Bipolar Questions Version 5

Answer: A Christmas Story -- When I was younger they'd play it on a loop all Christmas day, so I automatically associate it with the holiday.


Question: Can you name one thing a family member or friend brings/makes for a holiday meal that you just can't stand?

I can't stand green bean casserole that my mom makes.

What is your favorite pie? (mine's pecan)

mine's chicken!. (I don't like the dessert pies), but a good chicken one.. homemade with good pastry, MMMM

any new years resolution for 2020?

I don't do resolutions as I think they are a set-up for failure, at least for me.

Do you get a flu shot?

I don't like needles so no

many times i've told people I've all ready had it and not to worry (and most times they actually fall for it.)

related question: how often do you get colds/ coughs/ physical illnesses?

Not that often. Both my husband and I do get colds frequently when we fly internationally. As for other physical illness, not often, unless you count sinus stuff because of allergies or typical eczema.

Q: What have you learned to tolerate better in life than you used to?

living without my parents

used to bother me a lot that I didn't have parents that loved me, and it still does, but they are bad people: they are never going to change. I know that, people remind me of that all the time,, it's what it is

I remember a time though when I thought having family meant you were going up in the world, but... I don't have family that love me. it's what it is. I shouldn't think any less of myself for something that's not my fault to begin with.

favorite topping on a pizza?

Kalamata olives.

You suddenly have $10,000 that you must spend on travel. What do you do?

I would go to the countries where I am from. So first it would be Calabria, Italy then it would be Warsaw, Poland and then Berlin, Germany. If I had money leftover I would go to Juju Island, S. Korea or Nagisaki, Japan.

What's one place you want to travel to that you never been to?

Palau, Yap, and Truk--they're all sort of closeish together. For the diving.

Who is your favorite painter of all time?

Bob Ross. There are pieces I enjoy more from other artists, but I have a lot of great memories of watching him and trying to mimic his art when I was a child. My kids watch him now and love him too.

Do you have artistic talent? If so, what kind?

I love to paint in a million different styles and I also enjoy creating mixed media pieces. I typically grab a ton of materials and just begin throwing them onto a canvas and eventually it turns out!

What is your dream vacation?

A: Ireland
Q: Do you collect anything?

Not now, but when my bird boys were alive, I would collect the tail and wing feathers that they would naturally lose. I still have all of them. They're beautiful!

Q: Who is your second greatest support?

My first greatest support is my mom so I guess my second is my brother. He is always there when I need him or when I need to talk. He's alot more rational than I am.

Do you go to outside support groups like DBSA?

no. group support doesn't work for me, as I become all quiet and withdrawn so get nothing out of it.

what is one thing you have tried (coping method) that really doesn't work for you.

using ugly words about self does not work

how do you self soothe when having an episode? (if this is possible)

A: Breathing techniques for anxiety

Q: How many times have you changed psych meds in your lifetime? -- was it more because of side effects or its effectiveness? Or both?

I can't even begin to count the number of times. Really! Not even a guess. Not only have I taken over 25 different psych medications (plus a series of ECT), I've taken various combinations of them at an almost countless number of dosages. Up, down, around, forwards, backwards, do-si-do, you do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around...that's what it's all about!

I've changed medications because of side effects or effectiveness (or lack thereof). I guess more because of side effects, though I am likely more tolerant of them (put up with them longer) than many people seem to be/do.

Despite the above, it was really worth it to be patient in finding the right med mix. Also, most people find their best med or cocktail quicker than I did.

Q: What was the side effect you put up with the longest? And why?

I put up with excessive thirst for almost 5 years on Lithium. It seemed a small price to pay for the benefits.

What is your favourite tv show?

A: I don't have TV so I watch things on Netflix. My favorite Netflix is Call the Midwife which is Britich but maybe also on PBS(?). I just finished the most recent season.

Q: Do you have any other mental illnesses besides bipolar?

No, but I have had temporary symptoms of other mental illnesses in the past (dissociative symptoms, mild specific phobias, agoraphobia) but they were resolved. I have had significant issues with anxiety, at times. Whether that was part of my bipolar disorder or not is unclear. One hospital record included "Generalized Anxiety Disorder" with bipolar disorder, but that dx disappeared. I no longer meet the criteria for GAD. Also, I was diagnosed with alcohol dependence in the past, but unlike most people with it, it was determined that I don't really have true alcoholism. It was only self medication of my bipolar disorder. I have not abused alcohol for years.

Q: What symptoms of mental illness have you made great progress at minimizing?

A. Buying stupid **** when I'm hypomanic. I can recognise the pattern now, and avoid it.

Q. If you could trade bipolar for another mental health diagnosis, would you, and to what?

no, because I all ready have lots of others to deal with. I don't want anymore if I can help it.

has being bipolar taught you anything about yourself?, and if so, what

It has taught me to be more humble and thankful for the days where I am not symptomatic

What is one of the more annoying symptoms you have?