[ariatboot]

I cant fall apart again. I dont have the money. I did in August. Was hospitalized for 6 days.

Two hours ago I was fine. I was happy and I was going to check my e-mail and a few things then clean the house and get the Christmas decorations out. I got sidetracked on the computer. I have been able to keep myself super busy that I haven't been able to think about it but I relaxed too long and now Im crashing. I know its been coming on for a while (since before Thanksgiving) but I cant get into my pdoc until next Thursday and I wont see my T until the 15th and i'm falling apart. Not just kinda falling apart. I mean really falling apart, the kind that usually lands me in the hospital.

Its Christmas, moneys tights already, I cant afford another hospital stay. I dont know what to do.

Too bad I cant just hold myself together with Christmas wrapping paper and lots of tape to get me through, its cheap this time of year.

[Resident Bipolar]

First things first: take a deep breath in and exhale through your nose. It can be very scary when you feel an imminent episode approaching.

You need to find more things to keep you busy and distracted. Try appreciating the good things in life: searching as deeply as you can from a positive in everything that you do. Be proud of yourself for simply getting out of bed in the morning: it isn't the easiest thing for a bipolar to do during a bad phase. Congratulate yourself for doing the day-to-day tasks you do everyday.

Next you need to find somebody close to you. Confide in this friend, family member, family friend or partner. Tell him/her how you are feeling, and maybe exchange some warm hugs and/or cuddles.

It's important not to worry yourself. We're all here for you. If you get any negative thoughts and need to speak to somebody...I really would like it if you could PM or email one of your favourite people on the forum. I for one would be happy to speak to you.

Are you on any meds? Take them exactly as prescribed.

It's a strong belief of mine that good physical health = good mental health and vice-versa. Go for long walks and breathe in the fresh air.

What do you REALLY enjoy doing? Do as much of what you enjoy as you can and hold on to these things. You don't want to lose touch with what makes you happy, nor do you want to begin to lose interest in hobbies - doing so could send you into a deeper spiral.

Sorry. This reply is completely pointless. I'm not sure of your circumstances or social life or interests or anything. But something I do is remember that what I am feeling is temporary. Life is what you make of it...don't simply resign and allow yourself to fall into such a spiral you end up back in inpatient. If you begin thinking about inpatient you'll begin worrying about it more and more.

Just keeping holding on in there until you can see your pdoc on Tuesday. Until then we're all here for you.

I hope you feel better soon sweety.
RB ♥

[tnlibrarian]

Take a deep breath, have a cup of tea or hot chocolate, relax and do something you enjoy.

Then take into consideration what you can do to get help. Can you call your doctor after hours? My psych gave me her cell phone and I have the number for the mobile crisis team at the psych hospital. If you have a number for your doctor after hours call. Tell them what is going on and ask if you can get in to see them sooner. Do the same with your therapist if you have an after hours number.

Is there someone who can come stay with you and help out around the house? If there is, now is the time to call them. If you have a friend or spiritual advisor you feel comfortable talking to give them a call.

Finally--if you really do feel like you need in patient care, get it. Hospitals will set up payment plans. Do what you have to do to get help.

And keep coming here and talking to us! We'll help any way we can!

ariatboot! Good thoughts from Resident Bipolar and tnlibrarian, so...echo on those. Keeping busy really does help, and you've been doing a very good job on that! Try not to let a lull sidetrack you from recognizing your accomplishments and jumping back in. To encourage getting back on the train that is moving in the positive direction...One trick I use is to think of a thing or two to do and immediately start in doing it, before I have time to think. At all. (The one time my having the attention span of a flea actually helps! ) It helps get me out of my head (where if I linger, it will go) and before I know it, something is accomplished, and that's always a good feeling.

This is my goal today too, so let's do it together, ok? Cheering you on!

[Rosie23]

I use music. Anything happy with a bouncy beat. It is hard to sit still with a good tune playing. Hang in there. I know how scary it is when you can feel the crash coming and it takes all of your strength to keep it pushed back.
Remember to be good to yourself

[GothGeisha]

My T makes me do Tapping for emotional Freedom even though I don't have PTSD. It really does help though. It slows your heart rate and relaxes anxiety. I am not sure if anyone else has ever done it for BP.