I am bipolar, I have tried everything...how do I help myself?!
Question: I am bipolar, I have tried everything!.!.!.how do I help myself!?
I have been on different medications, exercised regularly, seen therapists, and everything else you can imagine!. I want to work!.!.!.I have had 5 jobs in as many years!. I can't hold down a job for more than a year, and I quit college because it was too much for me!. I am intelligent, creative, and want to do something with my life but I am lost!. I get tired all the time, can't sleep, have panic attacks!.!.!.my poor boyfriend has supported me for 5 years and I want to pay him back but I don't know how!. Nothing makes me happy!. What should I do!? Everyone just says to "keep going" "don't give up" blah blah blah!.!.!.they don't get it!. Help!!!Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
Find a therapist who is more useful to you!. They are not all equal! A few know how to help someone deal with bipolar, many don't (regardless of what they think)!. There's also the connection, respect, and trust, not to mention sticking with therapy long enough for it to really add up to much!.
If you psychiatrist has not discussed and trialed you on alternatives for depression like Parkinson's meds and T3 thyroid hormone supplementation, seriously consider seeing another psychiatrist!. Sometimes just changing pdoc's brings a different idea on med mix that can make a difference!. (Yes, I know changing meds is a biiitch!.)
Look for work that more completely suits you!. This may be into idealism, but it can be a long-term plan!. If telecommuting is something that would help, then look for work that might allow it!. You're creative, so look into creative endeavors whether it's doing part-time layout for a small circular newspaper or whatever!. Going in that direction is more apt to give you more flexibility on when you work!. Idk!. Take your strengths and run with them!. That's what usually works best for most!. And, don't be afraid to disclose!. I told my boss when I went manic!. Afterwards I asked for added telecommute time and flex hours!. He said yes!. I meet my deadlines!. All's good!. No reason it can't end up the same way for you!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
If you psychiatrist has not discussed and trialed you on alternatives for depression like Parkinson's meds and T3 thyroid hormone supplementation, seriously consider seeing another psychiatrist!. Sometimes just changing pdoc's brings a different idea on med mix that can make a difference!. (Yes, I know changing meds is a biiitch!.)
Look for work that more completely suits you!. This may be into idealism, but it can be a long-term plan!. If telecommuting is something that would help, then look for work that might allow it!. You're creative, so look into creative endeavors whether it's doing part-time layout for a small circular newspaper or whatever!. Going in that direction is more apt to give you more flexibility on when you work!. Idk!. Take your strengths and run with them!. That's what usually works best for most!. And, don't be afraid to disclose!. I told my boss when I went manic!. Afterwards I asked for added telecommute time and flex hours!. He said yes!. I meet my deadlines!. All's good!. No reason it can't end up the same way for you!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
haha!.
i understand!.
I'm bipolar too!.
For years, it was reallyyy severe,
but now it's undercontrol!.
Trust me this stuff works:
1!.Pray to god alottt!.
2!.Get a good therapist and physcologist!.
3!.You might need to get your meds changed!.
That's really all i can say because i don't live with you,
so i don't know how you are on a daily basis!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
i understand!.
I'm bipolar too!.
For years, it was reallyyy severe,
but now it's undercontrol!.
Trust me this stuff works:
1!.Pray to god alottt!.
2!.Get a good therapist and physcologist!.
3!.You might need to get your meds changed!.
