[interested2011]

Hi all,

I am new to this site and could use some advice.

I have been struggling with BP for years, although I was only recently diagnosed. What's hardest for me these days is dealing with my irritability.

I was wondering if anyone could share strategies that have worked for them in dealing with irritability. I deal with the public at work and being irritable makes it so hard to function.

I'm taking meds which have greatly helped my moods, but don't seem to do much for my irritability.

Any input would be greatly appreciated...

[blueoctober]

Welcome interested2011! Exercising really helps me, watching what I eat /limiting my caffeine and speaking to a therapist helps keep it in check. Taking a deep breath helps as well, but I tend to forget to do that

I'm lucky in that I live very close to work, so I go home for lunch. This time by myself helps me recharge. If you don't have that option perhaps going on a walk on your break would help?

[sugahorse1]

I am still trying to come to terms with this, but as much as possible I try to take myself away from the stress. At home I'll go sit on my own in the bedroom for a while, at work I'll get out of my office and see a friend.
And then I do rely on Benzo's at times when I really can't cope

[CesarioRose]

I can get very irritable, spiteful, rage-filled, and what helps for me is, well, isolation, and video games. :/

But during the warmer months, what helps a lot is running, and long walks through wooded areas/parks.

Having a therapist, and an confidant outside of the therapist/client relationship also helps. Someone who can stand your more grouchy side.

Also, music/isolation headphones are good too. Books if you have enough mental stability to read.

Sitting down with a good hot cup of tea, sometimes a dozen for those long days or weeks.

[madisgram]

i have this symptom in cycles. pdoc said it came from hypomania in regard to my bp. i'd speak with your pd about this. there may be a med that can help you when you feel like this.
welcome to pc! hope my info helps you.

[wing]

I consider an impending mixed episode when I start to get really irritable...perhaps a mood chart will help you track it. I deal with it by all the methods described above, except I don't address it in therapy. Some days one thing works better than the others. I just have to keep my "toolbox" of coping skills handy.

[Kymaro]

I like the "toolbox of coping skills", what a great way to round it all up. Irritability is something we all deal with I think, from one time or anyother. I, myself, is top of the list for being irritable. I "have to get away" when this happens. I smoke, so that helps me, also benzo's help. But most of all "taking a few deep breaths and remember it's me that is irriatable not the person I'm dealing with" It's not really their fault that your irritable, try not to take it out on them. I work with the public too, so I know how difficult it can be. Talk with the pdoc, maybe your medications can use some tweeking.

Good luck - and remember take a few deep breaths and count to 10, no 20, maybe 30. Idk what ever it takes to settle down :-)