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.
I sometimes forget how much the weather affects my mood. Actually, I sometimes go weeks without acknowledging that I am bipolar and have to pay attention to my symptoms.
My therapist reminded me recently that I acquired PTSD because being bipolar made me susceptible to post-traumatic stress symptoms. The recent heavy rains, the sun blocked by clouds even when it isn't raining, along with the shorter days have all combined and given me a low-energy feeling. Ugh.
I'm taking a multivitamin and an additional vitamin D supplement. My prescribing physician recommended those. And I mean the person who prescribes my anti-anxiety and mood stabilizers.
Other than taking meds as prescribed, doing my breathing exercises, and taking vitamin supplements...does anyone have suggestions on other ways to manage or 'arrest' anxiety symptoms before they get out of hand?
I used to know what mania felt like but the PTSD changed it. It's a strange feeling. So foreign to me that I'm not sure what the difference is between mania, depression, anxiety, and panic.
Does anybody have a standard thing they do to keep calm? I'm thinking of the fact I do my breathing and take a break from watching the news. Anything along those lines? I guess I'm looking for an array of coping techniques that work for others so I can try them out.
My therapist reminded me recently that I acquired PTSD because being bipolar made me susceptible to post-traumatic stress symptoms. The recent heavy rains, the sun blocked by clouds even when it isn't raining, along with the shorter days have all combined and given me a low-energy feeling. Ugh.
I'm taking a multivitamin and an additional vitamin D supplement. My prescribing physician recommended those. And I mean the person who prescribes my anti-anxiety and mood stabilizers.
Other than taking meds as prescribed, doing my breathing exercises, and taking vitamin supplements...does anyone have suggestions on other ways to manage or 'arrest' anxiety symptoms before they get out of hand?
I used to know what mania felt like but the PTSD changed it. It's a strange feeling. So foreign to me that I'm not sure what the difference is between mania, depression, anxiety, and panic.
Does anybody have a standard thing they do to keep calm? I'm thinking of the fact I do my breathing and take a break from watching the news. Anything along those lines? I guess I'm looking for an array of coping techniques that work for others so I can try them out.
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Mom and I have errands to run this morning. She said we can get sushi for lunch though. I go back to work today. What are you looking forward to this weekend?
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Quick, before the evil MONday gets here! Let's climb those mountains, dance in the meadows, dip our feet in the ocean....Okay, so most of us won't be doing any of That. Sadly. But today can still be a great day!The area behind our back fence is on an incline, with less than two feet on even ground at the top. I don't balance well enough for the incline, but our mower guy mows that...
Finding a good fitness routine has helped me so much. For me it's pilates. After a stressful day I have been able to push away anxiety and extreme stress at least a little bit by working my core.
Making sure I sleep each night. (My biggest struggle...and meds are required.)
Staying connected with support groups helps me so much too. I go to an art therapy group and a drop-in group when able, along with participating here.
I'm still trying to learn more ways of managing everything....but this is what is helping me, as well as prn Ativan when absolutely necessary.