[tink2011]

any ideas on how to help me cope with my bi polar as I am struggling majorly

[Eloise42]

Are you having trouble with the whole picture, day to day life, friends and family, adjusting to a new diagnosis? What helped me was reading a lot about bipolar and everything I was prescribed and having a really good prescribing doctor. Also writing is a good outlet for me.

[ladyjrnlist]

A therapist can help you best with that, I think. Try that route if you can.

[Moose72]

I agee. A therapist will help you learn coping techniques. It takes time and practice learning how to spot symptoms as they start or what to do if you've missed the clues until they're right on top of you.

[sugahorse1]

More the manic or depression side?

My pdoc helped by putting me on meds at first. But I still couldn't find my inner peace. Seeing a T has helped me a lot, as has reading about BP. And having a few select friends I can open up to.

This forum has also been great for me to learn more, and find support

[Tsunamisurfer]

Yup, they all said it! Sometimes talking to someone (who can relate) about specific experiences can be encouraging too - as Sugahorse mentioned.

[Vita]

Putting words on thoughts and feelings helps a lot?
Still, it takes time to get through the process of coping with distress, learning and accepting that you are bibolar.
Take your time.
You will probably have to live with it. We all do.

[hahalebou]

Are you struggling mood-wise, or are you struggling to accept the diagnosis? I'm currently keeping a "mood journal" to see if there's anything that triggers my mood swings (like the obvious: sugar, stress, etc.) or makes them worse. I'm hoping that it will help me lessen the severity of my mood swings by a good amount. Of course, I agree with everything that has been said above; see a therapist, take your meds, etc. but I do also recommend the mood journal. Just try it for a week.

Also, if you ever need to talk, PM me. I'm a good listener.

[stampinnanny]

I always try to stay optomistic, sometimes annoyingly so, but some positives I have learned about bipolar disorder:

According to expert Ph.D Dr. Jay Carter, we think 6 times faster than normal people when we are either hypomanic or manic and you can never win an argument with us.

We are far more creative than the general population at large. Studies have been done on it. Google it.

Per my own experience when I was last depressed for 2 months I lost 30 lbs. and saved $1400.00 because I wasn't spending any money except to pay bills. HooWa!

Seriously-get yourself involved with a good support group. Your local mental health department should have a listing of those available, if not, try NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill). Develop a crisis plan. Tell who you want, what you want, when you want it. For instance, I want you, best friend A to call Dr. B and take me to emergency room C if I do X or start saying YZ. Or, in my case, friend A I want you to hold on to my $800.00 and don't give it back to me until the new seasons theatre tickets become available for purchase. (I spend all my extra money impulsively almost immediately). Give yourself some time to grieve and then realize, this is just another one of those hurdles that life throws at you and it too, can be managed. Of all the different mental illnesses ours is the best. When we get high, there is no feeling on earth that can beat it for awhile. Besides that I'll bet you have a great sense of humor and all your friends think you're funny. Good luck.

[sanityseeker]

All I can share is what I did when I finally accepted the diagnosis.

Ask lots of questions. Learn as much as you can about the symptoms and the treatments. Talk to others who share the diagnosis. Remember when things are rough, it is not about you but it is about the symptoms. It is not you off balance but your brain is playing tricks on you. Let friends and family support you. Lets people here support you. Take each day as it comes. Breath.

I hope you feel better soon. You are not alone and people are always here to help you through the rough times and celebrate with you through the good times.

[sugahorse1]

(((Tink))) hope you're feeling betta.

[babygirl2201028]

a theripist or friends or defenintly this site!!!!!
hi I`m erica aka babygirl2201028 I hope you get as much help from this site/community as i have there are alot of great things and if you ever need me message me-k- good luck!!!!! I think most people have certain problems or issues but most want to help or they can relate....we can help....i hope

[owllover99]

One day at a time. Music helps. A good friend helps if you have one you can trust. Paper and pen helps. Now they got all kinds of meds and therapts and pdocs. But that is trial and error. It took me a long time to find good ones. But knowing you're still a person, a whole person and keeping that in mind helps, too. Hope this helps. Gotta go. Owl.