Quote:
Originally Posted by punkyninja
Hey, everyone!
A couple days ago, I got diagnosed with Bipolar I. I've been experiencing depression and general anxiety for the past year, but after going through my first manic phase and hospitalization, my doctor decided I was bipolar.
Prior to all of this, I had been perfectly healthy mentally, so this is very new to me. I'm really overwhelmed and confused with what my diagnosis means and how to cope with all of the symptoms. For the first time ever, I feel like I don't have any control over my life or myself and I'm worried that it will never get better.
Do any of you have any coping strategies or general advice about bipolar disorder? I feel like I was thrown into this illness and I have no idea what I can do or where to begin.  |
had this since i was 12 (35now) no one ever told if was class 1 or 2
1 u need to id your triggers something causes the manic .........once u find what yours is u can avoid them and work on those issues to stop it before it starts
2 the meds 7-10 days is my rule of thumb if they do not have a effect i see or other ppl notice u call the doctor up and tell them u need to see them and adjust because not right ( some pills do take longer talk to the doctor)
3 have friends and family around at all times to slap u and tell u calm down be good what ever ......plus they give u feed back on medical effects
4 u have the right to see and get a copy of all your medical files at anytime once u request them ........u keep a set for yourself in case u need to see a new doctor or refer back to them about treatments tried (from the date they gave u the notice u have bi polar u keep copies of until u kick the bucket in how ever many years ) this helps u with alot of things all the way tho life
5 do not stress yourself out ....if u feel iffy or not right someplace excuse yourself nicely and go to where u are
6 have a soothing tool it can be anything a rock u like to rub in your hand ...gum to chew .... a pocket watch to listen too/watch the works........it is something u can use to stabilize yourself really quick and make some correct choices not manic ......it breaks the loop thinking but only for a short time
7 pick a hobby the meds they will give u will be odd and a hobby allows u to get use to them and adapt to it so things are back to the normal
8 set yourself up a safety net..........someone close u trust if u need to go into the hospital to have things worked out they are the one that can take u there and watch out for your stuff and bills ..........when u are in the hospital u only need to worry about getting strait everything on the outside is taken care of by whoever .....u will get out much faster and rest alot better