I understand completely, as I rapid fire myself. To use the term, normal, is to rigid. Give yourself some wiggle room. Everyone's normal is different.

Are you on medication for your Bipolar? If so, has the dosage changed or perhaps you accidentally missed it? From experience, even missing one dose, I'm more susceptible to cycling.

I am not sure if it helps, as I am still trying to regulate myself as well. But, this past week, I have been consciously forcing myself to stay positive and on the up swing. I try to visualize myself building protective barriers in my mind to keep out the negative forces that will make me cycle and/or hit one of my many addiction triggers.

Staying away from places. people and situations that you know could make you cycle helps a lot too. I don't know about you but unfortunately in my case, that has been basically everything in my life, including myself (we are the biggest offenders to ourselves). Yeah, it sort of sucks but I spent over a decade doing and being...a completely different person with no regards to basic human morality.

Does keeping yourself busy ever help you?

It really does sound like you need to see/call your pdoc, Have you done that yet? I never could manage all that without meds.

I can only say that when I have cycling changes that are off, I’ve got to call my doctor right away. We’re all so different. Your doctor would probably be able to offer you the best medical advice.

I’m not on medication for bipolar, so my medications haven’t changed, and this has just been happening for the past 6 months. I haven’t talked to my doctor yet, but I have talked to a counselor and they say that im most likely stressed (though this has been going on for over 6 months) and I am kind of paranoid to go talk to my doctor about getting a medication because of my re-action to the medication I had to take daily for migraines.

It's important to see a psychiatrist for an evaluation and diagnosis from there you can get onto appropriate meds

The main treatment for bipolar disorder is medication along with coping skills.... It's a chronic but treatable disorder

The sooner you can get treatment the better you will feel..... Gentle hug

Welcome to the board......xo

Thanks suncloud! I am currently unable to see a psychiatrist due to financial troubles. And im hoping by the end of the year those troubles will cease to exist and I will be able to get the help that I need. But I do not know if my anxiety/ paranoia about going to get help will pass.

I’m sorry if I didn’t come across as supportive by referring you to a doctor, not knowing your situation. I know it can be a symptom of the disease and I’m sad to hear you’r experiencing any paranoia. Welcome to the board and gentlest of hugs. I can just offer to listen and let you know you’re not alone with this.

Thanks fireflywing, you didn’t come across as not supportive, and I totally understand why you said that. I hope your day has been good! (Sorry my thoughts are kind of jumping at the moment)

It’s ok. I’ve been diagnosed with the disease about double your age, so I’ve been around the block with it. It can be very up and down, but with the right med treatment especially, it doesn’t have to be that way.

I would have been in jail or committed without medication. So I applaud your efforts to keep a handle on things yourself.

I understand the financial issues with drs, I'm seeing a psych dr but a therapist isnt covered by my insurance so I don't get to see one although I know it would help. Hopefully you can figure out a way to get to a pdoc. Medication terrified me at first and it was so hard for me to come to terms with my diagnosis and accept the fact that i even needed these crazy pills. And on top of that I got horrible akathesia for the first med we tried. But trust me, a better life is waiting for you with meds.

Good luck and welcome to the board. :-)