Help

I was recently dx with being bipolar. I've been going to see a social worker for basically counselling and it's definitely not working. I have not learned how to cope with my mood swings nor learned any techniques to help. Does anyone have any ideas to help me? I'm looking into different avenues to get help but still anyth ing would be appreciated!

Hey, welcome to the forums!

Firstly, I'm sorry to hear that you haven't learned coping mechanisms or techniques for dealing with your mood swings. I was once in the same boat and it's definitely a tough situation.

This may be a silly question, but have you told your social worker yet that you need new techniques and coping mechanisms because what you've learned in therapy is currently not working? Sometimes I'm afraid to confront my therapist about things like that, but she doesn't always know if I don't tell her.

You may also benefit from setting goals in therapy if you haven't already. For example, if someone self harms, maybe their goal is to find coping mechanisms and distractions to avoid self harming. Little goals like that can be really helpful for me, although I've personally never self harmed.

Are you seeing a psychiatrist as well? If not, you might consider it. Meds can help with our mood swings, but finding the right ones can be tough.

I agree with the previous two posters. Therapy and medication can be an important part of managing mood swings. Can you tell your social worker what you need from her? That might help. Other things that can help are exercise, eating a healthy diet and making sure you get adequate sleep. Best wishes.

Bipolar really needs to be attacked at all angles. Medication, CBT, and support groups helps me.

Seems like the above posts hit all the angles, and I can't at the moment think of anything to add, except --
Welcome to the forums, lroever!

Welcome to PC!

Have you done mood tracking? Seeing if there is a pattern to your moods, or noting any triggers, can help make your therapy more effective.