Help!

I'm bipolar and am having a very hard time managing my symptoms. Currently I'm so hypomanic it's not funny. I feel like this illness will be the death of me. Any advice?

hi bunny, welcome, i'm new here too but it's already helped me so much. people here have good advice and help.

are you recently diagnosed? what are you going through specifically symptoms if you care to share? i'm having some hypomania right now, for example racing thoughts and insomnia. the way i'm dealing with it right now is by trying to just notice my thoughts, and thinking to myself - ok so my thoughts are racing and i cant fall asleep, it's uncomfortable and i dont like it, but it will pass, i should try some breathing exercises, or maybe i should do some middle of the night yoga. so basically i guess i'm trying to calm myself and trying to stay away from catastrophic thinking, etc. and i'm glad i'm at home and safe.

my advice is don't ever give up, learn as much as you can about bipolar, and be kind and nurturing to yourself. i'm recently diagnosed earlier this year so still so much to learn for me. hope some of this might help, hang in there

Hi bunny and welcome to PC.

Are you in treatment? Meds, therapy, anything?

Hard to say what will help - it depends on the symptoms and what you're already doing to manage them. If you're comfortable sharing more detail, I'm sure others can chime in with more useful advice!

If you feel like you're in a place where you think you're out of control and the illness is taking over, I do recommend talking to someone. If you're in treatment call your therapist or pdoc. I hate feeling like that, best not to keep it to yourself.

Hey, bunny. I'm glad you found PsychCentral! In general, BlueInanna's suggestions are topnotch! I'd give them a try pronto. Getting to know just how the bipolar disorder is specifically affecting you takes a while, but in the meantime read read read & brain-drain your psychiatrist & therapist if you have them.

There's lots of info in the "stickies" at the top of the Bipolar Forum postings. PC has info in other locations too--explore the site, it's huge!

Post a lot, ask questions, chime in when something connects. We're a knowledgeable and generous community. I'm glad you're here to become a part of it.

Hi Bunny16. I also am new to this site, but I've been diagnosed for 3 years. Everyone is right when they to talk to your pdoc and therapist. Call when things get tough. I call and leave a message and they call me back the same day, maybe not right away but before they leave the office. The symtoms can be dealt with one at a time; no need to be overwhelmed by trying to fix everything at once.Talk to people on this forum and friends or family you can trust.Good luck.

Hi Bunny,

I'm also new and want to second what everyone here as already said. Contact your pdoc and let him/her know of your symptoms. I also want to remind you to be careful of your environment, particularly what you put in your body. I myself feel a little "wired" and hypomanic. These is solely due to the fact that my sleep cycle is completely off. It's now a little after midnight here, and I've had about 6 cups of coffee about 5 hours ago. Too much caffeine can trigger a hypomania. I feel pretty "high" and worried that the delusions are soon to follow. Luckily, they have not appeared and pray that I can someone find some sleep quickly so that I can get up tomorrow and start "fresh".

Good luck to you and remember that we are here and in this together!