Questions: Bipolar Version 2

I guess my back problem is worse cause I am not as active as I use to be due to not working and living a solo life at the moment. Guess it wouldn't be so bad if I was still working and active. So guess having BP hasn't really helped me in that department

Question: What's the funniest thing you have done or the most cringe-worthy thing you have ever done while in a Manic episode?

Adopted 2 kittens and since I was running late took both of them to therapy with me.

Do you need a nap daily?

Need? Yes.
Get? No

What's the thing that you bought while hypomanic/manic that you still love or enjoy the most?

My $1000 Canada Goose winter coat it's sooooo cozy and warm. It's like wearing a duvet.

What's the main benefit you feel you get from posting on PC?

connection to others.

Were you aware you had bipolar before you were officially diagnosed?

No I wasn't aware I thought that this is how life is supposed to be Ive had it since a little kid.

How did you react when you found out you were BP?

Relieved that all my symptoms meant something!

I became aware right before my fam doc told me of his suspicion as I was reading a book of a woman with bipolar and thought holy s**t that's me.

My reaction when my doc confirmed my thoughts was relief and fear. Afraid of what that meant in regards to medication and relief that maybe I can get help and I can live with less anxiety/symptoms etc.

Q. Do any of your family or friends know you post online?

My mom vaguely knows I have an "online support group".

Are you able to handle a diet along with all the bipolar/medication issues?

I don't choose a hospital for its food, more for the way they treat me and how I feel upon coming home and for the next days after that. If my life has been improved by the hospital visit, then I am grateful. The last Hospital I visited was St. Lukes in Columbus, NC. They helped me a lot. Brought me down out of my last Super Manic. Readusted my meds. Gave me counselling. Taught me some things that help in my daily life. I considered that the best hospital I have ever been to. If I ever need to go to the H again, I will request them!

Hi SheilaKathy. Just so you know this thread is a game where you answer the question on the last post and then ask one of your own. It's not always obvious when you are new.

I'll answer the question: I'm on some diet all the time because I'm on an MAOI. I am going to start a diet Sept. 1 to see if I can get some clozapine weight off. I don't know how well it will work.

Since it was my question I'm going to ask again, are you able to handle dieting along with all the other roadblocks that go with bipolar?

I don't diet other than dysfunctionally. I'm somewhat a disordered eater I've been told. Have weighed the same since high school and let's just say I'm a mature woman now. I freak when I reach a certain number then I will "diet" to lose that extra. I more focus on trying to eat healthier especially cutting down on sugar. However moods certainly play a large role in motivation.

Q. How does it affect you mentally/physically to get through your day trying to hide BP symptoms from others?

I'm exhausted, frustrated at myself cause I'm hiding them and feel out of my depth for not being so open to others

Question: How do you deal with goodbyes ie end of a professional relationship?

Not well. But the last time I had a therapist leave it turned out that the new one was better for me in a lot of ways and I didn't expect that at all.

Has your dentist ever said your meds stain your teeth? (Mine did today)

Nope. Though I've avoided meds most of my life til now. Did he say which was the culprit or it a combo?

Q. Frivolous question but what's your favourite dessert if you're really going to treat yourself ?

He doesn't know. I'm on so many it's hard to guess and I'm on 2 that are rarely used so that makes it even harder to be sure.

My mom's peanut butter pie.

Have you ever considered getting a service animal?

Yes, but I live in a small flat with no back yard (except the beach down the road). My tenancy agreement says no pets and I cannot afford to live in a house where I can have pets. I have looked around but cannot find anything close to my budget. The best (dump of a house) is over $100 more a week than I currently pay so I will stay put without a beloved friend.

For those with physical pain issues; does the weather affect your body?

somewhat, but for me their are bigger contributing factors.
have you read many books about bipolar?. if so what one (if any), did you find usefull/ informative?

I've read a bunch of books and the most helpful when first Dx was A Spectrum Approach to Mood Disorders by Dr. Jim Phelps. Found it a helpful guideline.

Q. When you wake in the morning and are faced with the huge decision to get out of bed and try to be productive or curl deeper into your blankets what do you do/think to help the productive side win?

for me, I think like this.

if you just lay their, and do nothing, what are you achieving.

so you might not acheeve anything even if you do get up (depending on how you feel), but the way I think about it is this.. you just lie their doing nothing, things aren't going to move forward. you need to put in the effert yourself.

I also have the added advantage of imsomnia (yes it's a bad thing in most situations), but in this one it can sort of help you

you know thinking.. well I've not slept all night, I don't plan to just lie here in bed not sleeping, I may as well get up and be productive.

question:

in general, do you think others overestimate you?, underestimate you, or think somewhere in the middle

I feel they over estimate me. (Or am I under estimating myself - not sure). I used to always came across strong willed, stubborn, probably bossy when younger and I thing a lot of that has stuck with those that have know me all my life. More recent friends, co workers etc have said they think I'm very calm and organized.
I've become very adept at hiding my MI. Only my husband knows the true reality.

Q. Do you avoid doing things you would think would be fun because the anticipation of feeling excited would create too much anxiety?
(I do that, I can't stand those feelings that build before an exciting event like a concert or an evening out with girlfriends)

Yes all the time like you concerts are a biggie but also joining in activities like choir and badminton which I want to do and can do as I have done before. But my anxieties get out of hand when faced with fun things to do. I think it contributes to my social anxiety.

Question: How do you deal with social gatherings like weddings etc where you have to talk to people or sit on the sidelines looking like a weirdo

I despise settings that require mingling and small talk with lots of people I don't know. (The only time I don't care is if on the manic side)

Q. Any phobias ?

agoraphobia

fear of heights

crowds

deep water

elevators
needles

dentists

most insects

question:

what is 1 thing in your life that you lost, but would like to get back?

my career. I can't put into words how much I loved working.

Do you have symptoms increase as the light changes?