Anyone with Bipolar spectrum disorders?

Bipolar 2
I was diagnosed with it. 😞

@507 I have been treated for Bipolar 2 for almost 15 years. I take both Lamictal, and Zoloft.
I try to stay aware of my moods and pay attention to what I am doing…
Shopping online when I am down is a hard thing for me not to do. I have to be very careful!

Wishing you the best 🌻

💚⚘

I was diagnosed 15 years ago. I take trileptal & was taking lamictal until we thought it stopped working. I tried many antipsychotics, but they didn't work. So, I may be going back to lamictal. It was difficult when my meds worked for 13-14 years & then something changed.

Good luck & best wishes!

This is probably too late, but here are my suggestions (I have been struggling with rapid cycling for at least 5 years):
1) Exercise. I know. I freaking hate when people say that. But don't exercise just to exercise. Yuck. Find activities that you truly enjoy and do them. NOT to lose weight. But to give yourself a pleasant experience that gets rid of manic energy or forces your sluggish body to move. I take hikes on warm days at a little state park after dropping my son at school nearby in the fall. I go for long very very slow meditative swims at the local aquatic center in the winter. I walk my dog by the waterfront every day. Make these activities gifts for yourself.
2) Music! I play Bossanova when I am cooking/ doing dishes. Cello covers when I'm working. Crazy intense bagpipe music by "Snake Charmer" when my brain is racing. My boyfriend recently has been sneaking my favorite calming song on when I'm itching to fight with him (totally obvious what he is doing, but it actually works).
3) Vitamins. I take a women's multivitamin gummy daily and alternate extra magnesium and vitamin D every day. It's marginal but I think it helps. Plus I don't really get sick on top of everything else I have to deal with.
4) SSRIs. My psychiatrist refused to let me have these for years, but I convinced him to let me try one just during the 10-14 days before my period. It's helping curb the intensity of my mania when PMS joins forces. He said they often increase mania, but during these two weeks it takes the edge of.
5) "I'm going to take a break." I, personally, cannot calm down when other people are around. By myself, silence and stillness and sitting in a hot bath brings me down. Being around other people, I vent and lash out and my emotions overwhelm me. So now, I take a break.

How determined are you? Simply ask yourself this question. Is it necessary?

Breathe, place your tongue on your the roof of your mouth and slowly but deeply breathe. Concentrate on your breath with your minds eye. Develop a rhythmic motion. Eventually you will find yourself drifting off. Focus intently with your eyes.

Watch a great athlete and remind yourself it’s all in the eyes. Stay focused.

One last thing Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Namaste

Sorry it’s gotten so rough. I agree with exercise (even if I just walk around the block), journaling or making lists of what I’m anxious about or grateful for, music really helps me, also humor (funny animal videos on YouTube), coloring sometimes helps, lighting a candle, taking a shower or a hot bath, sunlight (or a Happy Light during the winter), distracting myself somehow, sitting alone enjoying a cup of tea/coffee/cocoa, watching a fireplace video on YouTube. I hope something there helps. Hang on — you matter!

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings, including periods of mania or hypomania and depression. The treatment of bipolar disorder typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Here are some ways to deal with bipolar disorder:

Medication: There are several types of medication that can be used to treat bipolar disorder, including mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants. It is important to work with a mental health professional to find the right medication and dosage for your individual needs.

Therapy: Therapy can be a helpful tool for managing bipolar disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and interpersonal therapy are all effective types of therapy for bipolar disorder. Therapy can help you develop coping skills and strategies to manage your mood swings and improve your overall quality of life.

Lifestyle changes: Certain lifestyle changes can help to manage bipolar disorder symptoms. These may include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and engaging in regular physical activity.

Support system: Having a strong support system can be important for managing bipolar disorder. This may include friends, family members, or support groups for people with bipolar disorder.

Self-care: Self-care is also an important aspect of managing bipolar disorder. This may include practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, engaging in hobbies or activities you enjoy, and taking time for yourself to rest and recharge.

It is important to remember that bipolar disorder is a treatable condition, and with the right treatment and support, people with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling and productive lives. It is important to work closely with a mental health professional to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

Have you thought about talking to someone, anyone I mean. Somebody new that you meet online in some way? I know it sounds stupid but think about it for a min. For myself when I'm manic I get so bored when the sun goes down and my house is quiet. I used to sit in my room and go down a self potty rabbit hole that led to some very disturbing and sometimes violent mornings. So I found a chat site one night. I honestly don't know how I came up on it because I was researching different ways to kill myself, but it was on my screen asking for personal info and I thought hmmm I can be anybody here. I don't have to be my sad pathetic broken self. I can be amazing! Hmmm this could be fun or at least entertaining long enough for the sun to come up. It has changed my world and there is always someone to chat with. You can add me to your chat options if you would like. I enjoy getting to know people and like having people to know. I do meditate as well but I agree it's not always the answer. Hope your having a better night.

I totally agree exercise is a big help ,take a long, brisk walk with your dog ( a dog itself is a great help if you live in an apartment that allows pets) or simply push your self to go alone, I know you feel like absolute crap but exercise will help. Personally I started small on the days I could at least get out of bed and then built up, as i said I fully get it - bed was my sanctuary when depression was bad and it still is some days but exercise is hard work especially for us, and laying in bed is easy, push for one month and i bet you feel at least a little better.