Quote:
Originally Posted by 1914sierra
I find the stable periods are probably the most important times as far as dealing with bipolar disorder long-term. I can't ignore my bipolarness in between episodes; it does no good to just put out fires during crises and not work on prevention and planning in the "off season".
My ability to manage through and cope during my episodes in greatly increased by the work I do in my stability with my therapist and by staying consistent in my self care (be that staying active, nurturing my soul through my interests, friends, church, etc.).
I'm a teacher, and there is a reason we have fire drills and disaster drills, etc. You don't wait until the building is on fire to teach them how to exit the building or duck and cover; you practice during times of safety and normalcy so that they can put those skills and knowledge to good use if and when the crisis comes. I feel the same way about my bipolar episodes. I have to continuously practice those coping skills when I am stable; it really does lessen the impact of the episodes when they do occur.
|
I completely agree. I use the stable times to do a lot of research but I do find I can feel disconnected from the moods when they arnt happening. I practice my techniques and do relaxation. Im on the ball to notice when it starts to go up and down so I can combat it. I still take my meds and go to therapy but there are times when I think there is nothing "wrong" with me. The people around me remind me that I need to keep receiving treatment. My moods dont seem to cycle regularly and I am definitely depressed more than anything else. At the moment I have had mild mixed states so I am learning what I can about them and trying to find techniques for them as I dont want to put the meds up.
Not sure on the rapid cycling being more represented, but I noticed that too. I often wonder about diagnosis, pdocs can and do get it wrong. Im really surprised at the amount of people on this whole forum that dont do therapy, Im of the belief that meds alone are never going to cure you and I was just so surprised that so many people write off therapy as useless. You get out of it what you put in, and when you are stable is the perfect time to be able to retain this knowledge and use it to your advantage in my opinion.