Bipolar Questions Version 5

“After all this time, do you think I could call you by your first name?”

Do you call your dr/therapist by first name? Was it awkward to ask?

I have only ever referred to my psychiatrist as "Dr. LASTNAME". The same applied to all of my previous psychiatrists.

As for my current therapist, she told me to refer to her by her first name. That was unusual, since she is a psychologist with a doctoral-level degree. I had always referred to all of my past psychologists (with doctoral degrees) as "Dr. LASTNAME". In contrast, I used only the first names of all of my past therapists (social workers) that only had Masters level degrees.

Q: Were most of your private therapists (including current) psychologists with Ph.D. or PsyD, or similar? Or other therapists with Masters level or other degrees? Do/did you have a preference?

I’ve had so many I can’t remember but I’m not sure the degree matters. The best one I ever have had is the one I have now, (and lets me use her first name). When I was in the hospital for a month I had a grad student who was fantastic. It’s all so hit or miss. I think having to call someone Dr when they use my first name sets up a subtle imbalance of power. For me anyway.

How does your therapist end your sessions?

We schedule the next appointment and she says "take care" and I leave

do you meditate?

Yes, but not enough. I do mindfulness meditation and study Thich Naht Hahn’s methods. He’s a Zen Master but it’s not really Zen.

Do you think spirituality has a place in recovery/staying well? What is your belief system?

I am a Christian and fully believe this has a role in how I am doing/coping/living.

How often do you shower?

I have been listening to Thich Nhat Hanh and Eckhart Tolle during lockdown. I have read that full out meditation is not useful for people who have had a traumatic life and it can be counterproductive. Bringing up past experiences etc. Thoughts?

Lunatyc, welcome to PC! We're glad to have you here. Just so you know this is a question and answer thread where we briefly answer a question and post a new one. I will answer your question but just FYI you will probably get more responses and actually knowledgeable answers if you post this as a new thread.

A: I don't know much about meditation. What little I do know would be safe FOR ME but more intense meditation could probably have the potential to trigger bad memories.

Q: How often do you shower?

When I can drag myself in there. I detest the feel of water on my body.

Favorite US state and why?

North Carolina because I love the Outer Banks.

Do you grow a garden?

I don't own a lot of land, but I do have an herb garden and space for flowers and shrubs. I also grow flowers on my deck.

Q: Do you ever eat in the middle of the night? If so, usually what?

Ha!!!! All the time. Ice cream is a fave, if it is around. Bananas, if I am still asleep.

Favorite fruit?

A perfect nectarine, hard to come by. So blueberries.

Do you eat processed foods regardless of the health warnings?

Sometimes

Favourite berry?

Blackberries. This may be surprising, but when you manage to find a very delicious blackberry, it can be quite the paradise. I like most all berries, though.

Q: Have you ever experienced any kind of change in your sense of taste or smell as a result of psychotropic medications? I have with a couple, but not most.

In my last dream I had a huge red dog laying on me as I watched TV on the floor. 🥰 I really want a dog in my life ATM, I've been searching rescue sites and even looked for the dog in my dream hoping it was a sign, no luck yet

Yeah, I had a change in taste but I can't remember what medication it was from.

Do you have any house plants? If so, what kind?

I have 2 spider plants in my (humongous) shower. They love it! And a bamboo in the kitchen. My cats dig up the soil so I can’t have plants anywhere else or I would!

Do you think daily about some stupid thing you’ve done while manic?

Ugh. Yes. Almost every day I think about a period of time between August and November of 2018 when I was manic. I destroyed public property and more than a few relationships. I ended up IP.

Have you ever drawn a self portrait?

Yes, in HS. It was interesting because I was neither manic or depressed when I did it. Later, during mood swings, it didn’t look anything like the me in the mirror. Never did one again, it was too confusing.

Do you think BP interferes with your sense of identity?

I suppose it does in the sense that I find it hard sometimes to separate myself from my mental illness and not be defined by it.

Have you ever had to deal with bad side effects of a medication because otherwise it was helping?

Remeron--coma; Abilify--dystonia, myoclonus; Provigil--constant upper respiratory infections.

Favorite animal and why?

pet, cat because I get loved as long as I keep the food coming. I also get a of laughs as my facebook memories of their kittenhood pop up.

Zoo/wild animal--sloths because their physiology amazes me

Have you eaten out since the stay at home has been lifted or reduced, if that is true for you?

I never eat out regardless. drive- through maybe, but no I've not done that since this began.

what are your thoughts on game of thrones

i saw one episode. It was pretty good, but it did not have me in an uncontroled, life-altering frenzy for more.

What time of day have you been going to the grovery store during the crisis?