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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Already dreading the holidays...

deleted_user
deleted_user
I used to LOVE the holiday season...Thanksgiving into Christmas and then New Year's. But for the last 3 years now (actually probably since my Dad passed away) I don't have much interest in them at all. In fact, the whole thing mostly just downright irritates me. I know it's supposed to be a happy time, but for so many people it really isn't. And this year will be the hardest yet for me since it looks like I'll be away from my husband and (step-) daughter for the first time in 12 years.

I even told my Mom yesterday that I was thinking of taking a trip away somewhere so I don't bring anyone else down. She got a bit upset and told me that was "nonsense, where would you go?". I truly don't know but right now the thought of going away alone by myself is a whole lot more appealing than having everyone giving me those sideways looks of pity!

How do you handle the holidays? Is it a rough time for you?
deleted_user
deleted_user
I relate to this deeply. I pray that I am manic when the holidays come around but usually end up depressed. I have boxes upon boxes of decorations that havent been put up in the last 4 years. This year i may be moving so I am not really into it again. My ideal holiday would be a few close friends at a cabin somewhere away from the crowds.
dobiedots
dobiedots
Very Rough. No family to share it with. I make a nice dinner for myself, decorate, have some candles burning. And I like to reminisce on Christmases past w/mom and the family. It's enjoyable and not sad at all.
I also go to church so that makes it feel more Christmasy.
tommymott
tommymott
I try to enjoy Holiday time, enjoying the Spirit of the Season and not the commercialism.

It might be good to plan a trip, maybe a cruise, over the Holidays. Getting away is often a positive thing.
And instead of missing people in your life, try to celebrate the good. This all takes practice, so practice...
dancingd
dancingd
My dad passed away 3 years ago also.We always had a big spread at his house.I'd go the night before ,set the table,do all the grunt work.Sometimes ,I'd stay the night ,to get the turkey in early.
Since he passed,my bro and his family moved away.My mom,moved.And my sis could give a RATS *** about any of it.

So,yeah...holidays are just not the same anymore.

Where's the LOVE?
deleted_user
deleted_user
Well our Thanksgiving is way over. And xmas is coming up soon, and I am always down for it for some reason. Don't know if anyone will be here this year and don't care. Parents passed yrs ago and if it is just me and my guy, we will have something we like, prob shrimp scampi and greek ribs. We used to do this for the kids too cause with all of the grandparents divorced there were tooo many turkey happening for them, so we make their favorite foods, no turkey or ham all the good stuff, french onion soup, caesar salad, shrimp, ribs, perogies, peach pie and we have a blast the kids just love it. So if you want to and it makes you happy go where you want and do what you want. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or something and see those who have it much worse. First and foremost take care of yourself.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yes, the holidays are rough for me. For the most part I try to ignore them. I don't celebrate Christmas and this year I'm not doing Thanksgiving either. I hate the holidaze (holidays).
dobiedots
dobiedots
JavaFirst - I'm curious as to why you hate them (if it's not too personal). We all have our reasons I suppose.
deleted_user
deleted_user
What a WONDERFUL idea, Nutz!! I hadn't even thought of that - volunteering at a soup kitchen to help out the less fortunate. I just might look into that and see if I can recruit my sister to go along with me. Thanks for suggesting it.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Holidays are cruel
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm with Dobie...I have no family to share it with. I put on my phonie happy face and put on a show for the kids. I used to love thiat time of year but now it's more of a "oh noo..not again" kind of thing for me.
deleted_user
deleted_user
The holidays are always rough for me. They have been since I can remember. It may be a cop out but I have the doc prescribe me a few more ativan and up my dose of Depakote during the rough times. I dont suggest you should be alone during the holidays. It may seem like a great thing to do but can be dangerous. Talk to the doc, maybe he can be a little more generous with the presciption pad AHHH better living thru chemistry.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Judy if I didn't have anybody coming for sure that is what I would do.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I actually really love the holidays. I've got a huge family and I just love decorating. I love the smell of Christmas trees and the excitement of Christmas morning. I love Thanksgiving, too, because I love to eat. Sorry if this is too happy for all you who hate the holidays... :o)
deleted_user
deleted_user
Oh, I've had some great 'alternative' holidays when too unwell to deal with the whole deal. Highly recommend you do your own thing, even if that is pizza & watching the entire Godfather series :)
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