Bi-Polar bear
Out of context: Reply #10
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- ninjasavant0
I was diagnosed about 2 years ago with Type I bi-polar which means my moods rapid cycle and I have the severe highs and lows but not in a delusional way. They put me on a low dose of prozac and a higher dose of valproic acid. It took me from _-_-_-_- to ~~~~~~~. I didn't like the fact that I then found my designs to be bland and uninteresting and I found that I missed 'manic rob' despite the fact that he won't let me sleep for more than 5 hours a night for a week at a time after which I can't get up before 9 when my seratonin crashes.
So I stopped taking the meds. My girlfriend complains that I'm impossible half the time now and she liked me better on the meds because I was more agreeable. However, I don't like me on meds and liking yourself is more important.
So the advice I give is based on first hand knowledge and my psych degree. First, roll with it. Just the same as with a panic attack, the more you fight the worse it becomes. When you're manic, ride it and control it as best you can without fighting it. You'll crash at the end but not as hard as if you add mental exhaustion. When you're down, accept it, plan your life around it. Pretending you can function normally when you're in the lows will only exacerbate that problem.
Second, meditate. I'm a terrible buddhist but I still try. Meditating helps get you in touch with your mind and controlling it. It won't 'cure' you but it will take a lot of the edge off to be able to do suggestion one. It also helps keep you grounded so you may not cycle as wildly.
Third, this one I can never stick to but it helps, keep a mood journal. At the end of the day write down how the day went and how you coped if necessary and speculate how you can improve. Doing this will prepare your mind for the cycles. If you're like me you feel like a third party watching this crazy or depressed guy do things you don't understand and every cycle feels kind of like the first time. The journal is like taking notes in class, you'll remember better later.
That's the best I can give you at the moment. Best of luck. You can email me if you have any questions.
rob.