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.
Since last October my family has been under a huge stressor because my Mom got diagnosed with cancer. After surgery and 6 months of chemo, she is cancer-free! Last December I started developing neuropathy (numbness almost to the point that I need a cane sometimes and pain that I cry from ALL the time) and have been to tons of doctors and they can't figure out why. My Mom, from Chemo, ended up with neuropathy too and we are doing acupuncture together which is VERY expensive. I am only 25 and also deal with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and schizoaffective (bipolar 1 subtype). I have just been utterly depressed and lonely in the last few days. I am also dealing with a thyroid problem (I just got radiation done-not cancer related) and just got my script upped today. I am using all of my skills to not fall apart right now. I feel so anxious of wanting to do something but not wanting to go outside or anything. Any advice?
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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...
I deal with GAD on top of the bipolar (and I have met many others who also deal with it) and I find journaling, the right music, and doing artwork to be helpful during the difficult days of depression (and even during bouts of anxiety!)
I hope you'll start to feel better once the thyroid is normalized (I have hypothyroidism, too) and I know it can really throw things off balance.
Big (((((hugs))))) of support to you!
You're going through so much right now it wouldn't surprise me to hear you're feeling anxious and not wanting to fall apart! I hear ya! Sometimes it takes all we can muster up to just deal with the moment. Have you ever practiced mindfulness?
1) Being in the moment
2) Playing opposite (when you're feeling down, act or play the opposite way and you'll see the results are amazing)
3) Being aware but not anxiety-ridden
4) Feel your breath - breathe in, breathe out, come up with your own rhythm
5) Practice progressive relaxation (start relaxing your toes, to your knees, relax your hips, to your chest, your fingers, arms and finally head
Keep up the hard work, worldofblah! I hope your pain is treated soon! Keep us posted!