The Bipolar Support Thread

[BippityBoppity87]

Hi everyone Just thought I'd start a shiny new thread for anyone who is suffering from bipolar disorder.

Hope everyone is ok!

What do they ask? How did you say it affected you? I can only work part time, 3 days a week, about 25 hours as I just can't handle full time, it's too stressful for me. I can't work late either as it can be quite triggering. Routine is key for me.

SOrry, that didn’t answer you really.

Evidence is stuff like diagnosis letter, proof of medication, therapy appointments etc.

If you look up pip points criteria then you can see if you fit the descriptors.
You have to have problems doing tasks repeatedly, reliably, safety and in a timely manner at least 50% of the time.

Okie dokie thanks! Mine is more work related. Like I said, I can't work full time (unless I'm on one of my highs then I'll quite happily work about 42 hours a week) doesn't happen very often though.

Surely you are affected outside of work though?

I can be, yes. Sometimes I struggle to look after my DC on my own. I can quickly lose my temper, or just do the bare minimum. I used to spend most days in bed too late afternoon as I just couldn't get up.

He's currently at an early years centre to help me and help his development, and I have a health visitor that comes round every couple of months.

SS are aware, but haven't been involved.

Then it’s worth applying. See if there’s a support worker who could help you fill in the for.

Sorry to hear you’ve had such struggles.

I think I will.

It's ok, I've had a shit year. I just did the online pip test and scored 13 for the daily living part.

I know the feelz, every year is shit for me just got to keep on going.

Take your time to fill the form out, write it out several times on paper before you transfer to paper.

To the form*

I know right? Every year is shit, this one has been spectacularly bad, the whole circus came to town! Just ridiculous.

A&e 4 times, psych hospital 3 times, crisis team, OD'd twice, self harm, tried to jump out the window of my 3rd floor flat. I was actually outside on the ledge, surprised no one saw me! (long story) Tore a ligament in my knee twice, thought the government were spying on me, crying in work, a lot, then someone stole my bloody pram.

I'm going to have to ask for help I think. I don't have another therapy session until the 4th of January, and then I have a psych appointment on the 21st, so I might just ask then for some advice.

That’s quite an impressive year, how did you manage to fit so much in? XD
I think my bipolar is quite introverted, I usually just quietly descend into madness or festering despair within my own four walls.

Asking for help with it is a good plan.

I know! When I look back I think, fuck, I've been through a lot of shit! I don't realise it at the time though, it all seems completely rational. Like when someone stole my pram I was tempted to grab a knife and go wondering the streets trying to find them. Thankfully I didn't, I just drunk a lot of gin instead.

I usually am quite introverted, but I have a temper and when I get angry I don't care. I remember walking down the street after a night out once and some guy was trying to take the piss out of me when I was walking by, my DP had to hold me back. I'm usually quite reserved and quiet!

Well, hopefully things will improve for you now you’re getting the right treatment.

I feel a lot more stable now I've started the mood stabiliser, it does calm me down. I'm still on my anti depressant, but my psych said that he didn't want to take me off it in case I dipped again, which is fair enough.

Can it be quite common to have a combination of anti depressants and anti psychotics if you're bipolar?

My DP is threatening to take my bank card. Fair enough I suppose. I spent about £300, possibly more yesterday and now I have no money.

You seem to have insight, why are you not taking steps to help the situation? Giving him the card is a sensible thing to do, you know it is.

I know a few people on that combo of meds, doesn’t seem uncommon.

I've been told that a lot, that I have insight. It can be so frustrating because even though I can explain how I'm feeling and what has been happening with me, I know what's going on, I'm not stupid. I have a degree. It can just be hard trying to explain how much you're suffering, I don't know, am I making sense? My head's a bit misty.

I know I should give him my card, I have bought so much stuff

And I drink way too much. I need to stop that too. And the smoking, gosh, I'm a mess.

Bippity I drink way too much too.

It worries me. I worry that it will kill me.

Right this is the first day I'm going to take aripiprazole at night instead. I've taken my sertraline, but I have work. Hope it doesn't make too much of a difference! Being hyper at work will not be fun!

I was talking to one of my friends yesterday and I asked genuinely what I was like a few weeks ago, and he said honestly? I thought you were on coke I don't take drugs btw!

Actually my DP made a good point, just to take t with me just in case. So I'll do that.

How's everyone's day been? I think I'm definitely going to give my DP my card, I can't stop buying stuff.