[simplydivine1030]

What do you do to deal with bipolar? Do you have any good coping strategies that you would like to pass on? I am on meds but still looking for the right combo so my mood is all over the place. I find myself mostly feeling irritated and angry at everything and nothing. So much inner restlessness that I literally can't stop moving. How do you cope when you feel like there is no hope of feeling better?

[HALLIEBETH87]

Inner restlessness? Are you sure it's not akathesia?

[Nix]

Sometimes exercise helps with agitation and restlessness…

Originally Posted by simplydivine1030

How do you cope when you feel like there is no hope of feeling better?

Recognize your limitations and devise a strategy to succeed within them. Forgive yourself and adjust your expectations.

[raspberrytorte]

I don't know. I'm not coping very well at the moment, so am looking forward to reading responses.

[Crazy Hitch]

It's hard when I feel this way because honestly when I'm at where you're at in the past I can put all sorts of strategies in place, and they don't necessarily work for me.

But one of the key things I know is this: Routine.

First and foremost - try and keep as regular a sleep routine as possible.

And then checking what the rest of your regular routine is doing.

If I'm exercising to much I'm probably on the high end of hypo spectrum, this is an indicator that I may need to slow down physically exerting myself.

Eating - remembering to eat (whenever it is that you usually eat) - because your body needs fuel

Drinking 8 glasses of water a day

Watching how much time I spend - am I over doing - say facebook, PC , ... whatever

About finding that "somewhere in the middle" balance.

[cmorales]

I've been looking into trying to find new coping mechanisms too. Recently I purchased a workbook to help identify symptoms, triggers, etc. and learn better coping skills. I'm not done with it yet, but so far, so good.

Overcoming Bipolar Disorder: A Comprehensive Workbook for Managing Your Symptoms and Achieving Your Life Goals: Mark Bauer, Evette Ludman, Devra E. Greenwald, Amy M. Kilbourne: 9781572245648: Amazon.com: Books

So far it's helping me, maybe check it out. Might help, a little.

[HALLIEBETH87]

Look into some DBT skills. Maybe there is a group near you that you can attend to learn some. Its helpful for everyone I think!

[Crazy Hitch]

Thanks for the link cmorales

Looks like an interesting read.

[mjrwraith]

Everyone has shared some good ideas. I am currently fighting stabilizing on my meds and all. So what I try and do is carry my journal with me and right even if it makes no sense sometimes just getting out helps. I also try to have music with me that is calming and relaxing. Most people have a smart phone so I have several apps that help me I'd be glad to share if anyone is interested but those are what I do.

Sent from my LG-D631 using Tapatalk

[Row Jimmy]

First, I don't feel hopeless. The diagnosis has given me hope. It is a blessing. Now, I can move on an manage all the issues. Here are some of my thoughts/opinions -

First and foremost, I now focus on ME. I'm sort of self centered about my "recovery". A while back, I tried to be everything to everyone and discovered I was just spinning in circles. For example, I care much less about work now than before and don't fall into the "game" anymore. I give work, they pay me in kind. That's it, I give nothing extra. IMO, doing more work beyond the expectations just raises the stress levels because we send signals we're willing to jump through hoops.

I take my Depakote as scheduled. I got off it a few weeks ago and did notice a difference in my mood. It makes me goofy and tired but other than that, I've been lucky.

I listen to people close to me like my wife to tell me I'm getting off track. One of my biggest issues is/was that I can't recognize the cycle. I used to just "feel good" or "feel down" and used all sorts of excuses for poor behavior.

I *try* to meditate but I find it difficult to devote the time to it. Plus, there's a bit of a science to it and I don't have that down yet.

I work out a few days a week, nothing heavy but it helps relieve stress and gives me something I can do for me.

I appreciate smaller things now that I used to miss. Things like driving with the sunroof down is so much more fun. I drive around now cranking Iggy Pop on my car stereo. And I'm 50. What's wrong with me? Nothing!

Since my friends have written me off, I don't sulk about it. I enjoy some hobbies and spend time with my family. IMO, it beats trying to keep up with everyone. That's another thing that will spin us in circles - do this, do that, be here, be there. Bah! Forget it!

I have quit drinking. I think this very important and it helps keep me centered. It allows me to wake up every day (no matter the day) and feel like I'm ready to go with a clear head. I've never been a one glass drinker, more like a ten glass drinker. I don't have a good history with booze. Some people might disagree with me, but I've developed a theory about it. IMO, alcohol adds nothing to the bio chemistry, something we need to balance. Eating well also adds to the goodness.

Finally, I try to stay mindful. Like you, I go back and forth about being angry at everything and nothing. Then I get paranoid and eventually put together plans to run away. It's hard to measure, but I think my cycles have flattened out a bit.

OK, rock on!

[simplydivine1030]

I think I need some exercise and "me" time. It's just hard when my brain won't ever shut up.