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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Suninbloom 05/04/2009

It's a fact that disruptions in our schedules, meals, excercise, sleep patterns etc., can unleash a bout of depression or mania.

There were times that I've been in RCU [residential crisis unit], and I've had a few hospital stays. What stands out most about the success of those facilities is the routine schedule.

Every darn time I try to stay up late, get up too early, forget meals, miss my dose of DS and such, I end up on one or the other extreme side. I'm starting to feel like a politician.

Suninbloom 05/04/2009

oh and that is circadian.. Sp :D

deleted_user 05/04/2009

Routine is a very big deal to me. I not only have to wake and sleep a certain number of hours I have to do it at a certain time of day. I miss bedtime and all hell breaks loose. My husband used to get upset about my insitence in leaving early and going to bed at my usual time -- until he saw what happened when I didn't.

Suninbloom 05/04/2009

Yes, unfortunately when we visit friends I have to be the party pooper.. sighs.

deleted_user 05/04/2009

but there are times when i drank some caffeine too late, or have an abundance of energy, of a special situation arises and i cannot get to bed on time. then i'm pretty screwed.

ever try to sleep when your mind or body just isn't ready for it? i get pretty frustrated by the process and have to hop up. the resulting frustration just fuels me some more.

freeheeler 05/04/2009

This is a big, big deal for me too!

deleted_user 05/04/2009

Yes, I'm beginning to realize that I do better when I follow a routine. I've always wanted to "feel free," and thought living with no set rules of going to bed or eating right would give me that freedom. I was actually putting myself into more bondage.

deleted_user 05/05/2009

My natural bedtime is 2am. Has been for about twenty years. I wake up every morning at eleven to eleven thirty. Clockwork. Even if I stay up a bit late, I wake up at the same time.

It is HELL for me to go inpatient. I have never gone to bed at ten pm in my life, let alone wake up at six am. There is no room for individual needs when you schedule for fifty people. *sigh*

meme88 05/05/2009

I live on routine!! of in my safe area..sleep in the am wake up at 12(if at bf later cuz we dont sleep till like 6am)
we both work eveing jobs..2 be at work go home..or whatever I love to travle but i hate it wayyy to out of my safty area!! I can go to the tronto but i was born and lived there as a child so its like home..

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