That's really all i can say because i don't live with you,
so i don't know how you are on a daily basis!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
do you have any kids!? maybe you are to lonely even with your boyfriend and family, you and him should start talking about having a family!. try getting a relaxing job such as a librarian or teachers aideWww@Answer-Health@Com
God answers PrayersWww@Answer-Health@Com
Change your thought pattern!. Instead of thinking negative thoughts, try to start thinking positively!. Think about what you want!. Visualize what you want!. And it will come!. I know that sounds super corny but it works! Instead of concentrating on wanting money or not having any money, start to think what you WILL do when you HAVE money!. It sounds silly but it will put you in a better mood and then you will start to see things slowly change for the better!. You are in control of your life and you are the only one that is gonna make things happen!. Another thing I have learned is that what your head tells you isn't always the truth!. It isn't reality!. Reality is what you do when you aren't thinking about it!. Start doing little things that you get pleasure out of!. If you are interested in a self-help book you should look into the Law of Attraction!. It may change your life!. It did mine!Www@Answer-Health@Com
Check out: BIPOLAR DISORDER!. BIPOLAR DISORDER: NEW TREATMENTS: PAGE F &
BIPOLAR DISORDER (I) BIPOLAR DISORDER MEDICATIONS &
BIPOLAR: PAGE J!. BIPOLAR DISORDER TREATMENT: SUPPLEMENTS!. &
HERBS FOR BIPOLAR(K) TREATING BIPOLAR DISORDER WITH HERBS!. &
VITAMINS FOR BIPOLAR TREATING BIPOLAR DISORDER WITH VITAMINS!. &
MINERALS FOR BIPOLAR TREATING BIPOLAR DISORDER WITH MINERALS!. &
BIPOLAR DISORDER(N) NEUROLOGICAL MEDICATIONS FOR BIPOLAR and the rest of section 10, at http://www!.ezy-build!.net!.nz/~shaneris starting with page O!. By using the alternative treatments, you can avoid medications, or minimise the amount required, thereby reducing risks, and side effects!. Maintain a mood chart!. Show the BF the BIPOLAR SUPPORTER website!. A support base, preferably through regular therapy, but alternatively through some of the bipolar Groups at Myspace, Google, or Yahoo, or the chatsites and forums in section 10 is a good idea!.
PANIC ATTACKS: View the techniques for control of panic attacks, in section 8, at ezy build, below!. Begin, on this first occasion, only, by holding your breath for 5, or 10 seconds: this will give you the confidence to realise that YOU CAN CONTROL YOUR BREATHING, but not pass out, or die (your autonomic nervous system resumes breathing, if you become unconscious)!. Understand panic attacks, and what triggers them, in your life (if it is unresolved anxiety, or stress, see sections 6, or 42, respectively)!. The paper bag method works for most people: try it!.
If you are fairly suggestible, the following are reliable: http://www!.hypnosisdownloads!.com/
Your last alternative is psychotherapy, to address its fundamental cause: read section 1, and examine the http://1-800-therapist!.com/ website, and use the locators, and phone book!. I used to suffer from panic attacks, until I questioned what had changed in my life, at, or just before that time, to trigger them!. For some people, this is enough!. These days, I have instilled the habit of, whenever a situation occurs where panic is likely, I visualise a large, "STOP!" sign, as vividly as possible, followed by repeating to myself: "stay calm" in my mind!. You could try the same method!. It usually takes 30 - 40 repetitions, for most people, to establish a new habit!. I also suggest that you learn, then practise the controlled breathing technique, until competent, then employ it, at the very first sign of a panic attack!.
Practice one of the relaxation methods on pages 2, 11, 2c, or 2i, daily, and when needed!. Also, give the EFT a good tryout, to see if it helps you!. There is also a version for use in public places, (if you like, you can claim to have a headache, as you massage/lightly tap your temples, but you would then be restricted to subvocalising: saying it to yourself in your mind)!. Section 53, and pages 2, 2!.q and 2!.o at http://www!.ezy-build!.net!.nz/~shaneris also refer: "Even though I sometimes suffer from panic attacks, I deeply and completely accept myself!." Note: the controlled breathing only helps with the symptoms (as do medications/herbal remedies): you need to address the underlying cause, and this requires some form of therapy, and Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy has proved effective!.
Advice from a published psychiatrist on controlled breathing!. (1!.) Get a clock, or watch with a second timer!. (2!.) Practise for 5 minutes, 4 times daily, until proficient!. (3!.) Take a small breath in, and hold it, for 6 seconds!. (4!.) Think to yourself: "RELAX", just before breathing out!. (5!.) Try to feel a sense of releasing tension, as you breathe out!. (6!.) Breathe in for 3 seconds, then out, for 3 seconds!. Try to make your breathing very smooth, and light, as you breathe in through your nose, and out through your mouth, or nose!. (7!.) For the next minute, continue to breathe in, and out, every 3 seconds!. (8!.) Go back to step 3, at the end of the minute, and proceed through to step 7, doing this for 5 minutes!. Use this at the very first sign of a panic attack starting, or any time you feel anxious, or tense!.
