kind of new with question about spending

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2003
kind of new with question about spending
7
Fri, 07-28-2006 - 2:30pm

I'm kind of a lurker but I have been having problems lately so I thought I would pop in with a question.. I know spending money is a problem with bipolars and trust me that is a big problem with me. I have a way bad habit of spending money and right now it is getting bad for us again.. We are about 1900.00 in debt and I have no money coming in right now.. but the problem is that I know we have bills to pay and yet I can still go out there and buy stuff for my kids or gifts for people. I"m spending money that we dont have!! And then I sit here in depression cause I"m kicking myself for what I have done It's a never ending cycle. I take right now 150mg of Effexor, 200mg of Geodon, 54 mg of Concerta and 300mg of Lithium.. Now my question is shouldnt one of these meds help me not to do this?? I know that there is no such medicine that will take it completly away but isnt there something to help or do I have to live like this for the rest of my life?? I dont know what to do and if I dont do something soon I'm afraid that my marriage is going to end.. Can someone help me?? Thanks and have a good weekend..

Christal

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 07-28-2006 - 4:11pm

Hi Christal! I'm glad you came out!!! :)

As for spending...well, we have ALL been there done that. I got in LOTS of trouble myself spending recklessly. Not sure about the meds, and stopping that...I take 300 of Lithium and 20 mgs of Lexapro myself. What stopped me, was finally getting in trouble, and hitting rock bottom. Now, I still am broke a lot, but its much better. I just am hyper-aware of my problem with spending, and I try to make sure I keep it level.

Mostly, we spend a lot when in a hypo-manic, or full blow manic state. Maybe you should talk to your doctor about your meds, and this problem. When we're manic, we are very implusive, and we don't think as clearly.

Hope this makes sense!

Hugs,

Keli

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-02-2006
Fri, 07-28-2006 - 8:19pm

Hi Christal and welcome to the board. Keli is right in that you should speak with your doctor. It sounds like he/she may be able to adjust your meds possibly. But it's also an awareness thing too. I know I got into trouble with my spending as well, and now I'm mindful of it and have to exercise a lot of control to curb the spending. I'm on 300 mgs of lithium, 500 mgs of depakote, 50 mgs of topamax, 20mgs of zyprexa and klonopin, ambien

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-23-2006
Sun, 07-30-2006 - 9:55am

Hi there!
I can totally sympathize with you on this subject! I'm a huge spender...mostly when I'm manic. I love buying children's clothes, and ebay is my addiction! I too have spent money we don't have, but at the time I just don't care. I have to work on it, but it's so darn hard. BTW, I take Xanax XR 1mg, Cymbalta 60mg, Geodon 40mg, and Lamictal 150 mg. Good luck...maybe we can encourage each other! :)

~Renee

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-23-2004
Sun, 07-30-2006 - 4:30pm

Now here's a question for everyone. What's bp spending and what's not. I just spent almost $300 on a European charm bracelet (and I have about $100 of outstanding bids) on ebay. I almost never wear bracelets and I certainly don't need more jewelry. Dh and I technically have the $ but he'll hit the roof if I don't hide it (which I can). He's not controlling or anything. He lets me buy all kinds of things but this seems a little excessive. Argh! It makes me so happy. The beads are so pretty (http://jewelry.listings.ebay.com/Charms-Charm-Bracelets_European-Beads_W0QQfromZR4QQsacatZ92728QQsocmdZListingItemList). I just can't wait to get them. Its a good thing dh never gets the mail. *sighs* They are very pretty...

Morgaine

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-23-2006
Sun, 07-30-2006 - 10:20pm

I know what you mean. I've been a spender my whole life. The difference with mine is that when I'm manic...it's totally out of control. I have spent $2000 in one month on ebay! Once I bought a new van $38,000 without my husband knowing it. I just had it delivered to my house. I did the same thing with a used Volvo wagon I bought on ebay. Now that's what I call manic spending. LOL

Renee

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-23-2004
Mon, 07-31-2006 - 1:54am

Now I don't feel so bad. I did just buy a new car but my dh knew about it. :-)

Morgaine

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-22-2006
Mon, 07-31-2006 - 9:23am
I do the eBay thing as well. Love it! I have kept away for past 3/4 months but am drawn right back in with my Saved Searches calling out to me lately. I have been good - only about $60 a week in miscellaneous in the past 3 weeks. I have everything mailed to my office and then I sneak it home. I even have a boss doing this now to his wife with his fishing gear - he said it was a brilliant plan! But he only has to get his to his boat - I have to get mine to my closet, bedroom, or bathroom. He'll see when he gets our bank statement so I have to restrain myself or I'll "hear it" from him. I bet they are gorgeous - I collect Murano and Millefiori glass myself...
Hugs, Kelli





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