Bipolar Questions Version 4

When I was 26. I was having a horrible mixed episode, though I lacked the terminology, thanks to Prozac my idiot pdoc at the time put me one when I said I was agitate and my therapist thought I might have BP. So I went to a major hospital and got really diagnosed and off the prozac and onto more effective meds. I actually was in a clinical trial for lamictal.

Would you do a clinical trial or research study?

Absolutely. I take polls and surveys all the time and it would make sense to participate in something important like mental health because it could help others understand us better. I had actually done a questionnaire for someone writing a book about bipolar, but I don't know if she actually used it or if she wrote the book or not.

Are you part of any bipolar support groups?

only online ones.

being stuffed in a room with other people doesn't work for me

because I'm very private, I suppose, and only like talking to one person at a time

how's the weather where you are?. is it good or bad for this time of year

Going to be 85 today. Normal for this time of year. It was unusually cold last week.

How old were you when you were first diagnosed?

32 years old, but I didn't accept the diagnosis until I was 34.

Q: Do you tend to feel better at a certain time of the day? If so, what time of day?

night time.

I am a night owl anyway and everything is just so magical at night

I know that sounds well, childish, but well it is

the night is magical

favorite outdoor activity?

Hiking!

Favourite movie

lion king/ wizard of oz/ e.t

but probably lion king out of all of those

what is your favorite self care activity?

(I like to get my nails painted for example)

Facials, but I rarely get them because they are expensive. They are really the only self care activity I regard as a pleasure and either not a chore or uncomfortable.

Q: What do you like to do most during the warm weather months?

Hiking. I can't wait for all the snow to melt so I can go without bringing all the extra gear

Q: What's a song you relate to right now?

so am I by ava max

I just came across this and it just seems relatable, somehow...
question:

how do you feel about dentists and when was the last time you went to one?

A: I hated dentists because I had a terrible one growing up. The kind that will just jab you with a needle with no remorse, old school type dentist. It wasn't until I was 19 I found out that modern dentistry has come a long way -- they pre-numb areas with swabs before sticking you, they give laughing gas or a sedative before going... they really make the anxiety and fear disappear. In fact, I didn't even need laughing gas or sedatives for most following visits-- I was fine. The cordial nature of the staff was enough to make you feel at home. Having a good , understanding, caring dentist is what it is all about. Last time I went was for my 6mo cleaning in January.


Q: What was the hardest period in your life? (you can give age or time frame, you don't have to elaborate)

I guess around late 2005 early 2006

was the most suicidal I'd ever been in my life- and, though I went to hospital, I didn't exactly cooperate (I just felt at the end of my rope)
what are your feelings towards easter. do you do anything for it?. do you have egs?

I don't do anything for Easter, no.

What's something you purchased while hypo/manic that you are grateful to your manic self for buying?

A new car! Which one, I can't say because I always get impulsive and buy one.

Do you have a favorite medication?

I like lithium.
were you ever against taking medication full stop?

All the time especially when they suggested lithium as in my head it was for crazy people and I'm not crazy. I go through notions of med compliance and med non compliance mainly cause I'm ill. This has been ongoing for the last 9 years.

Question: How do you get your motivation back when it has left the building?

I just bite size piece tasks. I set a timer for 5 minutes, and start doing whatever task seems impossible. I reward myself with something like a cup of tea and a tv show, then I set the timer for 5 minutes again, repeat until the essential stuff is done or done well enough to fall down for the rest of the day.

Do you need to make to do lists or mark things like wash duvet cover/ change brita filter/take out recycling on a calendar?

Sometimes I do and that is often very helpful. I should do so more. Some things never get done unless I put them on a calendar.

Q: What is the most surprising or positive side effect you have had from a medication? For example, I had thin weak fingernails my whole life until I took Lithium, then they were wonderfully strong. After stopping Lithium, they grew thin and weak again.

creativeness.

I don't know if it's a side affect as such, and from what med it's from, but all I know is before I took bipolar medication I wasn't creative

now the ideas pour out of me (not litirally of course. lol)
do you always brush your teeth twice a day?, or just once sometimes

Some days I don't brush my teeth at all, shhh

do you have any pets?

not anymore

but I had a dog as a kid

is their a date that is important to you?. why is it important

I guess my favorite date is May 22, which is my wedding anniversary. I like that date even more than my birthday or holidays. I have wonderful memories about my wedding day and several anniversaries. Late May is a wonderful time of the year, anyway. Generally, I am not into remembering or recognizing dates that represent bad things. I do remember some horrible dates, but often they pass unnoticed. If you asked me the date of my first psych hospitalization, I'd have to look in my medical records. I'm not even sure of the season, but I don't recall there being snow. That was 13 to 15 years ago. I don't even remember that completely, and I don't care.

Q: What was your favorite journey in your life so far? Could be a trip or any other type of journey in life.

A trip back to my home city I took with my ex-husband in 2004, I think. We only went for 3 days, stayed in a very nice hotel in the financial district. I told no family I was there, and we did all the tourist stuff - it was great fun, and the only trip I ever took that I was not eager to get home.

Do you find overeating helps to numb some of your unpleasant states?

no, I usually have loss of appetite

where do you want to travel?