Bipolar Questions Version 5

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 group support doesn't work for me, as I become all quiet and withdrawn so get nothing out of it.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?

Sensitivity to stress. But I chose that only because you used the word "annoying". I have experienced far more severe symptoms, but wouldn't describe them as annoying.

Q: What thing(s) do you do to calm yourself during otherwise stressful periods?

Breathing and prayer, usually. If I have some time, exercise is good.

Who is your favorite singer of all time?

Robert Smith

What is the longest you've gone without an episode (blips not included)?

*********
Mr. Robot

Makes me sick to the heart, Oh I feel so tired. And the way the rain comes down hard, that's how I feel inside.

--The Cure

I'm not 100% sure. Months, but not years. I think this past year, I had about three episodes that likely met the DSM-5 criteria for an episode, but they were extinguished fairly quickly. I did experience a lot of stress, but that doesn't count. I did have a number of "blips". I didn't have any depressive episodes this year. They were hypomanic/manic to mixed, then back to baseline.

Since being medicated for bipolar disorder, I believe I had one or two years when I was mostly stable, but again, still had plenty of "blips". Those two really good years were mid 2015 through mid 2016. I had a doozy of a mania with psychosis in May 2016, when we traveled to Portugal. That was my worst within the last seven or eight years.

Before medications? I'm not sure. I used to have very long mildly elevated episodes that sometimes turned full manic or mixed, and sometimes not. My pure depressive episodes were relatively short. Since the likely start of my bipolar disorder, I probably had stable periods lasting at least as long as a couple years or few years, but with "blips" in between.

Q: How has the course of your bipolar disorder changed over the years?

It has gotten better over time with treatment. Having said that, I haven’t been stable for more then a couple to several months at a time. I’ve been on so many medications trying to treat this! I mainly have issues with deep treatment resistant depression but at least I’m not catatonic like I was in the old days.

Which is your favorite holiday and why?

Oh, that's really hard to say because I don't really have anyone anymore. I guess maybe 4th of July. That's pretty cheerful for me.

What place have you visited with lots of wild animals?

none.

though safari would be nice (and is on my bucket list)

question: if you could pass 1 law that becomes official, what would be your law?

I would say universal student loan forgiveness for those working in health and service careers like nursing, counseling, firefighting, etc (however there are currently laws that does this but are really limited)

Q. What is your favorite side dish during Thanksgiving?

It is a toss up between squash casserole and my mom's dressing.

What is your least favorite Thanksgiving side dish?

A: Stuffing and sweet potatoes. Ugh, I dry heave just thinking about them. Everyone always tells me, “oh, if you tasted MY stuffing, you’d love the stuff.” No. I won’t.

Q: Are You going to go Black Friday shopping?