[Aquuna]

So back in January I was diagnosed as bipolar 2 and to the 2-3 people closest to me say it's obvious...since February I've been Un-medicated ($$ reasons..)

With baby fever, and married since last year about the middle of the year things have been rough and my moods change a lot..
My only real support is my husband, 2 friends and my best friend who is like a brother..while everyone else says it's impossible..
I'm confused on if I should bother getting medicated because well.. I'm not sure why.. I'm a confused person right now but I do enjoy being not on anything generally it's just the impulsive stupid things or the lows I don't like..

Either way...Hi internet people..I want friends..

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ManicIcarus]

Originally Posted by Aquuna

So back in January I was diagnosed as bipolar 2 and to the 2-3 people closest to me say it's obvious...since February I've been Un-medicated ($$ reasons..)

With baby fever, and married since last year about the middle of the year things have been rough and my moods change a lot..
My only real support is my husband, 2 friends and my best friend who is like a brother..while everyone else says it's impossible..
I'm confused on if I should bother getting medicated because well.. I'm not sure why.. I'm a confused person right now but I do enjoy being not on anything generally it's just the impulsive stupid things or the lows I don't like..

Either way...Hi internet people..I want friends..

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hello! To medicate or not to medicate, that is the question (to completely butcher a quote from Shakespeare). In all seriousness though, if you're uneasy about medication then don't. If you can manage it just through talk therapy and things like that then don't worry about medication. If you find that you need medication to have a remotely stable mood, then by all means get on a medication. That's my 2 cents on the issue anyways. Be glad to be your friend by the way.

[Aquuna]

Thanks for the input ..my mood changed about an hour after my post lol. It definitely does help my mood overall with medicine because otherwise my mood changes easily or quickly and it can or does freak out people around me I've heard. The thing is do I get up and do it or not.

It seems I only push myself to do it on my lows since I enjoy the highs

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[wildflowerchild25]

If you feel you can manage without meds, then there's no need for them. But you need to make sure you have a large "toolbox" of coping strategies that you can use when an episode comes in. For me, even though I'd rather not be medicated, I can't control my anger and impulsivity without it. So I begrudgingly take it. I hope I can learn to manage without it but I don't see that in the foreseeable future. My episodes are just too severe.

Hi there! I'm officially diagnosed with BP2 as well, although I think I might be closer to BP1. Mood stabilizers have changed my life for the better, although if you think that you'd prefer not to medicate (after all, there are serious side effects to consider), then feel free not to! I was against medication for the longest time (and for good reason), especially since it took a while to find a combo that helped while minimizing side effects.

Coping strategies for managing BP2 without medication (or a low dose of meds):
* DBT/CBT: there are plenty of workbooks. You could see if your local library stocks them, browse through a few, and buy the one you find most tailored to your needs.
* Counseling -- do you have access to a therapist/psychologist, or is this out of your budget too?
* Natural "medication": fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) and chamomile tea help me. Some people recommend vitamin B supplements, as well as vitamin D (if you're deficient in this vitamin).
* Balanced diet: cutting back on alcohol, processed grains, refined sugars, greasy foods -- these are general keys to better health too.
* Exercise: I love to swim, especially during the summer. Taking walks, yoga, etc. are good too. Do what you enjoy.
* Meditation. This was really, really helpful for me. It's tough. I fall asleep constantly. Still helpful.
* Aromatherapy: lavender helps me relax while feeling more alert (I have anxiety issues, and lavender helps settle them).

I'd love to talk about this more if you like. Good luck.

The 4 Keys to Managing Bipolar Disorder | Psych Central

[ManicIcarus]

Originally Posted by Aquuna

Thanks for the input ..my mood changed about an hour after my post lol. It definitely does help my mood overall with medicine because otherwise my mood changes easily or quickly and it can or does freak out people around me I've heard. The thing is do I get up and do it or not.

It seems I only push myself to do it on my lows since I enjoy the highs

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Good to hear your mood changed for the better.

Originally Posted by psychehedone

* Exercise: I love to swim, especially during the summer. Taking walks, yoga, etc. are good too. Do what you enjoy.

I definitely agree with this one. I know it's not always easy to do, especially when you're not feeling as well. It should be noted if you do start exercising regularly you will probably be sore sometimes.

Originally Posted by ManicIcarus

I definitely agree with this one. I know it's not always easy to do, especially when you're not feeling as well. It should be noted if you do start exercising regularly you will probably be sore sometimes.

Something that's generally helpful to remember:
You'll enjoy some forms of exercise, and not others. Just because you try something and hate it, doesn't mean that you should give up I hated running, aerobics, the ellipticals, etc. and for the longest time I decided that exercise just wasn't for me. On the other hand, I LOVE swimming. It's the only form of exercise that makes me happy. Unfortunately it's hard to swim all year round where I am. Still, if you can't find something just yet -- keep looking, there's a form of exercise out there for you.

[ManicIcarus]

Originally Posted by psychehedone

Something that's generally helpful to remember:
You'll enjoy some forms of exercise, and not others. Just because you try something and hate it, doesn't mean that you should give up I hated running, aerobics, the ellipticals, etc. and for the longest time I decided that exercise just wasn't for me. On the other hand, I LOVE swimming. It's the only form of exercise that makes me happy. Unfortunately it's hard to swim all year round where I am. Still, if you can't find something just yet -- keep looking, there's a form of exercise out there for you.

There's also lots of 'irregular' forms of exercise, such as Yoga. It doesn't have to be the stereotypical Run, walk, job, swim, etc.

[Aquuna]

So..I've definitely decided to try to go back to the doctor..I did notice that they didn't charge to my insurance at all so I'm going to inquire about that. Just got to pay off the bill I owe them and Yea..Definitely going to look into other options also into what makes it better. =)

[Standup2me]

Caffeine

I've cut down and I feel great...okay not great, but more stable