Unhappy/Happy

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-18-2004
Unhappy/Happy
2
Wed, 02-02-2005 - 11:15am
I am somewhat new here. Just to give you a little background. I am Bipolar and was awarded Social Security in December 2004, so I don't work. I have been in a mixed state since July 2004 and in January 2005 I finally got some relief and was stable. For the past couple of days, I feel like I am getting manic and depressed again. I am having many thoughts at once, business ideas, I'm angry, irritated, not sleeping, and then I have thoughts of cutting myself. I called my doctor this morning. She wants me to call her right away when I start spinning into either depression or mania so we can sort of stop it at the pass so to speak. I am just waiting for her to call me back. I have spent the past two days looking for online opportunities (like online typists positions) to make extra money. I am driving myself crazy. I live with my parents and I have been acting like my normal self, but I am not going to keep up this happy face forever. I think my Dad knows something is wrong. I guess it is time to fess up to what I'm going through right now. Does anyone have any suggestions for me on how to get through this???? I'm going complete stir crazy. I do not have a car right now which is probably a good thing because I am a reckless driver when I am like this. I just don't know what to do. I'm so anxious. I didn't sleep last night even though I am on Ambien (sleep aid). I'm not even tired. I am worried that my doctor will change my meds yet again. I have had so many different medications since July 2004 it is not even funny. I've had my meds increased/decreased add to taken away. New drugs have been added and everytime there is a change I get sick for a couple of days. I feel like I have the flu or morning sickness. I know my doctor is going to change my medication and I'm not looking forward to it. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it. Thanks for listening to me vent! Take Care!
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-20-2004
Wed, 02-02-2005 - 2:03pm

Oh Honey,

Welcome to the board! I'm glad you found us!

You did the right thing by calling your doc when she told you to. Good for you!!!!!

I wish I had a good answer for mania. If I did, I'd bottle it and make a fortune! I know a balanced diet helps a little. I know when I'm manic I don't eat enough or anything that's good for me. I also think exercise helps with the sleep. It burns up some of the energy and makes me tired. You have to be careful though to do it at least 2 hours before you go to bed though. Otherwise it back fires!

I guess the biggest thing I can say is mania stinks!!! When I'm manic I think I can hold 2 jobs down. I don't want it to mess with my SS so I don't go through with it. The last time I did I almost lost my SS.

I'd say your Dad probably does know something is wrong. We're not as good at hiding these things as we think! The people who love us often know before we do.

I had to laugh about your driving (Not at you). I am a lousy driver no matter what state I'm in! I just don't pay attention!

I hear you on the changing meds. Even though I don't work my dh and I say I'm on sick leave for those days. I'm always sick for a couple of days after a med change. It's just part of the drill!

I hope your doc has called you back by now and you have good news. Let us know!

Love,

Jamie

Love,

Avatar for schitz
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-06-2004
Thu, 02-03-2005 - 1:17am

Welcome!

I can totally relate to what you're talking about. I'm sure most if not all of us can :) We've had a few mixed states in the recent past, mine being one of them.

My suggestions are like Jamie, eat well (I also eat next to nothing when I'm manic - most of the time but not now but there are a lot of other factors...but this isn't about me lol). Also, get to bed and get up at the same time every day. Even if you can't sleep go to bed. If you're not quite in either phase yet you may be able to do this (I slept 3 hrs 3 days ago :D) Also try meditation. I (or others) could give you our meditations if you like.

Hope you can stop this before you end up in either state.

Love and hugs,

Amanda

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