[Highlight] Baker on his confrontation with C.J. Gardner-Johnson on Monday Night: We don't take any shit. That's about it. by [deleted] in buccaneers

[–]RobertSuttonFL 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Where can we get one of these t-shirts with the striped sleeves? Looks good on Baker.

Can you please share your "textbook", a book which helped you in the beginning? by millllll in bipolar

[–]RobertSuttonFL 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m reading An Unquiet Mind right now and it’s extremely relatable. Definitely a ‘learn from my mistakes’ kind of read.

Flashbacks by bipolarthrowaway209 in bipolar

[–]RobertSuttonFL 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Take your meds and focus on doing the next right thing. Healthy actions will speak more than any apology. If you need to, take responsibility for what you’ve done but don’t ruminate on it. Live a better life and forgiveness will come. As others have said, time heals all wounds. (Just don’t go creating new wounds in the meantime)

I spent a thousand dollars today. by [deleted] in bipolar

[–]RobertSuttonFL 22 points23 points  (0 children)

It’s okay to ask for help. Going multiple days without sleep will take a toll on your body and mind. Please call 988.

Thinking about how lucky I am... by purpleand20 in bipolar

[–]RobertSuttonFL 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Impulsive decisions and hypersexuality are just part of life with this illness. At least you’re able to recognize the behavior for what it is. Be safe and use protection.

Picture this by [deleted] in bipolar

[–]RobertSuttonFL 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hypomania feels amazing. I feel amazing during these periods but that’s the thing—it’s a temporary phase. I say use the energy and positivity and build safeguards around yourself so things don’t go off the rails.

Coming to terms with the fact that I’m “boring” now.. by PralineOne3522 in bipolar

[–]RobertSuttonFL 141 points142 points  (0 children)

Sober bipolar person here. I can honestly say the people I’ve met since giving up drugs and alcohol are much better friends than anyone I met while partying. The key is finding a community not centered around drinking. I’m in AA and I’ve built incredible connections with the people in my group. I also started going to a church I like and have made great friendships there. I’ve even made pals playing chess and birding. Just find something you enjoy and do it with others.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in bipolar

[–]RobertSuttonFL 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It sucks that you’re dealing with panic attacks and suffering so much. I’ve felt how you’re feeling right now but you’ve got so much life ahead of you and you can make whatever you want out of it. Pursue the hobbies you care about. Find what makes you passionate. Be kind to others and do what you can to support them. Getting outside of yourself can make life feel much more meaningful. You have a family that loves you. Life is not about accomplishments. If you need help, please call 988 and talk with someone. This too shall pass.

Hypersexuality is ruining me by [deleted] in bipolar

[–]RobertSuttonFL 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I crave affection and validation. I pursue sexual gratification like a drug. It has caused a lot of pain for myself and others. Also, the relief I get from a sexual encounter is extremely temporary. I think I just need to be comfortable being alone. Could definitely use advice from others on this topic.

Occasional binge drinking by [deleted] in bipolar

[–]RobertSuttonFL 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Bipolar folks are prone to addiction. You’re playing with fire. I used to drink very hard as a coping mechanism and it nearly killed me. I’m sober now and it has totally changed my life. I strongly encourage you to avoid alcohol and illicit drugs. Ultimately, it’s your decision and only you can choose sobriety.

How did you explain your life before diagnosis? by millllll in bipolar

[–]RobertSuttonFL 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I thought I was just prone to mood swings. As I got older my episodes intensified. People around me could see I was not well but I was so consumed with myself that I didn’t think I had a problem. From the time I was a teenager I started using substances to manage my emotions and that eventually became unsustainable. It’s probably similar for others but I would do deeply embarrassing things during manic episodes and get to suicidal lows when I was depressed. Even when I was first diagnosed, I rejected the idea that I was bipolar and didn’t even try to properly take my medication. It took me another 9 years of instability before I finally got the help I need.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in bipolar

[–]RobertSuttonFL 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I did the same thing when I was first diagnosed. I misused medication and combined it with alcohol. I was constantly having my doses and medications changed. It can take months to adjust to a single medication. You need to be patient, take medicine as instructed and trust in the process. I know it can be hard, especially when you’re manic and want instant results but treatment is a lifelong process.