Because many people can't access/afford professional therapy, I include the EFT, and EMDR variant for them to try, free of charge!. Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy is generally available in most areas, but EMDR (see section 33) may well be worth trying, and is becoming more widespread!.
(The following is a variant of EMDR therapy, which has been used successfully for those people suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, insomnia, and anxiety: it is easily learned, quick to use, yet can be very effective!. It is easy to be dismissive of such a seemingly unusual technique, but give it a good tryout, for at least a few weeks, to see if it is effective in your case)!.
Prior to using either of the methods in the above paragraph, first sit comfortably, and take a deep breath!. Then, without moving your head, move your eyes from the left, to the right, and back again, taking around a second to do so (say: "a thousand and one": this takes approximately a second)!.
Repeat this procedure (without the words, although you can count, subvocally, if you like) 20 times: "A thousand and one; a thousand and two!.!.!. " and so on, to a thousand and twenty!. Then close your eyes and relax!. Become aware of any tension or discomfort you feel!.
Then open your eyes, and take another deep breath, and repeat step one, closing your eyes, and relaxing afterwards, in the same manner!. Then, repeat the procedure one last time!. Some people may find that this is all they need do!. With experience, you may find that you can practise this in public, with your eyes closed, which greatly widens the window of opportunity for its use, and avoids attracting unwanted attention!. I have found that the 2 - 3 minutes spent using the EMDR markedly reduces distractions to the relaxation process, and is repaid many times over!.
I also use it prior to my chosen relaxation technique, after lights out, at night!. For more about Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing therapy, showing recommendations by those who have used it, including a professional psychotherapist with more than 20 years of experience in that field, see sections 33 - 34, at ezy-build!. She was skeptical, at first, and I remained unconvinced, until trying it, and now I use it twice daily, including after lights out, at night!.
It may also help to minimise, or eliminate caffeine products from your life (coffee can be a trigger) and sugar!. Xylitol, or Stevia is preferable, (health food stores) or fruit sugar (fructose, such as "Fruisana", from supermarket sugar aisles) or even a little honey!. Minimise/eliminate consumption of highly processed foods, particularly grain products, such as white bread, donuts, cake, cookies/biscuits, or anything with sugar!. Opt for more wholefoods, non-starchy vegetables, and fruit!.
INSOMNIA: (If there is insufficient room for this post, it may be found on page O, in section 3, at ezy build!.)
Exercise, but not within 2 hours of bedtime!. Have a warm bath, or shower, an hour before bedtime, then a glass of very warm milk, possibly with Horlicks, or one of the herbal teas, below, and use dimmer lighting!. Put your mind in a position where it wants to shut itself off, and sleep!. See insomnia treatments, in much more detail than can be included here, in section 3, at ezy build!. Use one of the relaxation methods, in bed, after lights out, on pages 2, 11, 2!.c, or 2!.i, but they can take some time to learn, (progressive muscular relaxation excepted) so learn and become proficient in their use during the day!.
An alternative is to use the EFT, in section 53, and pages 2!.q, and 2!.o, saying to yourself: "Even though I currently have a sleep disorder, I deeply and completely accept myself!." (or choose your own wording) while you use the acupressure tapping!. Some more; quick, and easy to learn, are at http://www!.umm!.edu/sleep/relax_tech!.htm The progressive muscle relaxation, (most easily learned) guided imagery, and mindfulness breathing are known to be effective, although I haven't tried the other 2 methods!.
Find out which works best for you, in the daylight hours, so you will be prepared, come bedtime!. For many people, a good idea is to develop a set "wind down" routine for the last hour before bedtime, so your subconscious mind learns that it is time to put thinking aside, and prepare for mindfulness, (awareness, without cogitation/purposeful thought) or the EFT, in preparation for sleep, but the idea with mindfulness is to not even think about sleeping: just drift off, naturally, during exercising those techniques!.
Avoid TV, computer, or anything exciting in this hour, although reading a BORING! book is a good idea!. I suggest that you try using the EMDR variant, below, prior to the mindfulness, or the progressive muscular relaxation, but after the EFT, if that method is chosen!. Experiment, to find which combination works best for you!.
