[JonB]

Just looking for helpful advice on how to get through the stress of the next two weeks without going manic or, worse, depressed. With all these friends and family around I'm paranoid about opening my big mouth and saying something stupid. I'm sticking with the meds but I'm still hypomanic and the stress of having guests and other issues could potentially turn that right into a nasty depression. It seems like, even with staying faithful to the meds, stress just brings out the worst of the bipolar issues. Irritability is my number one complaint right about now. I'm a regular bah humbug. Just don't want to spoil it for everyone. Or make it worse by going on a buying spree and coming home with loads of crap that seems so perfect at the time. Any suggestions?

[biplol]

JonB, I finally got to the point when my family knows exactly what I need. I try really hard not to be selfish on my need of spaces and "please not so much noise"; I think I try to set my mind on a between moods mode.
It's not easy but I don't want to spoil the party and at the same time I want to enjoy.
My siblings and I talked about meeting in somebody else's house, because I also have OCD so it's really easy for me to start obsessing about every little thing people do while in my house.
I'm going to my sister's and when I'm ready to go home, I just do. Usually during the party time I go outside or to the bathroom just to have some space and fresh air.
If you know what triggers you it's easier to prevent a bad moment. I'd suggets you look at your own patterns and you will find, eventually, a way to deal.
In the meantime, hang in there, and if you want I can take one more beer outside for you, lol!
Good luck!

i find that a brisk walk always helps me get back to center.........

[mrsdodge]

I'm one of those who waits until a week before Christmas and does all the shopping in one day. I do that for one reason, I don't want to ruin any more time I have off work than I have to. I spent this past Saturday doing my shopping and to be safe, I took half a Xanax prior so that I didn't get locked up for not being able to control my anger.
I don't plan on taking a pill before our Christmas dinner. I will have one with me just in case though. I want to be able to remember everything where Xanax kinda make me kind of blah.. So when things get a little crowded or noisey, I usually go outside and walk around the front or back yard and get some fresh air, kinda clear my head a little, if that's possible.. lol.

[biplol]

Ohh so, now there are 3 of us outside,lol!

pretty soon we'll have enough out there to play "ring around the rosie"............ or tag or softball..........

[biplol]

{{fayerody}}

[JonB]

I'll definitely be outside with you guys! I'm a person who needs time to myself and it's so hard to get when you have company staying at your house. It's amazing how small a house can seem when you have guests - especially family guests. I make any excuse to run errands, take out the trash, anything.

I like the idea of taking walks to get a break. I could sure use the exercise anyway. The rest of the time, I'll just comfort myself with the knowledge that time passes no matter what happens. Horrible or not, time will go on and it will all be over in a couple of weeks.

Thanks everyone.

I actually stay in a hotel rather than with family during the holidays. The in-laws think I'm weird & may be offended (they have plenty of room for everyone to stay there & my husband & kids stay there!), but I can't deal with so many people for long stretches of time. Stress is a really bad trigger for me & this way I can escape. I go in the morning about 11:00 & leave after dinner. We are traveling to Calif. so we will be there 5 days. I need my space & my husband is supportive after seeing me freak out at other family functions that were just too much for me.--Suzy

Before we know it, Spring will be here and we can all go out together and plant something............

[bizi]

Great way to handle the holidays susy!
wonderful that your hubby is supportive of your decision.
I wnat to plant flowers too in the spring...not that far away here in louisiana.....
bizi