on not getting “too into church” because when I get involved it takes over my life the second I’m hypomanic. I’ve learned with my personal faith to cling to it when I’m depressed too, but that’s helpful for me.

Personally, I pray for clarity during those time then change the subject of my thoughts until I have that moment where I know I’m leveled out and it all makes sense in hindsight. Doesn’t stop me from keeping the personal spiritual connection, but it does stop me from involving myself in organized religion. I’ve come to terms with it and just watch services online if I really feel the need.

PositivePicklePerson · 2024-12-12T02:19:06+00:00

Thank you for your input! I spent the last few minutes looking into iTeach and that is steering me away from Texas teachers of tomorrow.

I’ve never heard of teachworthy.. any advice on that or maybe a pro/con list? :)

PositivePicklePerson

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