Coping mechanisms

Ah I see. That'll be difficult.

Anyone else ?

I use perfumes but also, for me, buying perfumes in quantity was hypomanic. I am still glad I have a collection, though.

My tool is writing = it helps with everything. Even writing in my head helps.

I'll definitely have to try the perfume thing! It's been mentioned more than once. I'll also have to give writing a try. I don't think I'm good at putting words together lol. But we'll see, thank you!

IMO, picking a specific defense for a specific condition is too much to manage. I try a more global approach to front run all of it. For me, it's exercise and an activity-based pursuit like hiking. These clear my mind, give me goals, and provide a sense of purpose. Then add good sleep, a solid diet with some fun tossed in there, and no alcohol. Then, add some meditation or mindful behavior.

For me, it is tough. I'm good at the first few, but struggle with consistent sleep and meditation. My biggest problem right now is that my mind races all day and I can't puzzle in a solemn moment to reflect. That's one of the reasons I hike and work out - I'm by myself and I'm focusing on something other than my life.

Anyone else have any tips or tricks?

Coloring intricate designs, hobbies that require attention to detail (I used to make jewelry and plan to resume it one day) - anything that requires focusing on small features of an object or a picture.

I think there has been research on coloring and how to occupies the mind beneficially.

For paranoia the only thing I've found that works is aps.

For anxiety or a mixed episode I use guided meditations, you can find some on YouTube. I also use lavender aroma therapy oil. Put it on a cotton ball and carry it around with me. I light candles and listen to calming music. My go to is Sara McLaughlin or the cranberries. Also on my kindle there are free apps that have different sounds you can listen too. I find that calming. I've downloaded like 4 of them. I just lay down and try and focus on the different sounds.

You could also look up dbt distress tolerance skills. See if you find any of those useful.

I don't struggle with hallucinations. Sorry can't really help you there.

I hope you find some relief soon.

Thank you I might try coloring!

What's aps?
Thank you very much for all the suggestions!

Anti psychotic. Seroquel is one. I think you need a different one, since you're still having so many symptoms still.

Ohhh. I was thrown off since it wasn't in caps lol
I might. I haven't been on it in awhile so I'm giving it time to work. Plus I had a few people tell me I might need 2 APs. We'll see.

I see more and more people who are on 2 AP's on this forum. Just an observation.

Is that a good or a bad thing? Lol
We'll see what my pdoc says.

jtasser, have you been on any other APs? If Seroquel isn't working for you there is still quite a bit of room for them to go up, and if that doesn't help or your pdoc feels it won't work at higher doses I think it's more likely they'll try another AP before they try 2 at once. That is usually reserved for when one AP isn't cutting it and a number have been tried. I have been on 2 at once a few times and it has never been easy; in fact I don't know that I've ever tolerated a combination for too long.

The good thing is there are so many meds out there to try.

I have tried quite a few different APs. They haven't worked. The last one I was on was zyprexa.

Zyprexa didn't work for me either. No response at all.

Seroquel dosing is approved up to 800 mg. I was up to 1500 mg at one time so you can go WAY up if your pdoc does that (it was special circumstances; I was pretty much out of meds to try that weren't likely to give me a bad, rare reaction I've struggled with on various APs). So you have room to go up.

I've been on over 40 med and 71 combinations in the last 14 years. I am finally fairly stable on clozaril. In fact aside from stress from my family I'm doing well. But I know how hard it is to wait and wait for the right combination.

Sometimes the older APs are the ones that work. I was on loxapine (with Seroquel) last year for a while and while I had my rare reaction and had to stop it it really helped. Or the 2 meds together helped I guess but I don't think seroquel was doing much at all by then.

Do you know when you see a pdoc again? are you scheduled with someone else at the place you've been going (I think ethically they would have to do that).

Yeah zyprexa was bad for me. My pdoc might keep upping my seroquel dose. That's what he did last time. I've tried so many APa I don't remembering them all. That's a lot of combinations! I hope you find the right one soon.

We don't know when my next pdoc appt is. He's moving offices and we can't get ahold of him. Me and my sister usually both go on the same days/time.

From what I remember from my post-psychosis outpatient program, ping-pong and walking both help.

With ping-pong, you focus so much and that helps.

It is hard to find a setting and a partner for ping-pong, but you can go on a brisk walk. That would distract you and improve the blood flow to the brain.

I used to LOVE ping pong! I was really good at it back in the day but doubt I have the hand eye coordination for it now.