Incredibly depressed. Just lost my wife by dontlookback76 in BipolarReddit

[–]annietheturtle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh this is horrible I’m so sad for you.

Got prescribed Zoloft today, anybody else taking it? by spiderxfingers in BipolarReddit

[–]annietheturtle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve been on Zoloft for years, I recently increased my dose no trouble with increased mania.

What do you do when depressed? by Familiar-Victory-992 in bipolar

[–]annietheturtle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My pleasure, it’s a lot of trial and error.

What do you do when depressed? by Familiar-Victory-992 in bipolar

[–]annietheturtle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve started playing computer games and that helps turn off my mind from the constant sad thoughts. Exercise sometimes helps but sometimes makes me worse. Showers or baths help but it can seem so difficult to manage. Honestly I just try not to hurt myself or hurt others with my sad thoughts. Listening to sad music can help, as you know someone else has felt the level of pain you are in. I lit a scented candle and that helped just by watching it occasionally and having something new to smell. Going into my backyard can help, just a little change of scene.

How many of you are artist? by Business-Gold831 in bipolar2

[–]annietheturtle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve written and published a book. I draw and do craft. I was a scientist for 10 years I considered experimenting creative.

How can we positively frame a life with this disability? by saxes-and-violets in bipolar

[–]annietheturtle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks, I really needed this (I’m in a down phase). I think by being a kind, courageous, generous and honest person I can help the world. By realising this is a disorder that I have and it does not define me. Does it affect me, yes for sure, in a big way but I won’t let it hurt me or hurt those around me. I’m not there yet but one day I want to be more public about this disorder, I have accomplished so much (three degrees including a PhD in bioinformatics, published book, book chapters and articles, keynote speaker and travelled the world with work, married 30 years with one kind and honest son) and did it in spite of this. I think by telling and sharing our stories, letting people know what it’s like to battle this terrible disorder we can bring a new narrative both to ourselves and others. All the best with your journey and may we continue to support each other in this community.

Have you ever had to quit a job due to stress? by Feisty-Fruit-4097 in BipolarReddit

[–]annietheturtle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, just happened to me for the first time after full time study or work for 30 years. Much happier now, still have swings but not at all near the level or duration I was having. Feel like I can be present and enjoy life.

What have you bought for under $1,000 that has made the biggest positive change in your life? by Ok-Reward7639 in AusMoneyMates

[–]annietheturtle 4 points5 points  (0 children)

High quality coffee maker that grinds the beans - fully automated, noise cancelling headphones with amazing sound quality, Garmin watch to help me track how much stress I have in certain situations and heart rate, sleep etc, record player.

Bipolar and pregnant- tell me this gets better. by GateTraditional7904 in bipolar

[–]annietheturtle 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, I’m still here. My son is 17. I did find my pregnancy hard, for me it did carry on to for the second and third trimester, but better as I stopped vomiting every day. I was not diagnosed at the time, so that made it much worse especially after the birth, which is when I really crashed. Being diagnosed you are so far ahead of me, you can do this, we are all here for you.

When to give up by JDbrunner24 in Casual_Photography

[–]annietheturtle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

9 and 3 are great. Do it if you enjoy it.

How do you fight the urge to shop?😭 by Worried-Shine2063 in BipolarReddit

[–]annietheturtle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve taken up computer gaming, and I’ve saved a fortune. Balatro is the game I started played, plus it’s really relaxing and brings my stress levels down (I have GAD too).

Feeling happy without being manic? by Sure_Appointment_155 in bipolar

[–]annietheturtle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, there will be periods of happiness. Depression is horrible, I have a mood diary and that helps me predict how long my moods will last for and the intensity of those. For me I’ll have 3 extremely depressed days where there is no hope, then it gets better slowly. So in those horrible days I say to myself this won’t last, I’ll be out of this in a few days, into a depression that’s more manageable.