[Merlin]

I keep going through the same cycle. It starts with me doing well. I’m taking meds, doing self-care and using my supports. Then I start to slip into a mild depression or a hypomania. Sometimes I reach out and sometimes I don’t; I think I’m getting better at reaching out. Eventually the floor drops out and I start descending further and further into depression. I don’t usually reach out then. I stop taking meds and doing the things to take care of my self and things keep getting worse. Eventually I reach a crisis point and I reach out, or someone forces me to accept help. I start taking meds again and doing self-care. I reach out to my supports and I am okay, for a little while.

I’m having doing fairly well right now, with mild variation, but I’m worried about the floor dropping out again.

[bizi]

why not reach out for help sooner. Can you see a trend like in the winter time or spring? or does it matter? no rhyme or reason?
please don't stop taking your meds. Is there anyone in your life you can fall back upon to help you get the help you need?
I am sorry you cycle so much.
bizi

[Wild Coyote]

I am sorry you have been having such a difficult time.

I hope it gets easier for you.

it's always good to see you around!


WC

[Pookyl]

I rapid cycle. The secret to levelling out quicker is to keep taking your meds.
I also sometimes need hospitalisation and extra meds to return to normality.
Bizi is right - reach out for help earlier.

[~Christina]

Hate to see you struggle.

Maybe right now do the opposite of what you want.

Stay in bed all day ? No get up

Lack of self care ? Do it all daily regardless of want too

Don’t want meds? Agree to take them for a month.

Do you have a T ? It can really help stay on track when it’s not just all Bipolar. Situational stuff can cause a lot of bipolar problems , but hey you know all this.

Keep keeping on

[Merlin]

Originally Posted by bizi

why not reach out for help sooner. Can you see a trend like in the winter time or spring? or does it matter? no rhyme or reason?
please don't stop taking your meds. Is there anyone in your life you can fall back upon to help you get the help you need?
I am sorry you cycle so much.
bizi

I’m trying to reach out sooner. Sometimes I succeed and other times I don’t. I’ve noticed a hormonal pattern (menstruation-related) to my illness, but not a seasonal one.

My parents are a big support and they’re steering up to try and catch me mid-fall because I’m not very receptive at my worst.

[Merlin]

Originally Posted by Pookyl

I rapid cycle. The secret to levelling out quicker is to keep taking your meds.
I also sometimes need hospitalisation and extra meds to return to normality.
Bizi is right - reach out for help earlier.

I agree. Even when the meds aren’t working well, I need to reach out to my pdoc and get them adjusted. I’ve asked him to call my parents if I no-show. I think I will be far less likely to that way.

Sometimes I need the hospital too. I had ECT there once, which was helpful until it kicked me into a mixed mania. Now it kinda scares me.

[Merlin]

Originally Posted by ~Christina

Hate to see you struggle.

Maybe right now do the opposite of what you want.

Stay in bed all day ? No get up

Lack of self care ? Do it all daily regardless of want too

Don’t want meds? Agree to take them for a month.

Do you have a T ? It can really help stay on track when it’s not just all Bipolar. Situational stuff can cause a lot of bipolar problems , but hey you know all this.

Keep keeping on

It’s hard to force myself to do what I don’t want to do, but it does sound like a good idea.

I’ve seen a T, but I tend to no show when I’m really bad. Then I have to pay him twice next time I see him, once for the missed appointment. Maybe I should give him consent to call my parents too.