Bipolar Questions Version 4

I like mushrooms on my pizza, especially if they are really good mushrooms. There is a difference. I also like to sprinkle my pizza with oregano and hot pepper flakes. Sometimes finely grated Parmesan cheese. On occasion I enjoy pepperoni.

What is your favorite vacation that you have ever been on?

When I went to Europe a number of years ago with my dad. That was fun. Especially since it was technically a "school trip" with the high school. Hard to explain.

"Pack up! You're leaving for Mars in 24 hours!"

What do you bring with you?

my cats. Can't live without 'em.

Can you always get into your pdoc between appointments?

no.

not always

got any bad habbits?

I'm a procrastinator.

What's your favorite movie?

I don't have a favorite movie.

What color was your first bike?

I don't/ never owned a bike (only a kids electric one), I think that was just white?. I don't remember exactly as I was very young

question: are you triggered by certain songs?

I sort of am. There was a longish period when I was having musical hallucinations in the past. In the beginning (weeks) my musical hallucinations were original music, then a kind of far off multiple DJs talking. Then for a few weeks I would hear the intro of U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name" repeated over and over again. That intro is a bit triggering, but the rest of the song isn't so much.

Have you ever experienced a psychiatric symptom that was uncommon or somewhat uncommon?

I don’t think so.

Q. Have you ever blacked out (not passed out) from alcohol?

No.

Does stress cause paranoia for you?

yes, i start thinking that cars are following me and that people i know are following me around in public, disguised slightly to look like other people - but have to be very stressed for this to happen

do you get a kick out of drama (ie gossip content) or prefer things to be peaceful?

a little of both

I'll never start drama myself- or if I do it's unintentional, but if drama is going on, and it's nearby, I'd love to be a part of it- even if only a small part

and I love knowing the gossip before anyone else. I like to stay one step ahead.
what is the longest single journey you have ever taken?. (as in, the longest journey in one form of transport without getting out to transfer)

Hmmm probably from Belgrade to Athens, an overnight train. (Was 30 years ago)

Q. Are you spiritual? How do you practice your spirituality?

I wouldn't call myself a spiritual person at all.

I do believe in angels and I do believe in an afterlife but that's it. I don't take it any further really.

question: if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, which food would it be?

As much as I’d love to say some kind of junk food, realistically it would gross me out after a couple of days. So I will go with plain oatmeal.

Q. What’s the best mattress, spring or foam?

spring, just because it's so bouncy! (yeah yeah, im a kiddy!)

okay question:

if you could choose between working for the fire department, police, or ambulance, which one would you pick and why?

Ambulance because I feel like that fits my personality best. I'm also not as easily disgusted by things. I just like medicine stuff even though that's not my profession. (I'm not smart enough for it).

If you could choose one thing to be the best at, what would it be?

Acting. I would love to be an actress, but I am usually not cast when I audition for plays.

How old were you when you were diagnosed with bipolar?

I was officially diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 32 years old, though that was not the first time I had sought treatment for symptoms. Like many people with bipolar disorder, I generally only sought treatment during depressions and/or anxieties. I do recall seeking treatment during a mixed episode, but that can be misunderstood by many doctors, especially GPs. Really, I was only correctly diagnosed after seeing an actual psychiatrist for more than one session. He witnessed my transition from depression to mania. It's a shame it took that long for a doctor to see it. Plus, my manias grew much worse over the years of being untreated.

What was the final straw that brought about your bipolar diagnosis?

Zoloft.

How long did it take you to accept your diagnosis?

Still accepting it.... 8 years on

Question: Are you exhausted after Christmas because of all the hype etc?

No, because I ignore it. Which is pretty easy because I don't have tv service or listen to the radio or work in retail (TG for everyone, lol).

Have you ever had any serious consequences from mixing up your meds?

Nothing serious. I have accidentally taken my evening medications in the morning (picked the wrong pill box). That was a bit rough given how sedating my evening medications were/are, but not too bad. The worst consequences I've had were mostly related to drinking too much alcohol with my medications. That resulted in some pretty scary situations (blackouts, profuse vomiting, major feelings of illness).

Once my husband accidentally took MY evening meds (wrong pill box) instead of his morning medications. His morning meds were just an antidepressant and a stimulant (he doesn't have bipolar), plus multi-vitamin. My evening medications were sedating moodstabilizers, antipsychotics, and a benzo. He almost passed out at work. His workmate called me to pick him up because he couldn't drive. When he got home he slept about 16 hours straight. If I had taken my evening meds in the morning, I'd just be very drowsy for a handful of hours. Honestly, I have no clue why he didn't notice they were my medications. He usually takes three pills. My evening meds at that time were numerous pills, including Lithium, Tegretol XR, Seroquel XR, Geodon, Klonopin, and Propranolol. I scratch my head!

What was your hardest time adjusting to a medication?

I never really adjusted to Prozac because it made me throw up each time I took it. That is a very weird side effect that I have never heard of anyone else having. I was told it could cause nausea if taken without food, but I always ate before I took it. After a couple of weeks of throwing up every morning I got off it.

What is the strangest side effect you've ever experienced?