Sorry for so many threads, but I'm trying to budget and I need ideas

What do you consider your "bipolar necessities"? I'm talking about things you spend money on with respect to your bipolar, or even other disorders (e.g., anxiety), really. For example,

- therapy
- meds
- psychiatrist
- supplements / vitamins

I was thinking about a dog or cat for therapeutic purposes

[bpforever1]

My necessities are medication, work, sleep, exercise, eating healthy, and, most of all, staying away from my mother. hahaahhaha

[UpDownAround]

What's been mentioned plus one or more people who can "reel you back in" when you need it and will correctly make the call that you need it.

[pirilin]

I would prefer a dog, but cats are easier to take care of, if you like cats.

Great ideas

I could definitely buy some exercise stuff (clothes, shoes, etc), and yes, healthy food is important too

I have some support here, so I will definitely utilize that as much as I can

[RomanJames2014]

My bipolar needs my adorable dog Daphne. She helps me wake up and get through the day and when I feel like running away she keeps me anchored. I also need a big comforter for my bed or couch, my therapist, chocolate / hot cocoa, and fragrance. I am a fragrance collector and certain fragrances make me feel better.

[RomanJames2014]

OH! and music! music is a MUST.

[Sunflower123]

I agree with all the suggestions here. I think you already having a strong support system but that is key. I have a cat and a dog. They bring me much comfort.

[Ripose]

Meds
Internet
Gas for all my trips to doctors

[liveforsummer]

My husband, music, exercise, healthy diet and a regular sleep pattern (going to bed and getting up at same time every day- though admittedly I fail in that department even though I know darn well it helps me).

[bioChE]

I spend money on the things you've mentioned: meds, doc, therapist, and supplements. Aside from that, BP doesn't really have any other spending categories in my budget.

We have pets, but those are more for the kids and my wife than they are for me.

Mine are my meds, therapy, healthy food, my dogs and good sleep.

[Wild Coyote]

Hi Blue!

Please do not apologize for number of threads. I always enjoy your threads!

I need room-darkening shades for bedroom windows, so I can get enough sleep.

I also sometimes need a source of "white noise" in order to block out other sounds, so I can sleep.

Due to my PTSD, I usually have some type of a security system available, even if I don't always use it. A dog can also fulfill this role.

(When I used to rent, I used to buy renter's insurance. Helped my anxiety. Lol)

You are wise to think ahead like this!


WC

[SheilaKathy]

I have a Guinea Pig. I cannot afford vet bills, so he is the biggest animal I can support on my meager income. He needs about $40.00 per month in supplies and food. I can deal with that. The last time I took a dog to the vet, is cost me $350.00! That was a 6 month check up. I had saved up for a year to pay for that.

On the other hand, my Guinea Pig cost me $25.00 to buy him, $70.00 for his cage and then the $40 per month.

I have someone to talk with now! He makes his little squeeky noises when I talk to him and when I come into the room he is in. He's cute, rarely does anything wrong and is my baby. His name is Angel. Usually he lives up to his name.

OH, and meds, Dr.s, Therapy, Vitamins, food, transit fees because I am outgoing and have no vehicle. Books to read are pretty high on my list also. I love biographies and memoirs especially. Puzzles. Online service is pretty important too, as places like this are very therapeutic.

[Travelinglady]

Good question! Let's see: therapy, medications, adequate sleep (comfortable bed and right conditions), a pet; caring, understanding people; enough money for pleasures such as books to read, TV to watch, chance to do some shopping; good food.....

[scatterbrained04]

You've pretty much named it. Pdoc, meds, therapy, supplements. When I'm really broke, it becomes just pdoc and meds.

You'll also want to make sure you can keep a healthy diet. If you have the money, throwing money at ways to exercise and things that improve sleep are worthwhile.

[SheilaKathy]

I forgot to say, yesterday, that I like to read books on Psychology, especially memoirs by folks who have mental health conditions. These don't even have to be by folks that have the same condition(s) I do. I like to read about how they deal with mental health issues in general. Sometimes these books give me real clues as to how I can better my life. My therapist happens to enjoy reading these also, for her job, so she lends them to me often.

[Buzzy Z]

What I need the most is my meds to try to stay as stable as possible-not today though My wifes support although we don't talk too much about my mental issues.Next-I have 2 cats & a small dog 12 lbs of pure hell They can sense my feelings & come to me more often.Like now-1 cat is laying on my computer desk & my dog is snoring up a storm on the floor next to me.I strongly suggest on a pet.They really do help.