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.
Hi Everyone,
Once again I am asking for advice... I am so thankful when I get advice from you guys here on DS - it really does help me! Right now, I am wondering how to balance a high during those important times when highs would not be appropriate. Like when I am in class, or when I am doing a job interview, or meeting with my supervisor or stuff like that.
When I get a high I sometimes do really dumb things that I would never do otherwise... most often when I am at work or school I'm not so risky but sometimes I just can't stop running or moving on the spot. Or I'll get all hyped up and just can't sit still - now when I am in class I can't get out of my desk so I just keep playing with my hands and touching everything around me. It's really annoying! I'm thinking of getting a stress ball, I hope that would at least keep my hands busy.
I know that highs are a part of bp and that meds can help this, but I still don't know when I get a high at an inconvenient time. Thanks for your advice guys!
Once again I am asking for advice... I am so thankful when I get advice from you guys here on DS - it really does help me! Right now, I am wondering how to balance a high during those important times when highs would not be appropriate. Like when I am in class, or when I am doing a job interview, or meeting with my supervisor or stuff like that.
When I get a high I sometimes do really dumb things that I would never do otherwise... most often when I am at work or school I'm not so risky but sometimes I just can't stop running or moving on the spot. Or I'll get all hyped up and just can't sit still - now when I am in class I can't get out of my desk so I just keep playing with my hands and touching everything around me. It's really annoying! I'm thinking of getting a stress ball, I hope that would at least keep my hands busy.
I know that highs are a part of bp and that meds can help this, but I still don't know when I get a high at an inconvenient time. Thanks for your advice guys!
A stress ball is an EXCELLENT idea! My background in brain physiology leads me to recommend one that has a lot of texture; that increases its stimulation and thus effectiveness. I'm thinking of something knobby, definitely not gel-like or smooth.
What kind of job are you aiming for? Employers seem to love hypomanics. They loved my enthusiasm and can-do attitude. I was eager and invincible. They just didn't like it when I was too sure of myself as being The Best, and too thus independent. Lots of stories to tell about that if you need examples...
Even though I graduated from college with honors, I worked at Home Depot for a while because I realized I couldn't hold a job that was more in line with my professional qualifications. It was great when I was hypomanic. I ran from one end of the store to the other, helping customers in every department. I got an award for it. The heavy lifting also felt great as I loaded people's carts and stocked shelves. Climbing up and down the ladders was another thing work task I sought out when I needed to. When I was part of the team that opened the store in the morning, I was great at leading the team in the opening cheer.