Bipolar Questions Version 5

because it's the only place I can be myself, and I have no real life friends who understand

plus: it also gives me distraction and friendship when needed

out of recent celebrity deaths (like over the last year), which meant the most to you and really impacted you?

John McCain. I didn't always agree with his politics but I really respected him.

What color are your eyes?

My eyes are blue.

Beyondtherainbow, I agree about John McCain. I'm not a Republican, but think he was a hero in many ways. I was very saddened how he was bullied even after his death. I watched his funeral service and was touched by it. I fear that his death marked the end of a significantly better era for his party.

Q: Who inspires you and how?

My cousin. He has PTSD and severe back problems from being a paratrooper in Iraq in the early 2000s. I won't go into the details of the horrific things he experienced/encountered, but despite his struggles, he remains strong. He also dealt with the passing of my grandfather, grandmother, and his own father in the span of 2 years, and he's still extremely positive. His own psychiatrist and therapist always remind him that he is incredibly brave. He has also been taking care of my aunt, my cousin (his sister), and my cousin's boyfriend after they fell on hard times. He has been nothing short of very giving and kind.

Q: How many times have you been to IP?

Once. I needed it. My brain felt broken and they helped me put it back together enough to be safe around my children again. It was pure Hell being away, but I wasn't just going to snap out of it on my own.

What is your favorite baked good?

That's a tough one... Either challah bread or croissants.

How many surgeries have you had?

6. Hopefully never again.

Have you ever tried accupuncture or other alternative/traditional medicine?

No but I would be willing.

Do you have any pets? If you do, what kind?

I have a dog. She's a boxer mix and gets into everything, but we love her. I also have a betta fish. He looks just like our last fish that died. Our previous dog had just passed and we didn't have the heart to tell our kids the fish died too. We found the perfect match and snuck him in before they noticed. I feel slightly bad about the lie, but we're too far in now.

What is your favorite fall activity?

Fall I think is Autumn? My favourite activity is sitting on the balcony watching the long sunsets and all the coloured leaves.

Q: what do you do to entertain yourself when you know you’ve got to have a quiet day?

Yes. Autumn. It is almost here in the States.

I'm pretty good at entertaining myself most days. I'm happy to do research stuff, visit here, bake/cook, write, do chores with music playing, dance a little, and run errands. Errands are often satisfying and occasionally a blast. I know various people around town that I briefly chat with. I get hugs and maybe even a kiss from some. Sometimes I go to a pizzeria for a slice or to the cafe or downtown (my downtown area is very happening - a tourist/university town). I like to people watch and occasionally say something to strangers. I smile a lot in public and that usually always gets a return smile, especially from men. I can be a bit of a flirt. I'll flirt with any guy 18 to 90 years old. The young ones usually get a kick out of it (think I am a cougar). The others are flattered. I try to have fun. I talk to myself a lot, including wild gibberish. I'm a middle-aged wild child type, especially if my mood is elevated. Lately I have been lonely, at times. I have gone to AA during the day once or twice a week. It's a great place for socializing. I have a history of alcohol abuse, but it's not an issue nowadays.

Q: Do you feel older, the same, or younger than your current age?

Q: Do you feel older, the same, or younger than your current age?

A: I think I feel younger, definitely. I'm a pretty young thinking person and I can have lots in common with people 15-20 yrs younger than me. I believe I'm pretty relate-able with younger people. I think my kids keep me young, too. but, I do have my days when I do feel my age lol.

Q: doe anyone have a favorite scary novel?
(mine is Salem's Lot by SK)

I don't do scary novels, romance and sometimes fantasy but it's been so long since I read a book cover to cover

question: if money wasn't an option what would be one thing you'd want to get for your home or one thing you'd want to try?

I assume you mean "money was no object". If that was the case, I'd get all new windows, sliding glass door and garden window for my house. The next would be a new bed and dressers/side table for my bedroom. Then maybe new carpeting (or hardwood floors). Then get the house interior repainted. It's due for it. Before all of that, I want new curtains for my whole house. I listed the windows/glass stuff first because they're the most expensive (almost $20,000 for all).

Q: What necessary item do you rarely buy new of?

clothes.

I'm just not obsessed with owning a new outfit every month

what is one thing you feel you have an unhealthy obsession with

Internet. lol. And the problem is... I need the internet everyday for my job, so I can't get away from it!

Q: How often do you see your psychiatrist? If you don't see a psychiatrist, then what about your therapist?

A: PDoc, every 2 months. T once a month. but that may change soon since I've been having mixed episodes and rapid cycling lately.

Jedi, I didn't see a question after your response, so I'll answer the same one you did, and add a new question.

Lately, I've seen my psychiatrist every other week, because I'm getting past an extended hypomanic/manic period. Normally, I see him every 3 weeks, unless he's on vacation. I'm not 100% sure why I see my psychiatrist much more often than most people. Well, maybe I have some guesses, but I won't go into them. As for my therapist, I see her every Tuesday. I think I need to see her that often. I used to see past therapists less frequently, but I didn't make as good of a progress with them.

Q: What is/was your most significant obstacle to long-term psychological wellness?

BirdDancer, yes, I did leave out a question! Sorry!

Q: What is/was your most significant obstacle to long-term psychological wellness?

A: Denial. Plain and simple. My denial was a major reason for my treatment and wellness stalling so many times. I was not being honest with myself or with my therapist and when they closed my case at one point, I still was not well because I faked it till I made it. Bad call on my part.

Q: Name your comfort movie/movies? One (or more) you can put on anytime and get a lot of enjoyment from.