I'm new here

but not as new to bipolar. I was diagnosed last summer, but still having trouble with coping. This past weekend was a disaster, I went into a total depressed spiral, all because of family issues that had nothing to do with me. My stepmother overdosed on Ambien and Xanax and dad called me in a panic. My daughter called the next day freaking out - she couldn't feel her hands or toes and didn't know where she was. I think she was having alcohol poisening. To top this all off, we are in the midst of moving and I was having to handle all the packing, arrangements to get utilities moved etc.

I ended up heading for the bottle (alcohol) to deal with it all, which I know is the worst thing I could do because it just makes me more depressed. But at the time, I just wanted to escape. I ended up missing 3 days of work and I feel so guilty now I can't stand it. My husband has no idea I missed work and I don't know how to tell him.

I'm still so stressed my body is reacting, making me nauseated when I eat, I'm tired, my allergies are kicking up and I think I'm having a reaction to the Lamictil I take - I get horrible redness and itching all over my body.

Any advice on how you deal with stress??

Hi! You are definitely under a lot of stress! Some people listen to calming music, watch an enjoyable movie, get out and do some shopping, read a good book, talk with friends, talk to a therapist, sing, meditate, go for a walk or do other exercise, take a warm bath, get outside and watch nature, etc. Maybe one or more of these techniques will work for you. I hope you feel more relaxed soon!

First of all, you should tell your doctor about the Lamictal rash right this second. It can be a very dangerous reaction. He will take you right off of it. This rash can be a very serious condition. Get on the phone immediately!!!!!!!!!! Second of all, relaxation when you are under a lot of stress is surely important. Different people find different things calming. Some ideas are: Meditation, a warm bath, aromatherapy, a walk, exercise, soft music, deep breathing. It would be great if you could talk to a therapist too. Mine always says the past is history; don't waste energy there. You drank and missed work. Move on. Don't beat yourself up. Guilt is a useless emotion. It serves no good purpose. Feel better soon.