Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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Agitated and anxious

ritkat
ritkat

***I need to calm down. I need the physical symptoms to come down a couple of notches. Ideas? Help?*****


I'm sitting here physically aggitated and fearful. My heart is racing and I cannot calm down. I don't know what I'm afraid of. We are going on vacation in a couple of days, but I have been super excited about that. My husband and I had one counseling session with a couples counselor about a month ago and we were supposed to go tomorrow and we canceled because I told him that I use my DBT skills, which can take some time, in order to bring up a subject. I plan out in my head what I'm going to say. He told me to just say it and not worry about making a mistake. I know that hasn't worked in the past - as I'm totally unable to communicate effectively about something emotional until I can get myself in check.


Anyway, it felt super judgmental. Our old marriage counselor was awesome and I guess I'm afraid that we'll never find another one that isn't judgmental that I fear discussing things in front of. Now, I'm just anxious about everything though, from the potential for the dog to eat one of the kids' small toys, to forgetting something on the trip, this counselor thing, to my son's glasses that I have to pick up before we go because he broke them 3 weeks after getting them, him breaking the glasses on the trip or forgetting the new glasses which are his good pair with the lighter lenses. My God. My heart is racing and I have diarrhea and I'm shaking.

tommymott
tommymott
Seems that the best thing to do would be to talk to your doc since the only OTC things like Valerian might help but I suspect would only mask your symptoms.
mlr0853
mlr0853
Come on now....Believe THIS....some deep breathing and hang on....you've been in this place before, you know what and how to take care of yourself!
What I see is going on is FEAR: false evidence appearing real and projecting All Over The Place past, present and future....

I know it's hard for you to find quiet with the boys, dogs etc, so I'd suggest it's Time For Quiet Time...boys to their rooms with whatever will keep them quiet for One Hour....You Give Yourself 30 minutes of meditation on utube...type in whatever you want to help you with anxiety, stress, racing mind whatever...Give That To Yourself....you and kids will be happier. The next 30 minutes, focus on what you want to bring some peace and order in the "now", write it out....kiddo's out after an hour, play time...then get to what you need to do...You're a strong woman with A Lot on your plate....take my belief in you, and others here, and Believe! (((Hugs))
ritkat
ritkat
Thanks. I feel better. I tackled a giant mountain of laundry and finished most of the packing. The physical aspect and the repetitive nature of it seemed to do the trick. Plus, I got to do it in mostly quiet. I am not feeling 100%, but a lot better. I also have a prescription for ativan that I rarely use that didn't even come to mind. Thanks everyone.
mlr0853
mlr0853
remember this should you feel anxious again...."ya....getting physical and doing something brainless helped me calm down"....careful with the Ativan..it's addictive....hope you'll have a super time on your vacation!!!
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
I'm glad you've started to feel better sweetie.... I hope you have a great vacation..... Big hug....xo
MerryBerry474
MerryBerry474
I always feel like this before I go on vacation, and I don't even have kids. I think it's totally normal. It's extremely stressful to prepare, and it feels like if I forget something it will be catastrophic. I don't calm down until the plane takes off. I think a list helps in these situations. If I don't write it down, I will keep reminding myself of all the things I have to do/pack and not forget and will end up totally overwhelmed. It sounds simple, but this alone can alleviate stress. The therapist thing is not something you can fix at this moment so don't stress about that and let it go. You can find a new therapist that you feel comfortable with when you return. Agree with what others said: youtube guided meditation, deep breathing, also yoga, hot bath. Have a wonderful and safe trip!!
MayB
MayB
I know exactly how you feel packing is miserable but ease up what you forget is usually available somewhere and someway....
MoobbusT
MoobbusT
I recommend that people practice the art of balancing. My own term for forcing yourself to state a positive for every negative. Now you are in a more positive frame of mind write a list of things that go well for you... the pros to balance out the cons that crop up. Just dot points will do and keep it around so you can refer to it next time you only have one eye open [seeing only one side]

All the best rk. I think you are great!
ritkat
ritkat
MoobbusT - I have never heard of balancing, but I love the idea!

mlr - I have been on Ativan for at least 5 years sporadically with no issues with addiction or withdrawal. The longest I have taken it was for 2 weeks and that was around a hospitalization. I am VERY cautious because of the addictive properties. I will keep the mindless semi-physical task in mind for the future anxiety attacks. I can't believe how well it helped.

Merry - this one is a road trip. I keep telling myself that we can buy anything we need when we get there.
irishwriter
irishwriter
hey ritkat, use ativan as needed and prescribed, you obviously know what you are doing. the wonderful thing about a road trip is that you can pretty much bring what ever you like with you. whatever pops into your head, throw it in. it doesn't matter if it sits in the car for the duration. I work on the principle of 'it is better to be looking at it than for it!' I bring my cafetiere, coffee, cup and milk and pot with me everywhere! deep breaths and time out for yourself whenever you can grab it even if only for five minutes and remember that we are all sending you hugs to keep in your pocket for whenever needed. all else can wait till your wonderful holiday is over. enjoy!
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