Questions: Bipolar version

I get up at 630, no matter what.

What makes you angry

Many things make me angry...myself, other people. It usually revolves around people in some way. My dog eating my underwear has me feeling a bit peeved right now.

What do you feel is your most valuable trait?

My most valuable trait is my intellect. I have a degree in chemical engineering from a top 3 school, and I've been working in the field of biopharmaceuticals for almost 20 years. It's a blessing and a curse, as I struggle along with still being BP. Every. Single. Day.

What makes you happy?

The little wiggle dance my dog does when I get home

What's your favorite flavor of cake

Chocolate of course .

What was the worst pdoc experience you've had?

ßaw a new Pdoc years ago. Was really looking forward to it. She listened for a minute then said "what do you want me to do about it?'

How old were you when you first saw a Pdoc?

Sixteen.

What was the first antipsychotic you were prescribed?

Abilify, and it was the first med that actually helped. Up until that point, I'd just been put on SSRI after SSRI.

Question: Does your pdoc have an antidepressant in your regimen even though you have bipolar?

Yes. Lexapro was added after I was stable.

Have you wanted to die in the last month?

Yes.

What is the best advise you've been given recently?

no one should tell you what you should, or shouldn't do with your body.

have you ever thrown your meds away?. (down the toilet, in the bin, etc) because you were so sick of taking them?

I threw away my propranolol, because I found it to be a useless medication for me. Therefore, I was sick of taking it and told my pdoc after I threw it away the next time I had a follow up visit. She stopped prescribing it after that.

Do you get "magical thoughts" during mania?

Oh yeah.....loads of them. I don't realize they are not real till after the episode though

Do you ever wonder if you are simply more connected to the universe when manic so its not completely unreal?

Yes, definately, all the time.

Who were you closest with as a child?

As a child I was closest with my sister, now it is my mom.

Who would you like to tell about this disease and are really scared to? And if you have already told other people, how did you get the strength?

I can answer this both ways.

I have told a lot of people about it (at first it was really difficult too), i'd used to freeze up and get anxious

people would then ask- is bipolar you're trying to tell me you have?, and i'm like, yeah

now i'm like really honest though!. I can tell someone i'm bipolar without even realising i've actually told them (sometimes it just slips out)

their are a few people i've not told yet. but I am planning too when the time is right.

when was the last time you really took a day and did something to care for yourself

Last Monday. I spent the day with my most understanding and nonjudgmental friend while we were both in the dumps. My man hates when I hang with her, but I did it anyway for me.

How many times have you picked up your entire life and started over?
(I've been told we do this MUCH more than other folks)

6?. 7?. possibly even 8?

how do you feel in general about the holiday season

It's stressful and sad but my nieces make it happy too. So it's complicated. I wish that it could just not happen for the most part.

Do you get SAD?

Yes I do, I have a light box to help me and a Lumier alarm clock to help me too

Question: For those who are looking into Peer Support Work or are Peer Supporters. Do you ever go to a Peer Support Event?

I love the winter and the cold. so no

if their was a version of it for summer, sure. that's when everything falls apart.

what time is bed time?

Any time between 10pm and 1am

Question: For those who are looking into Peer Support Work or are Peer Supporters. Do you ever go to a Peer Support Event?

no

in general, how is your sense of humor

I love jokes, the ruder the better

when it comes to jokes and comments about my situation, their's certainly a limit- and if someone takes something too far they will certainly regret it

what for you was the biggist change in your life after diagnoses

Biggest change was dealing with meds and their side effects.

What is the most difficult part of your day?