Bipolar help

[Teague1990]

Hi everyone, 

I’ve recently been diagnosed with bipolar which explains a lot. I’m on medication but still struggling to navigate the downs - I know when they’re coming I just have no idea what to do when they arrive. I’d love some advice. I still want to work and live but it’s so hard when they hit. 

Thank you!

[Till23]

Hi @Teague1990 and welcome to the forums..

Sorry there has been a bit of a wait for a response, the forums tend not to be as active at night..

I do not have bipolar, but I know there are a number of people on the forums that do, so I hope they can be of assistance.

I'm just tagging one of them, but I know there are others.

I also know that people have been able to work and have successful professional careers while also having bipolar. I hope you can get some valuable insights from the people here on the forums.

@Oaktree 

[Captain24]

Hi @Teague1990 

I have bipolar 2. I work a full time job however it is shift work and I get a few days off at a time. Which helps a lot. I find having to get ready and go to work challenging at times but I also think to myself what would I be doing at home? Not much? So going to work keeps me busy and occupied. I also focus on needing to keep a roof over my head. But also the accountability and responsibility of working helps too. 

Im currently going through a pretty bad down stage. One of the worst I’ve had. So I do understand them. My psych has told me that there isn’t much I can do right now but to ride it out. I need to be gentle with myself and take things easy, not force myself to try and get out of it. If I day of watching movies is all I can manage then that is ok. Of If I need to go back to bed and have a nap, that’s ok. If all I am doing is sitting and staring at a blank wall/tv then that’s ok just try and change rooms, sit in a different room to change it up. 

I know this is probably not helpful but this is where I am currently. 

When it hasn’t been so bad I try and stick to a routine. Get up and do a couple of things and then just do distraction things, for me that is diamond art, lego, mosaic, 3D puzzles. I know a lot of others do colouring in or paint by numbers. Some do a lot of reading. Spending time with my dogs help as well. 

Do you have a safety plan? I use mine a lot when in a low. Just things to help me regulate like having an icy pole or a cold glass of water with ice. Cold seems to help me. Also walking on the grass barefoot and feeling the earth beneath my feet. A bath also helps me. I struggle with staying in a bath for long so I set a timer for 15 minutes have to stay there. My psych actually suggested bath toys to help me be engaged while I’m in there. They have helped. 

Just take from this as you want. If something resonates then that is good. If nothing does than that’s is fine too. 

[Teague1990]

Thank you both so much. Even hearing from someone else that staring at a wall in different rooms helps legitimise the struggle. I really appreciate all the suggestions. Take care of yourselves thank you xxx

[tyme]

@Captain24 @Till23 ,

I also found your posts really helpful. 

To know that it's about 'riding it out' helps normalise things. I can imagine that when we are feeling really high or really low, we want to 'fix' things... but to just hear that it's about sitting in the space is so helpful.

@Teague1990 , I hope you can stay connected as you navigate this journey. I hear it can be so confusing as scary at times too.

Slight hint, if you want members to receive a notification of your post, you can tag them in by typing "@" in front of their name e.g. @Teague1990 

See you around. Let us know how you go.

Remember, you are not alone.

[Oaktree]

@Teague1990 

Hi, welcome to the forums. Sorry for not responding sooner. I have had Bipolar diagnosed since I was 19 and I am 55 now. For a long time I was unable to work because I was in and out of hospital all the time. Thankfully in 2020 the psychiatrists found a medication that really worked for me. Since then I have been super well. It is only just now that I am feeling confident in my ability to study or work. Stress sometimes makes me unwell so it’s important not to put too much pressure on myself. I am a perfectionist so that can be difficult. I think if all you can manage is staring at a wall or having a nap that that is ok. I remember a time that just putting on socks was hard. Every day I would get stuck, sitting on the edge of the bed willing myself to put on my socks. Anyway it can be a bumpy journey but there is hope for recovery. Take care of yourself and don’t stop taking your medication just because you feel better. I learnt that the hard way.

[tyme]

How are you going today @Teague1990 ?

[tyme]

Thanks for sharing @Oaktree . That's so promising that you hound a med that worked for you.

[Teague1990]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m so happy to hear that you’ve found a medication that works for you - and to feel confident about studying and working.

The stress thing is really helpful! I’d never thought about it. Thank you again and take care.