[MadyJohannah]

I have been so tired lately. I stay up all hours of the night, worrying about nothing. I just can't sleep. I worry about my sister, my brother, my dad and mom, and there's nothing wrong with any of them. I stopped by my mom's today to see my two nieces and I had to leave because I got really upset with them - over not sharing, for crying out loud. They are 5 and 2. Do you think they have learned to share yet? Obviously not, so why was I upset? I have no idea. Lately, everything is getting on my nerves. I am starting to sometimes feel like I did before I started taking my meds. I am taking celexa and that helps the depression, but not much else. I have mild mania, but I have always been able to handle it up until now. I am out of school for the summer and have no bookwork to do and maybe that contributes to it, but everything is just driving me crazy. UUUUUUUGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!! It's been one of those episodes. I hope this ends soon. This is not how summer should start. (not to sound like a teenager, but gosh darn it all, summer is supposed to be fun:'() Oh well, tomorrow may be better, and the next day, better still. We'll just have to see.

Does anyone have any tips on how to manage the little things? It seems that lately I just can't get my head on straight.

[William Werner]

MadyJohannah,

For me, meditation helps me relax and put things in persceptive. My pdoc also has me on Seroquel and Lamictal which seem to even things out. Hope you find something to help and have a great summer.

[wing]

Could you be suffering from anxiety vs bipolar symptoms? Maybe the anxiety forum could help?

[Polly23]

Hey MadyJohannah,
It sounds as though actually you may be experiencing a mixed episode, where you are feeling both depressed and anxious and perhaps a bit manic all together. How long have you been on the Celexa? I had been on and off it for a few years (I would start in the fall and stop iin the spring when I felt better. Until one day, starting it sent me into a horrible mixed episode and I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 in a mixed rapid cycling state. It was horrible, but I felt kind of how you describe. I of course cannot diagnose, but if you are truly Bipolar,m then perhaps Celexa is the the drug of choice for you. Have you tried anything else??

[SunReach]

I always experience mixed symptoms after stressors go away (such as assessments etc) and even though I should be happy I can enjoy the holidays, I'm tired and annoyed that suddenly what I had been doing isn't there...I think it may simply be the adjustment period of your routine, but you need to make sure you sleep well - definitely talk to your doctor about that, lack of sleep makes you more restless and more irritable and more tired so you can't channel the restlessness properly and the cycle can go on.

About tips...A schedule helps. Meals and sleeping times. As well as a morning routine...And the usual diet advice, avoiding much coffee, salt etc - anything that destabilises your blood sugar levels...And probably avoid tasks that require higher level of patience! Especially if it is important not to lose it..

I hope you feel better soon

[ScooterBug]

Mady -

I think it's time for you to set up some daily tasks for yourself. I don't know what kind of programs are available in Kentucky, but here in FL there are Mental Illness "Yellow Pages" Guides given out every year per county.

I found an art place that caters to anyone with a mental illness - it's FREE - called 9 Muses. It was awesome!! I would go and do pottery classes, belly-dancing, paintings, etc.

I was able to make friends there and I can go anytime I wanted. I found that my anxiety of not keeping my mind busy would ease off and seeing my artistic projects done and come out so beautiful was inspiring.

I am sure there are some sort of places set up near you where they help you keep busy and be productive. Check even with your local YMCA/YWCA. A little research might find you a great way to make your summer fun!!