This bipolar life

[Kazzl]

Are your moods are like an elevator with no control buttons? Mine are.

Ground floor ... I feel normal, content, just quietly getting on with ordinary, everyday life, loving my family and friends. This is as it should be. And maybe there's nothing wrong with me after all. Live.

Going up, top floor. Oh look! There's a shiny thing! I want to sing! Let's go buy stuff! Let's have a big party and invite the world! What could possibly go wrong! Woooooo hoooooooo! Play.

Going up (a different day) top floor. What do you mean you don't agree with me! I'm right! Why don't you think like me? Keep up! How can you be so illogical? I'll f-ing shred you if you don't do what I want! Rage.

Going down, lower ground floor. Flat, listless, can't be bothered. Can still function but it's a drag. Cope

Going down, basement. I'm never getting out of bed again. I'm useless, worthless. Total idiot, how could I ever imagine I could do anything, nothing ever goes right because I'm wrong. I'm a burden to everyone. Hide.

Welcome to my bipolar world. It's always been my world, but it's only recently I've seen it for what it is. About 15 years ago I was diagnosed with clinical depression during one of my 'basement' times. I had a lot of lower ground floor times too, on and off, and I kept out of the basement (so I thought) with alcohol. Until that took me into the blackest ever basement with only one obvious way out. Having survived doing something very dangerous I realised I had to stop drinking or I really would die.

I never took much notice of the playful times or the anger, that was just me, I was fun sometimes, and sometimes I was a devastating bitch. Ha! Deal with it people!

Well, yes, but in time the elevator started going up and down too quickly and, as I became more aware and more knowledgeable about mental health I realised this wasn't good. Doctor. Diagnosis. Bipolar 2. Lithium.

So, I've started this thread in the hope that other bipolar folks will join me, to share experiences and strategies. In my 'beginners' understanding, we are different from other fellow travellers of the back dog. While we experience depression as many others on this site do, the hypomanic or manic ups and, for some the rapid cycling that can happen, are experiences unto themselves.

I want to learn more, and I want to share with others. I hope my fellow elevators will join me here.
BTW, it's a ground floor day in my head today! Yay!

Love

Kaz

[Ashhhh]

Hi kaz!

wow that was like reading my daily routine, I’m only young and sit here thinking I’m the only one. Or that I’m crazy because no one will listen to me.

Have been to my doctor who told me I am tired and need more rest.. while I sat in tears because I felt again, no one listening..

my mother has been diagnosed with the same thing as you and is on medication also, and she has changed dramatically, for the better!

I don’t know where to turn, but it’s so comforting knowing I’m not the only one.

[quirkywords]

Ashhhh,

A big welcome to this thread and the forum.

Kaz's first post is so easy to relate to. She is having a break from the forum for a while.

You may need to go to a doctor who has experience in mental health and maybe you could write out how you feel and your behaviours.

You are very welcome to come in here and we will listen and understand. You are not alone and you are not crazy.

Now that your mum is better can you talk to her about how you feel.?

Thanks for posting here.

Quirky

[Lady_Stardust]

quirky, I should definitely invest in one of those plastic pill boxes. Simple but great invention. 👍
velvet, I’m sorry about those toxic relationships - and they are toxic, since it seems very one-sided and frustrating, and it would be hurtful when people don’t treat you like the wonderful friend that you are. It’s not hard to show appreciation. Sounds like an excellent workout!

Hey there, Ashhhh! Agree with everything quirky said very much so. 😌

I’ve got a friend coming to stay for a couple days, should be here soon. I’m a little anxious because I’ve never been good at having people stay overnight, or even having people at my house. But it’s good. It’ll be good. Just the waiting for arrival is worse I think.

On a totally unrelated note, what do you all think about my getting another piercing? I found one that I think looks really cool. I’ve got three ear piercings currently, if I count both lobes as one.

[quirkywords]

Hello everyone

Lady Star_dust, I get a bit nervous when people come over for tea and it is informal. I am also when we have people visit, even thought it is always family.

velevet I can see a new health work out chocolates and work outs- you may have discovered something.

Quirky

[Violet1]

Hi Lady Stardust,

I thought i would add that i too have my medication in boxes but i get the pharmacist to pack mine for me. I used to be a registered nurse in my previous life and used them all the time for patients. Its a great idea. Two people pack and check my drugs. The pharmacist let's me know when she wants more scripts from my gp. They send me out a monthly invoice and i can put anything else from the pharmacy I want on my tab. AND IT ONLY costs me about $3.50 per week for them to pack all my medication. They are fabulous. !!!!Obviously not for everyone but I just cant remember if i have have taken my pills and it's really not beneficial if i miss doses or double up. Cheers. Violet

[velvetfaerie]

I have done a weeks exercise in two days. Oops.

Oh well. Albeit a bit muscle sore, I feel better for it.

I have a mango and pineapple smoothie. No chocolate................... yet.

😄

[quirkywords]

Hello all,

Violet welcome. That is a good idea about packing the tablets.

Velvet, I do about 2 days worth of exercise every year. How many smoothies can I have for all that exercise?

Quirky

[velvetfaerie]

AHHAHAHA ! Quirky you crack me up.

Smoothies are good. Mine have only the fruit sugar in them. Nothing else. I am just having my demons yell at me lately is all. So i quell them with mango and pineapple smoothies.

Hello Violet. 😄

[Loula]

And Boom like that I have lost more then 50% of my hair!!!!!!

sorry haven't been on hear a bit will read through and reply when I get out of my arrrrggghhhhhhhh I'm going Bold!!!!!!

[velvetfaerie]

What? HOW?!!!

Meds/stress?

OMG !