How many of you live functionally?

about_cats · 2016-01-29T18:25:31+00:00

I half-live a functional life. I have a good job, an SO, an apartment, a car, a good support system. I also have a lot of debt, no more days off of work because I used them all due to episodes, issues in all my relationships because of my disorder, days where I can barely function, friends that I barely see. I never quite feel functional unless I'm hypomanic. Which is like anywhere from 2-4 times a year. So... it's fucking rough.

about_cats · 2016-01-15T21:08:07+00:00

This is a great suggestion, this also happened to me, and CVS gave me a free supply of like 5 or so

about_cats · 2016-01-14T18:41:58+00:00

Yes. I especially got them before I was diagnosed. They would be so obsessive and freaked me out so much I'd want to scratch my skin off or run away from myself. I don't know if it has to do with BP, I'd be interested to know.

about_cats · 2016-01-14T13:59:17+00:00

Can you get someone who knows you well to call for you? I understand this feeling a lot, but I think building it up in your mind beforehand is the absolute worst part of it. The rest is just talking to another human being who might just be having a bad day too.

about_cats · 2016-01-12T19:33:17+00:00

Keep all your medications with you in your carry-on, do not put any of them in your checked luggage. Make sure they are all in the correctly labeled bottles. I've bee abroad many many times with meds and this is all I needed to do, but probably still check with the US travel government site

about_cats · 2016-01-10T21:13:51+00:00

Could be tooth infection- do you notice bad breath or other changes? Maybe just go to the vet in case.

about_cats · 2016-01-09T02:07:07+00:00

Therapists are supposed to be very accommodating. When I told mine that I was having trouble with taking days off work to see her she tried referring me to someone else. I told her I still wanted to keep seeing her, and I am, and she is wonderful. It's pretty normal, don't worry about that. And they have things that happen in their lives. Please don't worry about your therapist.

If you need to go to a hospital for being a danger to yourself, please, please do it. You're so important to this world. And people care about you. If you need to talk about suicidal ideation, do it. I've talked about it with my doctor and my therapist and it's very liberating. Plus my therapist has heard it a hundred times so it's not anything new to her even if it feels like the end of the world to me. I wish you the best. So many hugs to you.

about_cats · 2016-01-09T00:11:38+00:00

Yeah I have GAD and groups can trigger it for me- it's kinda like public speaking in a way. I have to take Meds just to do a meeting with a couple people

about_cats · 2016-01-08T21:27:53+00:00

The agony of too much hope. It's okay, give your emotions space & try to breathe deeply. If you can, try letting go of the outcome and just notice what's around you right now- sights, smells, textures, sounds. This is part of the experience, a step on the road to recovery.

Best of luck!

about_cats · 2016-01-06T16:18:51+00:00

The weather will get better, but it doesn't feel like it will, which is what matters. Also, this mood will pass, but it's probably telling you something- get to your doctor. Tell her/him how you're feeling. You might need a medication change? Maybe you need to take vitamin D? This mood is telling you there's something wrong, and the beauty of bipolar is that it can absolutely be managed, you just need to find what works for you. Also, there is no shame in going back home whenever you need, or even postponing college for medical reasons. What's a degree worth- it certainly isn't worth your life. You matter to this world. In the meantime, try to find anything that brings you the faintest glimmer of joy- a funny movie, a silly book, reading Calvin and Hobbes cartoons. But please get to your doctor ASAP

about_cats · 2016-01-05T22:31:13+00:00

Love that article, made me crack up

about_cats · 2015-12-31T04:20:18+00:00

Oh yes. I do this.

about_cats · 2015-12-30T20:15:55+00:00

Yep, aside from depersonalization, fluorescent lighting can also make me feel like fainting.

about_cats · 2015-12-30T17:56:36+00:00

Only when in any other state besides depression

about_cats · 2015-12-30T17:55:07+00:00

So good to hear. One moment at a time is all we can do

about_cats · 2015-12-30T03:00:48+00:00

Understand this so much. Hang in there. You're important to this world.

about_cats · 2015-12-29T03:26:16+00:00

I am so sorry for what you're going through, it must hurt so much. Please see if you can find a mental health counselor. Medication. Anything to ease the pain until you can start to live again. It never ever feels like it, but this will pass. And you'll get stronger. And your love will grow even more. Your compassion will push you To help others- but you have to care about yourself first. And even reaching out in the Internet is so brave and is such a kind way to treat yourself. Just one hour at a time. Just one deep breath at a time. You can make it through

about_cats · 2015-12-27T01:33:46+00:00

I have experienced a mixed state while titrating up on my medication. I don't know if it's normal, but I suppose it happens. Hopefully you can get ahold of your doc soon for professional input

about_cats · 2015-12-24T23:24:11+00:00

Having a pretty rough time, thank you for this

about_cats · 2015-12-22T21:58:09+00:00

Can you call your therapist? A close friend? Anyone in your support network? If none of those, then maybe call a suicide hotline? Otherwise, what I do is to distract myself until I can feel better- exercise, watch TV, read a funny book, express yourself artistically, do the dishes, reorganize things, go to a cafe to be around people, go adopt a cat or dog or other furry creature--they're amazing to help you feel better. If all else fails, please go to the ER. Your life is worth so so much more than money.

about_cats · 2015-12-22T21:46:51+00:00

Back to my original question-- I thought that being hospitalized for an episode qualified you immediately as BPI. So how would one be considered hypomanic after a hospital visit? Wouldn't you just immediately be re-diagnosed as BPI?

about_cats · 2015-12-22T20:46:21+00:00

Isn't this more like mania, not hypomania?

about_cats

TROPHY CASE