[johndsgirl]

Hi. I need some advice. I am recently reliving some issues that happened in my childhood. I was sexually abused. It's killing me and I think it's affecting my bipolar disorder mixed. It makes me crazy thinking about all this stuff. My T calls them flashbacks, but they make my moods swing so wide sometimes I can't tell if I'm up or down.

My fiancee and I have been discussing some of these things. I have recently come to realize that I'm a control freak, somehow thinking if I control mine and everyone else's life that bad things won't happen, but they always do. When they do I blame someone else. I was wondering if anyone else is dealing with anything like this and how they are coping with the feelings of inadequacy and despair. And if they have any idea on any techniques I can try, besides bi-weekly therapy, that might help. My relationship cannot move forward until I deal with my past and I need help.

[Amazonmom]

I found out my PTSD was triggering my mood cycles. I think weekly therapy and meds are helping...its so common to have an anxiety disorder on top of Bipo!

Really what helped me the most is the therapy and propranolol to help stave off the early anxiety.

safe HUGS

[Skully]

Originally Posted by Amazonmom

I found out my PTSD was triggering my mood cycles. I think weekly therapy and meds are helping...its so common to have an anxiety disorder on top of Bipo!

Really what helped me the most is the therapy and propranolol to help stave off the early anxiety.

safe HUGS

Yes I too found the same thing, PTSD tiggers my moods as well. And weekly therapy was a life saver to me. Definitely something to consider.

[Fresia]

I am the same in that the PTSD triggers my moods and swings (and vice versa), and also in the need to want to control them and everything around me (very controlling, I am). Medication and weekly therapy are a must for me. I couldn't manage it without the help and support of T and my pdoc. Friends and family are also very supportive to deal with all of the above. I just cannot do it alone.

It took a long time to accept what had happened, that it was in the past and to cope in the moment. There are skills T can teach to cope with flashbacks in the moment and the anxiety that comes with it. It cannot harm you now despite how real it feels. Ask about techniques for this as well as for the inadequacy and despair. It took me a long time to admit to these feelings but once I did they were really helpful. It still plagues me; there's no way I'm going to say I'm all better but having coping strategies now that have lessened the effects so not so traumatized all the time.

[ladyjrnlist]

PTSD also triggers my cycles. I also am controlling. Controlling my external world makes me feel as if my internal world is under control. False, but it feels like that. So many things affect bipolar and vise versa. It is a frustrating and complex condition. Try to work through one thing at a time. Stress is a trigger and PTSD is most definitely stress.