[Typo]

I am rapid cycling, I'm happy then sad, angry then manic.

I don't know what to do to fix it, it's almost unberable.

I'm getting dropped from insurance as of the 31st, so I can't continue therapy or try to fix my medience

Is there any coping skills I can do? I'm still new to this diagnoises and I'm not sure how to cope,

Thank you
Sparrow

[thinker22]

A couple of thoughts, although I'm new to this too...June '09 diagnosis.

One is there are programs to get your meds for free direct from the drug company. Before you get dropped, have your doc or clinic fill out the forms for you so you can get a voucher and free pills from your local pharmacy until they process your request and send you (can be direct by mail) a 3 month supply. All you have to prove is that you're low income in most cases (pay stubs) or have no prescription coverage and can't afford your meds (maybe a letter of being dropped from insurance or loss of employment) otherwise. I've got Seroquel, Effexor, Lamictal, and Wellbutrin all for free. Others too, but the point is there has to be a way to keep you on your meds, especially if they're helping you to cope.

Second thought is, if you're new to this diagnosis, you definitely still need to see someone on a regular basis, even if that means setting up a payment plan with the therapist or p-doc or both. Your life may depend on it if you swing one way or another. Going to the ER everytime you have a bad episode will be much more expensive (and sometimes that happens anyway, but it will happen less often if you see someone every week or two).

I fired my psych meds nurse and therapist about 3 weeks ago when I was in a crisis and was ready to give up on the whole process. However, my problems didn't magically go away. So...I searched for a new psych doctor and I apologized to my therapist because he wasn't the real problem anyway. I was on the WRONG meds (and still am not totally alright although I quit one of them). And you probably are too...or maybe the wrong dosage. I'm currently on a high...probably still hypomanic, not manic, but it's gone on for weeks (with little sleep) and I'm looking forward to meeting the new p-doc. Why? Although I feel awesome, at some point, all bipolar people will crash into a deep depression and hypersomnia to make up for all the lost sleep.

So, it sounds like stopping treatment is a financial issue and not your choice. I'm pretty strapped too. I do have some school insurance, but even so, I have had to go through clinics and ask about discounts here and there. There is a way you can at least see someone part time and get affordable meds. It can be a lengthy process, but it's well worth it.

PS...I had a day like you described (very mixed and mercurial) in the past couple of weeks and it was awful! You feel so out of control. Sorry you're going through this.

The only other thing is exercise (so I'm told) can improve your overall cycles and well being. I hate exercise so I'm still resisting it. I hate heat and sweating, etc. But, I will try to walk at least during the cool part of the morning or at night. So that's one thing that's free, for what it's worth.

We'll be around. Keep in touch.

[Berries]

Originally Posted by Silversparrow

I am rapid cycling, I'm happy then sad, angry then manic.

I don't know what to do to fix it, it's almost unberable.

I'm getting dropped from insurance as of the 31st, so I can't continue therapy or try to fix my medience

Is there any coping skills I can do? I'm still new to this diagnoises and I'm not sure how to cope,

Thank you
Sparrow

(((((Sparrow)))))
I think you should follow thinker's advice. You simply cannot successfully live with bipolar disorder without 1. Meds and 2. therapy. It, sadly, is just not possible. You may be able to get away with it for a period of time, but not your whole life.
Some Bipolars can go years in between episodes. Some bipolars have episodes all the time. Some are rapid cyclers (which sounds like you) But, no matter what, I promise you the episodes will come.
And it sounds like you are in an episode right now. So you for sure definitely RIGHT NOW need to be on meds and see someone on a regular basis.
One thing that is very common to happen to a bipolar off meds is sooner or later developing psychotic symptoms and/or becoming psychotic. You don't want it to progress to that. It is painful and can land you in the hospital.
Another very common thing to happen for untreated bipolar disorder is suicide attempts and suicide successes.

So PLEASE make the extra effort, even though you probably don't feel you can do it, to follow thinker's advice.

AND KEEP POSTING!!!

Wishing you strength

[bridgie]

Sórry to hear. I went through that just recently. Now if you are getting dropped from insurance do they offer a cobra plan. Try and get that. And try and get the state to pay the premium. Good luck

[Trying & Caring]

Maybe look for Recovery, Inc. meetings in your area. There teach coping skills like what you you learn in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (have been to Recovery meetings & do DBT weekly--very helpful w/my bipolar symptoms & have been able to decrease some dosages & even get off some meds).

Also, most of the women in my DBT group have their therapy & meds paid for by Medicaide (or is it Medicare?). I don't know the ins & outs of it, but they get full coverage through gov't programs. Your pdoc &/or therapist should know about this. Plus, you may be able to get on disability.

[ouroboros]

I rapid cycle anywhere between 8 to 10 times a day. From my experience, there are three ways to control the frequency and intensity of your cycling:
1) Having a good sleep cycle - Bipolars are more likely to cycle faster when they have improper circadian rhythmn...
2) Diet - Multi-vitamins can be a good choice, because many of us are deficient in essential minerals, and omega-3s are also good supplements. Avoiding alcohol and nicotine are also a good idea, as they tend to have adverse affects on biochemistry.
3) Managing your triggers... i.e. STRESS. Stress will invariably worsen the intensity and frequency of symptoms is nearly every medical condition, as it weakens our defenses and can often send our biological processes into over-drive.
Hopefully these can be useful to you...