Hi everyone,

So I'm new at this. Was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder a year ago. I have spent time in an inpatient care facility. Been on several combinations of drugs. And recently was diagnosed with an Anxiety Disorder as well.

I just feel as though everything is falling apart around me. And I am powerless to stop it. I am taking my medication. I saw the doctor in early November and have an appointment again next week.

But I haven't been sleeping, or at least not well. My appetite is low. And I have trouble doing my daily tasks, the biggest one being attending work.

How do any of you deal with it? Any advice?

[~Christina]

Hi Randrum,

Welcome to PC Sorry you are struggling with all the joys of Bipolar. Anxiety is pretty common with Bipolar.

Do you have a Therapist? I think talk therapy can help people find ways to cope and manage daily life, well it has really helped me.
It maybe that your medications are just not working or the right ones, it often can take a while to find the right combo.

Meditation is very helpful. You will find tons of great advice tips and tools here to help you.

Welcome

[Blue Poppy]

Hello Randrum,

I am glad you have come to this site. I have learned a great deal about this illness as well as coping strategies from the members of this group.

I was diagnosed two years ago and I will be returning to work mid December. It has taken about two years, many medications, therapy to help me sort out my thoughts, exercise etc. to get to this stage. I was thinking about it today and I think that I have finally accepted that I have this disease.

The illness impacts your ability to cope with life, from the smallest of tasks to the most complex; from brushing your teeth to attendance at work. It is not your personality, intellect, character flaws or anything else that is limiting you - it is the disease.

As MoreThingsWrong has indicated, it does seem to take time to find the right combination of medications. I didn't think it was ever going to happen, but over time, as everyone reassured me, I did get better. I also think a counsellor is a very good idea.

I can empathize with your struggle and right now and if possible, would encourage you to decrease some of your responsibilities until you are feeling better.

Hang in there..............

Blue Poppy

[Seaswept]

Welcome randrum. This is a great site, its very supportive and you can learn a lot of coping skills here.
It took me a long time to accept (the 2nd time around) that I had bipolar disorder and like the others said, it takes time to find the right med combo.
For now, try to stick to a routine as much as possible- eat at the same times everyday, go to bed at the same time every night. I know it can be difficult to do, I still struggle with it but when I do stay with the routine, things go better for me.
Also try not to take on too much. Is it possible to take some time off from work?

[hamster-bamster]

You cannot fix bipolar without fixing sleep first. So that is where the effort should go.

[sugahorse1]

Hi and welcome. I'm still looking for the right meds after more than 3 years...
As has been mentioned, from time to time I have Been in therapy too, and have found it to be really beneficial.

I had a therapist when I was living in Alabama. But after my move to Pennsylvania, my insurance did not cover any therapists in my area so I stopped seeing one. I just changed jobs again and need to look into if there is therapy available through my new employers insurance.

I am currently on a combination of Lithium Carbonate ER, Seroquel, and my doctor just added Clonazepam the beginning of November. I was fairly stable on the Lithium and Seroquel over the summer while I was off work. But since starting the new job and moving (again), my anxiety has flared. Though that could be caused by stressed.

I only started the job in September and am scared to take too much time off work. I have already felt threatened by my employer when I have taken a day or two to cope with symptoms. And when I took a week off to adjust to my new medication, they forced me to use a leave management company and required I fill out Americans with Disability Act paperwork. For all my absences, I have followed the proper call-in procedure and provided doctor's excuses. I fear if I request more time off work, I will lose my job.

All your advice has been very helpful. I do try to meditate and use breathing exercises I have learned. I make it a point to exercise a few times a week. Where I struggle is with maintaining a routine. I wake up at the same time each day. But when I eat, go to sleep, etc. varies from day to day.

[Seaswept]

Originally Posted by hamster-bamster

You cannot fix bipolar without fixing sleep first. So that is where the effort should go.

Very True.

[faerie_moon_x]

It is true. You'd be amazed how much sleep is connected to stability.

As for daily tasks set small goals for yourself, and as you get into the habbit of meeting those goals, make new goals. For getting yourself to work maybe set up a reward system. If you get to work on time every day for a week, then you get a treat you've been wanting. Or if you make it a whole month, you get a really special treat. I know it sounds funny but it actually does help to look forward to things. I think when you have something to look forward to that is exciting, you are more motivated.

All your advice has been great. And the support wonderful. So thank you.

I am going to try to focus more on my sleep. Going to bed at the same time, removing distractions, etc.

dark_heart_x - I like the idea of little goals. I think it may help me, especially where work is concerned. I need find a way to motivate myself to attend every day. Maybe by setting daily, weekly, and monthly goals I can motivate myself better to attend.