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Blitter2014 · Jun 21, 2014, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buzz bee

So I was thinking back at my last episode and how I went from feeling normal to down in seconds. One moment happy and content then the next moment in such a deep depression all I could do is cry and I had no idea why.

I would start to keep a journal for your Therapist of exactly what the circumstances were when you felt your mood was slipping away. Did someone prevoke you? Was there something that you thought of in particular? Did something happen that reminded you of something? If you can learn what the triggers are, then you are more prepared for what can occur. Might not mean you can stop it, but you may see the danger signs ahead of time and be more prepared.

What do you do when you feel an episode coming on? Either a high or a low? I try to rearrange my thinking, but I cant. I feel as though my co-worker think I am faking it and blaming it on bipolar to get attention. Im not! I cant control this.

What do I do when I feel an episode coming on? Stop whatever I am doing and get to a safe place. I work for myself. So it means excusing myself from the customer as soon as possible and withdrawing to somewhere where I can go through the process without letting others see it. If I am at home then I let my partner know, if we are out, then again I dismiss myself and withdraw to somewhere that is safe for me and my head.

Im working out now (which I started last week) and seeing therapist on top of my medication.

I need your advise on what you do when you feel it coming on?

Your body is more than likely telling you what it needs. It is overloaded and needs to escape. So withdraw from whatever stressful situation you are in and make yourself the priority. Don't feel like you have to justify yourself before you withdraw, or let things get that bad that others see you need to withdraw. To other people, episodes are like trying to describe color to the blind, its almost impossible.

Learn your triggers, that way you can have more advanced warning, avoid them when possible. When you feel those waves of emotion come flooding over you, remember your self protection and presevation are paramount, and if you were literally drowning others would come to your rescue, so don't be shy about rescuing yourself or asking others (work) for time out or help. And when you can, write down what happened so you can talk about it with your therapist and pdoc. Perhaps start logging your moods with a mood app for your phone/computer - most therapists and pdocs like those as it gives a better picture of what is going on inbetween the highs and lows.

Most of all - don't give up and dont despair. You sound like you are in the process of getting up a good support network, and you are in a great place on this forum. Feel free to PM if you want to talk more.

Hang in there and