Bipolar: coping strategies for dealing with hypomania ? I want to stop this before it goes any further.

[dontrunwithscissors]

I've realised that I can feel myself going up. It's nothing major - spending A LOT, music playing in my head. I've recognised this far earlier than I have in the past, and I'm hoping to stop it before it goes any further. (I've only ever been hypomanic.) I'm going to increase my quetiapine a bit (as agreed with pdoc, I have some PRN.) However, I'm also wondering if there's anything I can do myself to bring my mood down. I have developed quite a few coping techniques for when I'm low, but none for this situation. I'm going to speak to my CPN when she comes back off holiday next week, but I would really like to have stopped this before then. Any suggastions?

Sorry don'trun I don't have any experience of bipolar, but hope someone comes along soon who can offer some advice/help.

The only advice is sleep will bring you down.

Also I have heard white noise can calm you (Watch some tv static) also keep lights low, noise levels down and I have a hot shower in the dark so relax and reduce stimulation. This can help.

Hi - is there anyway you can limit your access to money (give your cards to someone to look after them, have small amount of cash for necessities) and stop fuelling this hypomanic in this way? Increasing medication sounds wise, hope it helps. I haven't experienced this am afraid.

My rules for me
Make sure you go to bed at a reasonable time and stay there, even if you just lie there. For at least 5 hours. Make sure you eat regularly even if you don't feel hungry.

From a recent course on managing bi-polar:
Avoid stimulation.
Write your projects down and prioritise a very few. Focus on these (rather than going off on tangents)

Some people suggest making sure your room is as dark as you can at night.

Also, have you got someone you trust who can monitor you?

Thanks for your replies. I'm trying to avoid loud music, and have told DH about all this. I slept fairly well last night. I'm going to the gym tonight to start tai chi classes. I also increased the quetiapine I took last night. I have to be careful, though, as too much sends me very low. Fingers crossed this won't go too far.

Hi. Dh has bipolar and sleep is generally the key and avoiding anything too stimulating of the senses. I usually hide his credit cards as there have been some previous crazy hypomanic purchases. Hope you hit on a plan for you and well done for seeing it coming.

TV and your PC can be stimulating to the senses. Avoid in the evening when tryng to wind down to sleep.

Something to do with the kind of light they emit stimulating the brain.

Hi ,I monitor my husband constantly so that is a good idea if you have someone,a friend/relative to listen to and take note of their perception of your behaviour.It is important to listen as often what the person sees is not exactly what is happening although you seem to have a remarkable grasp and insight of what you are feeling and what you need.That in itself is so powerful as you can act on it which you are already doing.Sleep is an absolute must! It heals and restores and I have seen my husband without meds shallow breathe and get unrefreshing sleep,this always happened in deep depressions.I am happy to say he is very stable(so am I when he is snoring as the right sleep!) now using multiple aids,sleep,advice,drugs,lifestyle change,knowing stress triggers and close monitoring with continual discussion when necessary.Never be afraid to self refer and always keep asking for advice and guidance from your local mental health service.It is unusual on the whole for a GP to be trained in psychiatry and mental health so use your cpns and mhs.If I can help further please let me know.