[Notdamooma]

Need help dealing with this bipolar. It has taken over my life in so many ways. Should I change my life to fit bipolar or work with the bipolar to fit my life?

Probably a little bit of both.

Changing things in your life that are high stress is one thing. Learning to manage and cope with the symptoms is the other.

Working on a regular sleep pattern, healthy diet and exercise of some kind really really help.

Learning to live with bipolar is a long process. But it can be achieved. Sorry I don't have a lot if time right now. I'm on my way out the door. But this I a good place to learn.

[Notdamooma]

Thanks Anika, I will try your suggestions. I guess finally admitting I had bp was more overwhelming than I thought it would be.

[SunAngel]

Anika, a very wise response.

Notdamooma,

It can be really frustrating sometimes. Are you just newly diagnosed? There are some good things that can really help, especially in the beginning. Like keep a mood chart and tracking your moods and stressors, meds and sleep. This can give you alot of insight into patterns and triggers.

Knowing your triggers is great, so you can take some control over those things and know your limits. Alot of hospitals have outpatient programs. If you can get into one of those, it can be tremendously helpful for learning to cope and manage.

Therapy is also a good place to start. It's really hard to get bipolar undercontrol with a medication only route, because the meds can only do so much.

Welcome to PC, glad to have you here. Hope to see you around the forum.

[faerie_moon_x]

Anika's advice is really good! Also try to learn when to say "no." Like if you're getting stressed out too much, you need to be able to say "I need a break." Sometimes that in itself can stop you from triggering.

[Anneinside]

I suggest that you get the book, Bipolar for Dummies. It is an excellent book, especially those new to bipolar....and it is reasonably priced.

[Notdamooma]

Thanks everyone for your responses. And darkhorse, I am just learning to say "no" at 52 years old and alot of people are having trouble with it. Kind of funny actually to see their faces when I do say "no". Somewhere along the line I lost myself and now I am putting myself first for once and not getting good reactions. Life is unique now.