Usually, I have a cup of chamomile herbal tea, an hour before bedtime, and employ many of the techniques in section 3!. Others may prefer Sleepytime, by Celestial Seasonings, Relax, Be Sleepy, or valerian root, from supermarket tea, or health food aisles!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
BIPOLAR DISORDER (I) BIPOLAR DISORDER MEDICATIONS &
BIPOLAR: PAGE J!. BIPOLAR DISORDER TREATMENT: SUPPLEMENTS!. &
HERBS FOR BIPOLAR(K) TREATING BIPOLAR DISORDER WITH HERBS!. &
VITAMINS FOR BIPOLAR TREATING BIPOLAR DISORDER WITH VITAMINS!. &
MINERALS FOR BIPOLAR TREATING BIPOLAR DISORDER WITH MINERALS!. &
BIPOLAR DISORDER(N) NEUROLOGICAL MEDICATIONS FOR BIPOLAR and the rest of section 10, at http://www!.ezy-build!.net!.nz/~shaneris starting with page O!. By using the alternative treatments, you can avoid medications, or minimise the amount required, thereby reducing risks, and side effects!. Maintain a mood chart!. Show the BF the BIPOLAR SUPPORTER website!. A support base, preferably through regular therapy, but alternatively through some of the bipolar Groups at Myspace, Google, or Yahoo, or the chatsites and forums in section 10 is a good idea!.
PANIC ATTACKS: View the techniques for control of panic attacks, in section 8, at ezy build, below!. Begin, on this first occasion, only, by holding your breath for 5, or 10 seconds: this will give you the confidence to realise that YOU CAN CONTROL YOUR BREATHING, but not pass out, or die (your autonomic nervous system resumes breathing, if you become unconscious)!. Understand panic attacks, and what triggers them, in your life (if it is unresolved anxiety, or stress, see sections 6, or 42, respectively)!. The paper bag method works for most people: try it!.
If you are fairly suggestible, the following are reliable: http://www!.hypnosisdownloads!.com/
Your last alternative is psychotherapy, to address its fundamental cause: read section 1, and examine the http://1-800-therapist!.com/ website, and use the locators, and phone book!. I used to suffer from panic attacks, until I questioned what had changed in my life, at, or just before that time, to trigger them!. For some people, this is enough!. These days, I have instilled the habit of, whenever a situation occurs where panic is likely, I visualise a large, "STOP!" sign, as vividly as possible, followed by repeating to myself: "stay calm" in my mind!. You could try the same method!. It usually takes 30 - 40 repetitions, for most people, to establish a new habit!. I also suggest that you learn, then practise the controlled breathing technique, until competent, then employ it, at the very first sign of a panic attack!.
Practice one of the relaxation methods on pages 2, 11, 2c, or 2i, daily, and when needed!. Also, give the EFT a good tryout, to see if it helps you!. There is also a version for use in public places, (if you like, you can claim to have a headache, as you massage/lightly tap your temples, but you would then be restricted to subvocalising: saying it to yourself in your mind)!. Section 53, and pages 2, 2!.q and 2!.o at http://www!.ezy-build!.net!.nz/~shaneris also refer: "Even though I sometimes suffer from panic attacks, I deeply and completely accept myself!." Note: the controlled breathing only helps with the symptoms (as do medications/herbal remedies): you need to address the underlying cause, and this requires some form of therapy, and Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy has proved effective!.
Advice from a published psychiatrist on controlled breathing!. (1!.) Get a clock, or watch with a second timer!. (2!.) Practise for 5 minutes, 4 times daily, until proficient!. (3!.) Take a small breath in, and hold it, for 6 seconds!. (4!.) Think to yourself: "RELAX", just before breathing out!. (5!.) Try to feel a sense of releasing tension, as you breathe out!. (6!.) Breathe in for 3 seconds, then out, for 3 seconds!. Try to make your breathing very smooth, and light, as you breathe in through your nose, and out through your mouth, or nose!. (7!.) For the next minute, continue to breathe in, and out, every 3 seconds!. (8!.) Go back to step 3, at the end of the minute, and proceed through to step 7, doing this for 5 minutes!. Use this at the very first sign of a panic attack starting, or any time you feel anxious, or tense!.
Because many people can't access/afford professional therapy, I include the EFT, and EMDR variant for them to try, free of charge!. Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy is generally available in most areas, but EMDR (see section 33) may well be worth trying, and is becoming more widespread!.