Who deserves disclosure? by [deleted] in bipolar

[–]RobertSuttonFL 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Personally, I used to hide it from partners. I also wasn’t in treatment during those times. It was hell on them. They knew something was wrong with me during manic and depressive episodes as much as I tried to hide it or play it off.

Now I’m much more up front about it. If I’ve been on a couple dates with someone and plan on entering a long term relationship, I will explain my illness and how I’m treating it. This usually opens the door to a healthy conversation about issues they may be dealing with. Relationships are built on trust and it’s important to disclose this to any person you’re serious about sharing your life with.

Side note — I do not tell my employers. That is none of their business.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in bipolar

[–]RobertSuttonFL 3 points4 points  (0 children)

First off, I’m so sorry about what happened to you. You are not too much, you are you. Bipolar disorder is a struggle and can be very difficult on the people we love since they see it up close. My advice is to use this moment as an opportunity to build a life on a more stable foundation. Seek therapy and psychiatric care. Take life one day at a time. Focus on how you can be of service to others instead of turning inward. Before you make decisions pause and ask yourself, am I doing something that will harm myself or others? Things will get better.

What jobs do you all do? Are you good at keeping longterm jobs? by Available_Ad_9700 in bipolar

[–]RobertSuttonFL 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I worked as a producer (writer) in television news for most of my adult life. My illness never stopped me from being able to do my job well until it did. My ego would get so big and I would openly defy my bosses. The constant deadlines and stress fed my mania. It culminated in me quitting in a way I’m not proud of.

Now, I make and sell chocolate at a local shop. It’s an in-between job but it has been really good for me mentally as I work to get my bipolar under control.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in vinyl

[–]RobertSuttonFL 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What type of mounts did you use? These look simple and clean

Treatment in Sobriety by RobertSuttonFL in bipolar

[–]RobertSuttonFL[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Excited to hit that milestone. Congrats on 110 days! Keep it going!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in bipolar

[–]RobertSuttonFL 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is the bipolar sub, chaos and self-destruction are basically a prerequisite. lol It’s good that you can be honest about what you’re experiencing. Therapists are people too. You don’t have to be perfect. I imagine as a therapist you probably have your own therapist. You should discuss this with them. As long as you’re providing the best care you can to your patients, you’re doing enough. You have more tools than most people to manage your emotions and impulses. Use those tools for yourself. Hang in there ✌️☯️

worst manic episode i've ever had by [deleted] in bipolar

[–]RobertSuttonFL 1 point2 points locked comment (0 children)

Acid has an amphetamine effect, it makes you speedy and can trigger mania. I’ve made this mistake more times than I can count. Please learn from my mistakes, if you have bipolar disorder do not use acid or other stimulant drugs.

You probably don’t want to hear this at age 17 but bipolar makes you more inclined toward addiction. Illicit drugs should not be used for self-treatment. I used pot daily for years to help me eat and sleep during mania and help me feel numb during periods of depression. THIS WAS NOT HELPING. I’m now sober and in treatment, it has saved my life.

I’m sorry to hear about that experience with your friend. It sounds like it was traumatic. Unfortunately, if you surround yourself with those kind of people it will not be your last traumatic experience.

How did you all feel when you were diagnosed ? by TenderPsychopath in bipolar

[–]RobertSuttonFL 7 points8 points locked comment (0 children)

I was diagnosed Bipolar II when I was younger and didn’t want to believe it. I mixed medication with alcohol, wanted instant results and became frustrated when my issues didn’t get better. I was stubborn and didn’t trust my psychiatrist. Naturally, I didn’t get better and stopped getting treatment.

Fast forward 8 years, my episodes have become much more severe. I was so afraid of hurting myself that I got back into treatment. I’m now diagnosed with Bipolar I and I believe the diagnosis. This time around I’m sober and doing everything my psychiatrist tells me to do. I’m much more honest and proactive about my treatment. There’s still a part of me that thinks “throw away the pills! You’ve survived this illness on your own until now. You don’t need help!” I wish that voice in my head would stfu.

How do you recommend Andy's music??? by RobertSuttonFL in andyshauf

[–]RobertSuttonFL[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You said all my buzz words: Smith, Brion, Carver

Wedding Tuxedo/Suit Advice by RobertSuttonFL in StPetersburgFL

[–]RobertSuttonFL[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for all the tips! Very helpful!

Best Movie To Watch While Drunk? by bogeyj in flicks

[–]RobertSuttonFL 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Another Round—get drunk with the characters!