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.
At about 10:30 central time I had just finished watching the Super Bowl last night at a friends house. The Chiefs edged out the 49er's 22/25 in overtime. It was a real nail biter, a super intense game.
Before I drove to my friends house I was hitting the bottom of one of the many cycles of my bipolar rollercoaster. I'm not sure what is going on with me. I've made no medication changes, or any other changes I am aware of, but for the past 2-3 weeks my symptoms have been noticably worse. I find it impossible to explain to others what a down-cycle feels like because I barely understand it myself. As best I can describe it, here is what I feel during a down cycle:
(1) My brain is foggy and confused. Clear thinking is EXTREMELY difficult.
(2) It is hard to focus on any one thing or work on any signle problem for more than just a few minutes at a time
(3) As I contemplate doing a certain task, my brain screams at me, "I CAN'T do that. I just can't." And so I sit with my head on my desk doing nothing.
One of my sysptoms used to be that I felt tired and weak. That seems to have abated a good deal. Now I just feel confused, frazzled, and completely unfocused. I have great ambition. Things I want to do with my life. Bipolar stands as a large boulder in front of me, attempting to block my way. I am still determined to find a way around that boulder.
A few years ago, I stood up in front of my church congregation and told them that I suffererd from mental illness. I'm not sure why. I just felt complelled to do it. For those of you who might be interested, I have included a link to that confession below. It is about 7 minutes long.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7-FQ3SvNYU
I am looking for a friend or two with whom I might share my struggles in private. If you would like to be one of those friends, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Bentley Merck
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In all it's splendid colour!!I'm up for a very short time I hope...It's too early for me but I always seem to have these early awake times where I'm not quite ready to get upAnother chore day for me as I didn't get done all I wanted to yestetdayI hope that your day is blessed...xo
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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
The world we are now living in is very complicated, this time of year can also be very challenging with the cold days and lacking sunshine and being outdoors. ... these could be adding to your challenges.
I wish you the best, do what you can to keep seeing your friends off line...that is a huge bonus in your life!
My question to you is how is your relationship with your spouse? Is she supportive? I think having the support from your significant other makes a huge difference. However, there are times when for me my spouse didn’t seem supportive but added to my condition. He might have been doing it on purpose but I looked at it as if he just didn’t know better. Although he is a nurse I doubt he didn’t know about bipolar.
Anyway, it’s nice to see you’re serious about getting better and sharing your experience with all of us on daily strength.
I agree with ml that the time of year might be affecting you.... A lot of people struggle with SAD due to the lack of sunlight
I'm glad that you've found us.... Big hug.... xo
There are similarities in our stories. I was diagnosed late in life and have tried a lot of different meds to kickstart my motivation and lift my spirits, often changing because of side effects and allergic reactions. The magic med doesn’t seem to exist for me. I’ve come to the conclusion that I have to figure out things to help beyond medication. Cognitive Behavior Therapy strategies and mindfulness are at the top of my list.
Sending resilience and peace so that you’re feeling better soon.
You're a great public speaker
Thank you so much for sharing it
Big hug and a blessing...xo