Questions: Bipolar version

SI...and the mixed state that causes it. The agitation is unbelievable too but at least meds can calm that. . Nothing seems to stope the SI once it has settled in. I just have to wait it out.

What is your favourite musical artist...or few if you can't narrow it down?

tori amos.

her piano playing is beautiful

her voice is beautiful.

her lyrics are meaningful

she's calming too and not too hard on the ears.

who was the first person outside of professionals you told you were bipolar?

A friend who is also a psychologist; I needed him to agree to really believe it.

Did you believe your diagnosis the first time you heard it?

Nope argued with my then Psychiatrist and asked for a second opinion. He told me it would still be the same that I had BP1 and then he went onto treatment options.

Do you blog about having BP if so does it help you?

I did for 10 years and it helped a lot. Then things got very complicated with my family and I couldn't blog about what I was dealing with and I realized I was just tired of it. My blog is still up but I'm not writing anymore.

Same question because it is interesting.

I don't have a blog.

just A... journal (when I can be bothered to update it)

do you collect anything?

records, when I have the $$.

How long does your comedown from hypo/mania last?

weather there

I don't understand the last two questions but I have a blog. It's in my signature.

My comedown from hypo/mania lasts as long as it takes to get enough meds in me to stop it. It can take a while.

The weather here is snowy.

How do you feel about the upcoming holidays?

No holidays here in Australia until Christmas. Hope you all have a great thanksgiving and if you don't and/or are alone feel free to PM me to pass the time or vent.

I will continue with the previous theme; is thanksgiving a positive or negative holiday for you?

Positive. My son and I go to my sisters. And we have a very big dinner. Lots of ppl there. 2 of my sisters from Oregon are coming up this yr. It will be nice.

Is Christmas negative or positive for you?

Negative. I used to love it, but now I find it stressful. Every year I struggle to get my son gifts and can no longer buy for anyone but him. Usually makes the holiday awkward for me. My siblings buy for my son, but I can't afford to buy for my nieces and nephews, though I'd love to. Long story short, I spend the day feeling like crap.

Do you ever make New Years resolutions?

never!

I know I could never keep them.

are your family good or bad to have around

Bad. They stress me to the max and deny the existence of mental illness too.

Favorite thing about the holidays?

That they are not a 24/7 365 day activity.

What is your best memory from childhood that comes to mind right now?

Trashing an abandoned house with yellow paint a friend and I found in it. We were only 12. It was so much fun splashing paint over all the walls and floors.

Would you date someone you met while IP?

Depends on the person and their commitment to wellness.

Do you find ways to make light of your bipolar? Like jokes to lessen the discomfort?
Ex. My boyfriend and I always joke about how people toss around the term "bipolar". It used to really upset me that people say that about EVERYONE who is moody or kind of wacky. Or to describe someone they just couldnt get along with. So we took it back. If one of us or someone we see is acting wacky, crazy, upset, etc, we just say "must be bipolar" in the silliest voice we can muster.It's one of our daily jokes, and now it rolls off my back.

Often I call myself 'mad' and 'crazy' as a joke with close friends and family. They usually respond by telling me I am sane, just unwell. they do laugh with me but in a very non-stigmtiing way.

What is the temperature and time where you are? Here is it 9.50am and 26.6'C (80`F). Going to be a glorious day yet I will mostly be stuck inside.

It's 902 pm and it's cold out. 33 F

What's your favorite music this week?

the soundtrack to the movie frozen

(sort of on repeat)

what has been the highlight of this year for you

surviving is the first that comes to mind. I could say my trip to Sydney but I was in such a horror mixed state that i couldn't enjoy it. I also managed to pass one unit at university and spent a lot of time with my parents, sister, nieces and nephews which helps us all get closer.

What would you do if you won $10 000 000?

I'd pay off all my debt and buy a house. Maybe a small shopping spree for clothes and other things I actually need. Save the rest so I don't have to worry about money anymore.

What's your favorite hobby?

Singing. It is one of the only things that calms me and distracts me.

What is a short-term goal you've set for yourself?