[Pookyl]

I always get so very unwell over the Christmas break that I'm dreading it.
I do all the right things: no alcohol, early to bed, temporary increase to meds, hang out in the sunshine etc. I still get unwell.
I find it stressful this time of year. I'd go so far as to say I'm beginning to hate Christmas
Any tips on staying episode free?

[Victoria'smom]

We're very into planning ahead and prepping ahead of time.

[bizi]

buying gift cards has helped alot for me.
bizi

[SorryShaped]

I used to hate Christmas. I realized it was the materialistic aspects that I loathe since a very early age and not the idea. I also will never again buy another holiday gift for anyone.
I will instead take each person aside, tell them I love them, tell them something about them that makes them special to me, and finally tell them "Merry Christmas." If that isn't sufficient for someone, then they aren't in the proper mindset to enjoy Christmas anyway.

[ck3416849]

Originally Posted by SorryShaped

I used to hate Christmas. I realized it was the materialistic aspects that I loathe since a very early age and not the idea. I also will never again buy another holiday gift for anyone.
I will instead take each person aside, tell them I love them, tell them something about them that makes them special to me, and finally tell them "Merry Christmas." If that isn't sufficient for someone, then they aren't in the proper mindset to enjoy Christmas anyway.

That is so cute.

[ck3416849]

Originally Posted by Pookyl

I always get so very unwell over the Christmas break that I'm dreading it.
I do all the right things: no alcohol, early to bed, temporary increase to meds, hang out in the sunshine etc. I still get unwell.
I find it stressful this time of year. I'd go so far as to say I'm beginning to hate Christmas
Any tips on staying episode free?

Sorry i have no tips 3 x-mas ago i spent in hospital. Every x-mas near by it i have spent hospitalized.

[SorryShaped]

Originally Posted by ck3416849

Sorry i have no tips 3 x-mas ago i spent in hospital. Every x-mas near by it i have spent hospitalized.

I was inpatient last year. Best Christmas I can remember. That's also when I recognized that I did not need gifts, nor did anyone else, to be happy. The stress of it all just isn't worth it to anyone.

[ck3416849]

Originally Posted by SorryShaped

I was inpatient last year. Best Christmas I can remember. That's also when I recognized that I did not need gifts, nor did anyone else, to be happy. The stress of it all just isn't worth it to anyone.

"nor anyone else", we all need someone. Im glad you enjoyed x-mas.

[SorryShaped]

Originally Posted by ck3416849

"nor anyone else", we all need someone. Im glad you enjoyed x-mas.

That was also when I decided I had to divorce.
I don't think I do need someone, and I'm sure I'm undeserving. I'm lonely, sure, but not good enough for anyone. At least not yet.

[ck3416849]

Originally Posted by SorryShaped

That was also when I decided I had to divorce.
I don't think I do need someone, and I'm sure I'm undeserving. I'm lonely, sure, but not good enough for anyone. At least not yet.

So this is your first one since youve been divorced may the best of luck be with you.

[BipolaRNurse]

This will be my second Christmas and New Year's without my husband. So what am I going to do? Fly across the country with my family to Disney World and stay there for a week! Talk about potentially destabilizing...but it's far better than staying home and lamenting the fact that I'm without a partner for the holidays again.

my tip is to not buy too much in to it.

the thing with these holidays is that people feel they are under pressure to get the gifts right for others, to get the food right, to get enough decorationss etc etc etc.

you don't have to do that at all

in fact- why not just do what I do.

stick to a rooteen,... watch my muppet's on christmas eve, buy myself a few gifts and eat a turkey

that's all you really need to do.
christmas always gets so exagerated by so many people

if you want to do more, go for it if you can handle it.

but don't force yourself

[ComfortablyNumb5]

A PRN is a must at family gatherings now. Last Xmas day, after my dad and brother almost got into a physical fight, I had a panic attack that landed me in the ER and I’ve been on Ativan for it ever since! My bf always tells me to stay home because it’s not good for me to get like that. But I can’t help it. I feel obligated to show up or I’m the asshole ya know? So yea, Ativan is key this year.

