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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Do you stay away from booze/caffeine,ect?

deleted_user
deleted_user
I read that people with bipolar are not supposed to indulge in anything like booze, drugs, caffeine, ,smoking, staying up late, anything that may cause someone without the disorder to experience a mood swing, because in bipolar people the mood swings are much more severe. So do you al keep well away from any of that stuff? Its hard to socialize without alcohol being part of the equation. I stayed up very late last night and I notice my mood today is pretty crap.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Anything that`s bad 4u..we do!..but it can have dramatic effects..sometimes we can b strong n sometimes not..depends on the mood..haha
tommymott
tommymott
I pretty much stay away from booze and caffeine. I make up for it by smoking tobacco in quantity. We all pick and choose and do what we feel is best for us. I don't like to miss sleep but lete's face it,
we're gonna be in a mood no matter what!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I feel we are all at different stages in our disorder...I've been diagnosed 16 years. For years I didn't take my meds regularly and did all that "bad" stuff. Over the years, I've learned that sanity is worth more than drinking, smoking, and even caffeine! Although I drink decaf, I do indulge in caffeine every once in a while. I try to sleep, but my new meds are not allowing me to do so right now - waiting for sleeping meds to kick in!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I've never been able to sleep, even as a kid. And I love to smoke, but I have been staying away from the booze and caffiene. Positive effect from that. But giving up all vices seems a little unrealistic to me.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I don't drink or do drugs however I do drink coffee and tea (tea has more caffeine than coffee does) I also smoke so that is not good. I also stay up late at night but I usually sleep in in the mornings. I think the booze is particularly bad but one thing at a time. Right now isn't the time for me to stop smoking or drinking coffee/tea
deleted_user
deleted_user
Get my main kicks from coffee. I do like to drink but with the meds I'm on I seem to triple the hangover, so that puts me off. Probably better that way, but dull.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I go through phases with coffee. Somtimes I'll kick the habit and then I'll go back. Right now I'm drinking a pot a day. Bad, very bad. On the positive side I sleep very regularly and don't drink or smoke.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I try and take the meds early. I wouldn't sleep without them. Always feel like a drink, rarely have more than one, and try and avoid the pub for that reason. All the other bad stuff you mention I do..
deleted_user
deleted_user
I use to drink every day in fact i couldnt make it through a day without it. once i found out i was bp i tried to cut back as much as i could. I only drink on the weekends now sometimes i will slip up during the week. I also use to have a real bad drug addiction but i kicked that. I still smoke drink 2 pots of coffee a day and drink. I just try to stay more away from drinking than anything else.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have a certain amount of coffee in the mornings then no caffeine the rest of the day. I have a bottle of whiskey that has been in the cabinet for over 6 months and still has some left in it. I do not drink often at all as this is the mood killer for me. My reflux does not allow me to have more caffeine than I take in the am. I try to get plenty of sleep and do not smoke any more.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Having ha a bad time with alcohol in the past, I abstain. It was hard at first, but now I am just used to it.
Still love my caffeine and have no intention of giving it up, ditto for my cigarettes. I withstand alot of criticism because of these 2 habits. (Americans are really a PIA)
IMO if the worst thing i do because of my illness is abuse nicotine and caffeine, I'm doing great! hugs to all of you!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I stopped the alcohol so the meds had a chance. Now I drink coffee and still smoke cigs. Well one down and 2 to go:)
deleted_user
deleted_user
i smoke, but limit the number : ) and i drink coffee, yummmmm, unless of course im in an anxious period... as for other drugs, not at all... well, alcohol at times altho' i know i should refrain
Marilyanna
Marilyanna
You are right I stay away from all that crap. When i am as dpressed as i can be iill take a swig of bourbon but it generally only makes me wired not sleep which i wish it would.
beckyp
beckyp
I drink about 4 cups of coffee in the am then diet coke all day. I have a lot of caffiene but it doesn't bother me. I used to drink but it was a problem for me so I quit, I do smoke, i always wonder how many beepers smoke???
I don't do drugs either.
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