Coping

I have been diagnosed with bipolar II disorder for about 6 months. For a while I thought I was coping with the lifestyle changes and medications and all the rest of the garbage that goes along with the disorder but i recently am realizing that I'm not coping well at all really. I have done a ton of reading, studying, workbooks, therapy, videos, etc. and none of it really has seemed to make much of a difference. I was wondering what some of you did to move from diagnosis through to acceptance and adaptation of the illness into your lives. Any suggestions are helpful. Thanks so much.

It's been 6 months too since I was diagnosed with bipolar, but I'm Bipolar I. There was a period of time where I isolated myself from reality and just locked myself in my bedroom for 3 months >.>

I guess, coping period varies for everyone. As long as there's progress in the things you do, no matter how small they are, that's already a good sign ;]

In my case, I started mingling with my friends and occupied my thoughts with activities to refrain myself from being alone, thus getting depressed much. Sometimes, I play online games too lol.

<font color="purple">Clandestine</font>

Hi gravyy

Gosh, the best thing (s) I do to cope with my illness on a daily basis is to be medically compliant and attend therapy regularly. I also have several people in my life who are "aware" and are supportive and kind.

Good luck,

Dee

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Clandestine said:

In my case, I started mingling with my friends and occupied my thoughts with activities to refrain myself from being alone, thus getting depressed much. Sometimes, I play online games too lol.

<font color="purple">Clandestine</font>

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I don't think I do enough of this. Most days I don't even walk to the mailbox to get the mail. Depression is a real problem for me. In fact I've never been hypomanic or manic so depression is the only real thing I've known for the past 10 years. I should get out more, it would help.

I was diagnosed eight years ago and have had a couple of bouts of severe depression and hypo-mania. I'm struggling with acceptance of this illness. I think for me it is only possible to accept on a moment by moment basis. I wish I could make it all just go away, but that's not going to happen.
It sounds like you are doing a lot to help yourself - sometimes we do too much and don't give our minds and bodies the opportunity to digest the material. Maybe it's time for you to rest from trying to find a cure and just be with yourself and enjoy the moments of recovery.

I've been bipolar my entire life along with anxiety disorder. Very debilitating. I have had good times but the bad are very bad. I hope you can find a way to cope. The only thing that helps me is meds. Not even therapy helps.

fharper6

Thanks to all of you for your input. I certainly appreciate any help I can get.

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gravyyy said:


I don't think I do enough of this. Most days I don't even walk to the mailbox to get the mail. Depression is a real problem for me. In fact I've never been hypomanic or manic so depression is the only real thing I've known for the past 10 years. I should get out more, it would help.

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You could be experiancing mania and not even know it! That is what has been happening to me. I didn't realize how the symptoms of mania varied and was unable to identify with them until recently. I've been seeing a therapist once a week for three weeks now and it is helping me alot. The only way I am able to have insurance to see a therapist is through the state. Even if you have medical insurance I think it would be worth a shot to go to your local welfare office and see if there is anything that they can help you with when it comes to medical insurance. If anything they can give you insurance with a much cheaper co-pay and give you listings of the Psychiatrists in your area that take that insurance.

I had been hunting for a psychiatrist for many months and having severe bouts of depression didn't make it any easier, so you just have to keep fighting. Right now I am on a low dose of paxil that I was perscribed from my Physician to help my anxiety because it was getting a bit out of control. That little push helped me to get the ball rolling with seeing a therapist.

It is hard for me to keep myself occupied to keep my mood up because the swings I experiance can be quite severe. I think what you should do is go to a close friend or family member and educate them on your diagnosis so maybe, with their hopefully leveled head, they might be able to give you the extra support you need. Stick to the things you like to do. If you have lost interest in the things you like to do (I have over and over,) try to push yourself to keep your hands busy. I am very creative and love to paint and draw and sculpt, I'll read and chat online and try to write mini stories about different emotions I have.

I hope things work out for you, and I'm sorry if my reply is long winded. I am new to the forum as of today... Again, good luck!