[Mac Murphy]

I have been on a really good mix of meds for the last year and it has kept my mania pretty much under control. But I had to move 750 miles away from home to find work. I am living alone away from my wife and family. My job is awful and my stress and anxiety is through the roof. I haven't been able to find a new T up here and have no one to talk to about this. I am a mess right now but I can't afford to quit and move home as there are no jobs there.

What are some things others have done to alleviate stress and anxiety?

Thanks,
Mac

[blueoctober]

Exercising works for me. Have you considered joining a face to face bipolar support group? I hope you're feeling better soon

[kathleen slattery]

Just for me, I go on a REALLY long walk every morning, and now that the weather is getting nice, will probably go for a cycle along the water with my ipod turned on in the afternoon. I find that being out and about, and interacting with people as much as possible does the trick for me.
But that's all very well for ME to say, as I am now permanently home, and don't have to deal with the stress of a daily job; plus I go see my therapist once a week to tell her all my problems.
As for a bipolar support group - I never entertained the idea of that, and I am not sure that I would necessarily be comfortable attending a group so defined. Isn't it better to surround yourself with normal people to keep yourself calm, rather than a group of people who may like you get manic or depressed, and that in itself might set off similar feelings within you? I don't know the answer to that question; just that I never thought of that concept.

[Confusedinomicon]

KS, I think it depends on the person.

I would definably look into changing diet and working out on a daily basis, though. Really, if you're taking a good mix of meds that is working with you, it may mean your body is looking for more to satisfy it. Finding friends to hang out with can help, too.

Remember that if you're doing low-impact exercise, you need to try and do it most days of the week for 30 minutes. High impact exercise you can usually get away with doing 20 minutes, 3x a week.

Hope you feel better<3

[blueoctober]

Originally Posted by kathleen slattery

Isn't it better to surround yourself with normal people to keep yourself calm, rather than a group of people who may like you get manic or depressed, and that in itself might set off similar feelings within you?

It really depends on the group and it depends what you want to get out of it. I had good experiences with it and I found I learned the most from the other group members.

Mac, One ting I would suggest is to find a group that is run by a mental health professional(s). Ideally a Psychiatrist or a Psychologist. I hope you're feeling better today.

[Nightside of Eden]

What has been said about exercise is good, though I would say to get into the habit of doing it nearly every day (this is something I should be doing, and am not ). How you look at the situation can also really effect your anxiety levels. Try not to worry about what may happen with your job in the future. Make plans to do something you enjoy after work (even if it's just chatting with a friend ) and when your anxiety starts to go up remind yourself that it's only a few hours until you get to do that. And always remember that this crappy situation is not forever.

Finally, no job is worth sacrificing your mental health for. Truly, it's not. If it really becomes too much stress for you to handle, please, please quit before it pushes you over the edge. Look at it this way: If you destabilize you're going to lose your job anyway, and then you won't be able to look for another one! I know how bad it feels to admit work is too much--I just had to do that myself. But I guarantee your family would rather lose your income than lose you.



I so hope work is going better for you today.

[wing]

Hey Mac,

Are you having trouble finding a therapist who will take new patients?

[Mac Murphy]

Thanks all. I am still struggling a lot. Mental health care in Oregon is awful. I have found a new P but have not been able to get in with a T yet. I feel like I am beginning to spin out of control again. I know I need a tweak to my meds but I don't want to go back on anything that will make me gain weight again. The drastic weight loss I have had in the past year is the only thing I am happy about. So I am just white knuckling it here.

[Confusedinomicon]

Can you make an emergency appointment?

Maybe they can keep you on one of those that makes you gain weight for a month then take you off again just so you can get stable?

((Mac))