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!

Oh no, I have anxiety too. Felt a bit anxious before my meds review, don't know why as I have it every month. Then I got myself all worked up sitting there and felt myself getting hyper again, as I've been up since half 4, so I can feel myself going again and the racing thoughts are doing my nut in. I keep thinking g about stuff to do for the house and looking stuff up online, then I wanted a Coraline doll from the movie, and a lamp shade and a Chanel perfume (I got. £50 John Lewis voucher, so I feel I can justify it)

Sorry I need to calm down a bit, I can feel myself talking absolute bollocks and this is me without any alcohol! And breathe.

I didn't go to work once because of anxiety/stress. This was the beginning of the year so I understand where you're coming from.

Good job I don't have any money!

Probably doesn't help I've had about 4 coffees today and 2 energy juices. That clearly hasn't helped 🙄 is anyone else sensitive to caffeine? Like it can make you a bit hyper if you're not careful?

Too much caffeine can cause my epilepsy to be a problem

My psychiatrist told me to stay away from caffeine but I'm sometimes have a cappuccino or 2.

I am a mother and a nanny of a 23 year old and 4 year old. I don’t know how to help my daughter she has been steadily going off the rails for a while now. She has been on Setraline for a few years but she continuously seems to want to destroy everything around her. She left the house on Christmas Day and came back home today no messages apart from asking for cash no concern or interest in my grandson. When she came home eventually we had tears. She seems to be holding on to something. I tried to get her to open up she eventually confirmed that she doesn’t feel anything for her son , I am devastated as he is beautiful but I am not surprised. I told her it is nothing to be ashamed off and we can get help but where do I start.

I'm sorry to hear that @Barney24 It sounds like PND. I had similar feelings when I was unwell. I would try and encourage her to make an appointment with the gp. Does she have a mental health team?

I've been sick again I hate this. Every other day this seems to be a common occurance. I think it's because I have a bad cough, which doesn't seem to be going away either

barney I would make a GP appointment and take it from there. They can refer you to a psychiatrist if needed. I hope you can get some help for her.

bipoty I also have a cough which makes me sick 🤢 I woke up on Boxing Day night and had heartburn, I ended up being sick again I think it's the cough that does it. So annoying

Yes caffeine is definitely a trigger for going up.

Has anyone been on a bipolar management course? I still need medication but the course helped me understand how I can take better control of my condition. So the obvious things like no alcohol, no caffeine, proper sleep routine etc., plus lots more. The medication won’t be as effective as it can be if your lifestyle involves loads of triggers, a holistic approach is best.

A long time ago I did the mdf (manic depression fellowship) self management course - don’t know if they still do them now they’re called something else (bipolar uk?). There’s this perception that meds are really important and must be taken for years yet self management goes much further and is more effective. It’s boring though, routines and yeah avoiding caffeine and other stimulants and all those early nights, but it works.

I'm in a routine now. Go to bed roughly the same time and get up roughly the same time, a couple of hours give or take, and it's made such a difference. I do the same shift patterns at work too. Before, they were all over the place. The later nights hit me the most and didn't help with my depression. Or if I went the other way, I wasn't going to bed until about 6am.

I keep a strict routine, I go to bed early every night and usually watch the soaps in bed. I mostly avoid caffeine but like I said previously I have a few cappuccinos now and then. I can't watch horror movies as I dream about what I do during the day so live a very quiet life.

My routine isn't great, but it's a lot better than it was. It helps that my DC is at nursery (an early years centre, to help me and to help his speech) Luckily I was able to get referred.

I've checked my balance, taken £40 out to last me the week and given my DP my card.

I'm finding it really hard to keep to this £40 limit already. Just seen a really nice coat for £25 plus free shipping. Someone talk me out of it! I need to be strong! It is nice though

Just give the money or your card to your dp. Take some responsibility, you are fully aware.

I didn't buy it. I am sometimes. Until I realise I have zero money and have no idea what I've spent it on. Some things I remember, other things not a clue.

And then last night I was sick again. Apparently I've bought a song. I remember watching the Greatest Showman and singing a long like a loon. But I don't remember buying the song! I only know because I got an email.

And I've made a long list of things I want to change in the house. I remember that.

I thought aripiprazole was meant to calm you down! I'm currently on 5mg.

Were you drinking?

I had maybe two to calm myself down as I could feel myself racing about in my head again. But I usually don't take my aripiprazole until I'm ready for bed as it sends me straight to sleep. It does work to calm me down. Acts a bit like diazepam for me, but it makes me incredibly sleepy at the time.

*at the same time.

It's caffiene I need to stay away from. Makes me incredibly hyper.

Happy new year to everyone when it comes hope everyone is ok.