Questions bipolar version #10

A blizzard, been though a few and it’s fine. Read about sand storms, the sand gets into everything.

Would you go out in sub zero weather or just wait until the weather was better?

I'd go out as long as I have sufficient clothes on. I tolerate cold relatively well.

What was the last wild animal you saw (not including ones on TV or any other screen)?

The kitty cats in my neighborhood. One was hiding under my car to stay warm.

When was the last time you felt manic?

I’m currently hypo manic. It feels great. I feel good. Life is good.

When was the last time you felt stable?

Currently, I am in a stable place. I have gone through a lot of life changes that has tested my mental health and sobriety, but I have been pulling through.

How are you sleeping?

Bad for 10 days. Just didn’t need the sleep then suddenly last night voila I slept till 6:30am. Might even go for a Power Nap.

Do you think I should change my username? Have you been known by any other usernames?

I like your username but sometimes it's good to have a changeup. I first came here as PlatinumHeart - changed to LadyShadow in 2015. I thought it would bring a bit of mystery? Maybe you want to go that route, and find something mysterious yet interesting, if you want to be creative. I think it would be cool!

What is your biggest pet peeve right now?

My biggest pet peeve is my partner’s short temper. It’s frustrating. Wish he would just chill out and stop yelling at trivial things and calling me names.

Did you make a resolution this year?

I have never in 65 years made a New Year’s resolution. I don’t know what that says about me, but I just haven’t

Interesting question, have you ever made a resolution?

Yes, I quit smoking 2 years ago! 😊

Have you ever been psychotic?

Yes I have. More than once.

Same question.

Yes. More than once too @raspberrytorte. I have delusions of grandeur or persecution or religious ideation sometimes. Life is fun, righ?!

What’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought that you love love love?

I guess our new property in Czech Republic. Though I wish there wasn't a language difficulty for me (Hubby speaks Czech), otherwise we renovated the place to exactly our preferences.

What is the oldest thing you own?

Hmm that would be a toss up between my grandmas chair or the chiming clock. I think it’s the chair though.

Do you have days were you are not sure you slept well? Nights where it seemed to be micro sleeps all night instead of a good restorative sleep?

Yes! As a matter of fact, just last night. Even though I had my CPAP machine, I woke up at 4:30am and couldn't really go back to sleep and I've been really tired all day.

Has sleep always been an issue for you?

Yes. I thought it was normal for kids to wait for their parents to go the sleep then read all night. Only twice in my life has sleep not been an issue, when I was a teenager I needed sleep and when I had pneumonia. Amazing!

Do you think sleep issues are a part of bipolar

During episodes, yes. As for outside of episodes, not necessarily. Not that a person's own particular case can't be a factor, during stability. Or, sleep issues could be from something else. Plenty of people without bipolar disorder also have chronic sleep issues. In my own case, my sleep is perfectly normal during stability, unless I'm having anxiety or stress issues. During depressions, I lean towards hypersomnia. During hypomania and mania, insomnia, or at least reduced sleep. Usually during the manic side I don't mind the insomnia at all.

What is a symptom of your depressions or hypomanias/manias that is less typical?

I am not sure I know of any less typical symptoms. Most of my symptoms are really common.

Are eating issues a part of your bipolar as well?

No, no eating issues. Just weight gain from my AP

Do you think celebrities with bipolar help or hurt the stigma

Good question. Depends on the celebrity. Unfortunately some tend to get called out when caught in the act doing the wrong thing. Then the good old bipolar diagnosis returns. Gives us a bad wrap.

Have you ever gotten a speeding fine?

No speeding tickets. A few parking fines though.

What's the best advice you've ever received in relation to your mental illness and who or what was the source?

If you take seroquel you’ll have to exercise on your bike like you’re sweating or don’t bother at all. You’ll need to see the sweat drip from your body. - Old pdoc. I no longer take it since I can’t exercise like that. And I didn’t like the weight gain.

What’s the worst med you’ve been on, for you personally?

You can think of yourself as a mentality ill patient and go from one episode to the next or you can see yourself as warrior and live your life between episodes. It was a powerful message to stop giving in to the bipolar and seeing myself as helpless and to start living for the stable periods.

Who, some wise inpatient pdoc who saw that I had too many hospitalizations. He advised me not to fear my episodes but work on dealing with coping skills instead of panic whenever I went up or down. And he was right. Often I could ride out episodes. Using coping skills and emergency meds.

Same question

Prolixin!

Same question.

Lexapro. It ruined my life. (Probably because I drank with it, which wasn't helpful)

What medication has been a miracle drug for you?