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.
what other ways do BP's self medicate with?
Pretty self explanatory.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-harm
Bored? Curious? Looking for others that self medicate?
Not a good idea, certainly if on prescription drugs. Ok, so we do what we gotta do. But, it pisses me off when people who are trying to survive BP are doing any drugs/alcohol. If they are, maybe some treatment is needed? Just keepin' it real people.
However, I do love my coffee! Not for the caffeine - I just love lattes :)
This is just my opinion folks, but maybe a better question is WHY do you self medicate?
alcohol and drugs that aren't prescribed for our ailments, including BP aren't the best choice if trying to live a sane life. I am always stunned by how many people here say, oh I just had a couple drinks...and then wonder why they're so damned depressed! Then come to find out that there are BP's that don't know that alcohol/drugs will do that to you!
Cutting/selfharm is different. It's a disorder all it's own.
Like I said, we all do what we can to get through a day. It makes me sad when people do self medicate and don't seek out help.
NOT preaching...so nobody get on your soap box with me - just stating what I see and feel. Those of you that know me that I write from the heart. The End. :)
Anything else would make me psychotic. And not in a good way. The same reason why I cannot take steroids, ie.. prednisone. So if I need an anti inflammatory I have to decide if it is worth being scraped off the ceiling.
All alcohol does is make me a cheap date. Unless I have taken ativan then it is a no no.
I quit smoking because I was getting chronic sinusitis. Pot just makes me pass out so it is a waste of money.
But I am addicted to sex and masterbation. It is the best way to release endorphins to combat that seratonin gap. And more fun than any other excercise.
Is it self medication or coping strategies.
Remember. Self medication does not just mean chemicals. It is also self destructive behaviors used to cope. That includes jogging 5 miles everyday because you are addicted to runners high
For anxiety I sometimes use the stress ball. Anything you can squeeze will help. Also I try to redirect. If my thoughts start racing or I get really anxious at work I become really involved. OK obsessed. Physically moving helps calm me down. But only if I am doing something. Going for a walk does not help me because my mind is still free to wander.
Keeping the damn thing on a leash is the hard part.
That's kinda what I was referring to - that we do what we can to get through each day.