(The following is a variant of EMDR therapy, which has been used successfully for those people suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, insomnia, and anxiety: it is easily learned, quick to use, yet can be very effective!. It is easy to be dismissive of such a seemingly unusual technique, but give it a good tryout, for at least a few weeks, to see if it is effective in your case)!.
Prior to using either of the methods in the above paragraph, first sit comfortably, and take a deep breath!. Then, without moving your head, move your eyes from the left, to the right, and back again, taking around a second to do so (say: "a thousand and one": this takes approximately a second)!.
Repeat this procedure (without the words, although you can count, subvocally, if you like) 20 times: "A thousand and one; a thousand and two!.!.!. " and so on, to a thousand and twenty!. Then close your eyes and relax!. Become aware of any tension or discomfort you feel!.
Then open your eyes, and take another deep breath, and repeat step one, closing your eyes, and relaxing afterwards, in the same manner!. Then, repeat the procedure one last time!. Some people may find that this is all they need do!. With experience, you may find that you can practise this in public, with your eyes closed, which greatly widens the window of opportunity for its use, and avoids attracting unwanted attention!. I have found that the 2 - 3 minutes spent using the EMDR markedly reduces distractions to the relaxation process, and is repaid many times over!.
I also use it prior to my chosen relaxation technique, after lights out, at night!. For more about Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing therapy, showing recommendations by those who have used it, including a professional psychotherapist with more than 20 years of experience in that field, see sections 33 - 34, at ezy-build!. She was skeptical, at first, and I remained unconvinced, until trying it, and now I use it twice daily, including after lights out, at night!.
It may also help to minimise, or eliminate caffeine products from your life (coffee can be a trigger) and sugar!. Xylitol, or Stevia is preferable, (health food stores) or fruit sugar (fructose, such as "Fruisana", from supermarket sugar aisles) or even a little honey!. Minimise/eliminate consumption of highly processed foods, particularly grain products, such as white bread, donuts, cake, cookies/biscuits, or anything with sugar!. Opt for more wholefoods, non-starchy vegetables, and fruit!.
INSOMNIA: (If there is insufficient room for this post, it may be found on page O, in section 3, at ezy build!.)
Exercise, but not within 2 hours of bedtime!. Have a warm bath, or shower, an hour before bedtime, then a glass of very warm milk, possibly with Horlicks, or one of the herbal teas, below, and use dimmer lighting!. Put your mind in a position where it wants to shut itself off, and sleep!. See insomnia treatments, in much more detail than can be included here, in section 3, at ezy build!. Use one of the relaxation methods, in bed, after lights out, on pages 2, 11, 2!.c, or 2!.i, but they can take some time to learn, (progressive muscular relaxation excepted) so learn and become proficient in their use during the day!.
An alternative is to use the EFT, in section 53, and pages 2!.q, and 2!.o, saying to yourself: "Even though I currently have a sleep disorder, I deeply and completely accept myself!." (or choose your own wording) while you use the acupressure tapping!. Some more; quick, and easy to learn, are at http://www!.umm!.edu/sleep/relax_tech!.htm The progressive muscle relaxation, (most easily learned) guided imagery, and mindfulness breathing are known to be effective, although I haven't tried the other 2 methods!.
Find out which works best for you, in the daylight hours, so you will be prepared, come bedtime!. For many people, a good idea is to develop a set "wind down" routine for the last hour before bedtime, so your subconscious mind learns that it is time to put thinking aside, and prepare for mindfulness, (awareness, without cogitation/purposeful thought) or the EFT, in preparation for sleep, but the idea with mindfulness is to not even think about sleeping: just drift off, naturally, during exercising those techniques!.
Avoid TV, computer, or anything exciting in this hour, although reading a BORING! book is a good idea!. I suggest that you try using the EMDR variant, below, prior to the mindfulness, or the progressive muscular relaxation, but after the EFT, if that method is chosen!. Experiment, to find which combination works best for you!.
Usually, I have a cup of chamomile herbal tea, an hour before bedtime, and employ many of the techniques in section 3!. Others may prefer Sleepytime, by Celestial Seasonings, Relax, Be Sleepy, or valerian root, from supermarket tea, or health food aisles!.Www@Answer-Health@Com