[ck3416849]

Originally Posted by ComfortablyNumb5

A PRN is a must at family gatherings now. Last Xmas day, after my dad and brother almost got into a physical fight, I had a panic attack that landed me in the ER and I’ve been on Ativan for it ever since! My bf always tells me to stay home because it’s not good for me to get like that. But I can’t help it. I feel obligated to show up or I’m the asshole ya know? So yea, Ativan is key this year.

Ativan is for side effects.

[SorryShaped]

Kava tea. It doesn't mix well with some meds, but I haven't had an issue. You can buy it in the grocery, Yogi brand is one of them. I use bulk rough-ground root.
Meditation.
Breaks from the chaos. Just walk away for a while.
I don't recommend drinking your way through it. I've done that several times and it just made me worse when I sobered up.
Patience with yourself and moreso with others.
Regular sleep.
Have one room, minimum, with no holiday stuff in it. Use that room for respite.
My favorite, and the only tradition I truly like about Christmas, watch "A Christmas Story" as much as you can. It really does start to get very funny about the fourth time in.
If you craft, make something for yourself first.
Don't overdo it. Just don't.

[SorryShaped]

Originally Posted by ck3416849

Ativan is for side effects.

Ativan is a benzo, a sedative.

I avoid these and told them not to give me them in the hospital even. Most people's body's want more, even though you don't need one, so the body pumps out stress hormones to make you take another.

[ck3416849]

Originally Posted by SorryShaped

Ativan is a benzo, a sedative.

I avoid these and told them not to give me them in the hospital even. Most people's body's want more, even though you don't need one, so the body pumps out stress hormones to make you take another.

That is not true my psych office has been illegally injecting me with illegal meds and overdosing me for 14 years. I can't do nothing about it without being petitioned. I can't even argue paperwork without being deemed as adequate and petitioned.
When I was given Ativan after years of being trapped in bed and finally there was Ativan for side affects which did allow me to stay up not sedate me. I was happy they say that it's habit forming but it's not, I took it.

[ck3416849]

And now; and now, ever since I have been taking this heldol deconate, I can't get out of bed and have constant shakes with my liver getting worse. The med isn't f.d.a. approved. I'm taking cogenton for the shakes. (heldol deconate isn't f.d.a. approved) my doc won't give me Ativan the only thing that prevents this med from its side effects.

[CloserToTheMid]

I'm a mania risk during the holidays. I just get too excited and revved up. We may have different issues, but here's what is important to me.

1. I shorten the days I celebrate Christmas. I start after Thanksgiving. Nothing before.
2. I focus on the spiritual aspects (doesn't have to be Christian)
3. I limit my intake of Christmas food, movies, and music.

Gift giving is stressful to me because I run the budget in my house. My wife is a generous giver, and wants everyone to have a present all the way down to the cousins and coworkers. If it were up to me, only the children would get presents. I really don't want anything. I really just want the presence of the people I love.

I work as a music director for a church, and the Christmas season is busy for my program. I don't really find peace there anymore. I find it in meditation and walks and reading on my own.

I hope you find peace and wellness this season.

[Hairball]

I volunteer at Thanksgiving for a huge free meal we have here, but this year I am going to work I think. Same thing at Christmas.

Since I am single and alone why not work and let my coworkers have a wonderful meal with their families and not have to worry about the place or coming in.

Just my way of coping, and giving back at the same time.

[SorryShaped]

Ideally, I'd be completely alone. I could ostrich the crap outta Christmas. But I have family and do love them and want to be around them, just not much.

[Sunflower123]

Christmas is hard for me too. Just keep reminding yourself that Christmas is one of the toughest times for you and to take it one day at a time. Be gentle and compassionate with yourself as you go through this time knowing you are doing the best you can.

I’m just going to buy some things for my daughter and cook something and try not to think too much about it.

I don’t decorate the outside of the house anymore. Last year I put up a tree that is pre-lit without hanging anything on it.

[*Laurie*]

I wish I had some suggestions. I was doing well this summer, the time changed, and I slammed right down into depression - just like the past 5 years at this time. T-giving and Christmas have just come to be a neon representation of how hard I have to battle over the holiday season to survive. Nobody is really doing anything negative to me, but everything hurts, I'm hyper-sensitive, ahhh....I dunno. I try to enjoy the holiday lights; I like them.