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 have severe Bipolar Disorder and for many years have been Taking Depakote as my main mood stabilizer. It works very well calming me and preventing mania. Recently my psychiatrist ran some bloodwork on me and checked my Ammonia level. which no one has ever done before. They called me a few days later my clinic and said I HAD to come in and see my psychiatrist that day and would not tell me what the issue was over the phone. I went that day to my psychiatrist and she informed my Ammonia level was sky high and starting to hurt my liver and my kidneys. I have almost died from renal failutre so this is something I do not to happen again. She ordered me to stop Depakote I got real mad but eventually realized having a healthy liver and healthy kidneys was much more important so I stopped the Depakote. The doctor says the Depakote will flush out of my system in about 3 months. I am already feeling effects from not having Depakote. My main concern is anger. I want to make it quite clear I do NOT in any fashion want to hurt anybody. I am without a therapist and have applied for therapy through my clinic but that is a minium of a three month wait. SO I need help badly.If someone could suggest things to help control the anger and not act out I would greatly appreciate it because I am not re-starting Depakote. I am on a good dose of anti-psychotic medication so that helps. Thanks in advance
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Hey All...I hope that you have a lovely, peaceful beginning of your weekI have a bunch of chores that need doing but may put them off til tomorrow and just hang out with my landlord/roomie todayWhat about you?...Anything special going on?Have a great day and take good care of you!!..Xo
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Once again I've had a fever today. I'm not going to the hospital because that's a huge waste of time but I did schedule a dr appointment for Wednesday afternoon.
I have read about the problems with kidney and liver issues.
Depakote was the only med that controlled my BP rages .
I hope you can get through this time ok.
Good luck
There are several "MeetUp's' for bipolar in California... They are a free support group and may give you some support... You could call and see if there is one near you
I find that some exercise can help my disposition, journaling and being aware of if I am feeling angry can help me to turn it around.... Big hug.
I have to second SunClouds's advice.
Exercise will allow for an endorphin release that will help you on a chemical level, also I have noticed that if you wear yourself out, there is no energy left to be angry. The elliptical climber at the gym I go to is available 24/7 and has been my best friend when I am in the middle of my cycles where things seem to climax the most for me.
You can also try to eat certain foods. If you do a google search for "healthy foods to help bipolar", you should be able to find some info on what foods can be beneficial for you.
Writing is a great outlet. It allow you to get your aggression out in a silent way and you can just write until your heart is content. I personally recommend free writing. With FW you can just start writing and just keep going until there is nothing left and you don't have to have the issue of struggling to stay focused on any one subject.
Another thing I can recommend is being creative. I personally prefer painting. I find it helpful to paint when I cannot sleep or when I am battling the anger. I don't focus on any one thing for this either. I just start slapping paint to canvas and see where it takes me.
And last but not least, meditating with calming music or guided imagery tapes can make a big difference too. It allows for you to remove yourself from the chaotic parts of your mind for a period of time and can be very relaxing.
With that said, I hope that this transition ends for you soon. It is one of the worst experiences and can be a scary thing. Please keep us updated. We are all here to help when needed.
Big HUGS and positive energies for you. I hope that some of our advice helps in some way.