bipolar residual symptoms:managing

[Callignee]

Hi,

I'm retired in 60s with bipolar affective disorder with psychotic features.  Apart from current mixed episode and paranoia transitioning to depression with anxiety/paranoia I've been relatively stable since 2022.  Over the years between episodes i have a persistent paranoiaand anxiety in part mediated with mood stabiliser and antipsychotics.  The paranoia has been strenthening.  

I interested in others experience with similar and what they've done to manage.

thanks

[Croix]

Dear Callignee~

Welcome here to the forum. I guess since 2022 with things stabilizing that must have  given you the chance to try to deal with  how you were between episodes and I'm glad you have come here to see how others have manage when they too might have paranoid anxiety between episodes too

Can I suggest you have a look at one of our very long-running threads This Bipolar life. Frankly it is too long to read it all, however if you post there like you have above and also skim though the thread seeing if anything sticks out you might find it helpful. 

The only other thing is to ask is if you have mentioned the increase in paranoia to your clinician, maybe there is something that might be adjusted.  I have a different condition but find at times my medication needs to be varied as my condition goes up and down.

Croix

[Callignee]

thanks for your feedback.  I'll have a look at bipolar life.  I'm back seeing a clinical psychologist and just starting again.  My gp has upped my meds and also added antidepressants.  I guess it might be time to see psychiatrist if thins persist.  thanks again Croix

[Croix]

Dear Callignee~

I guess the only thing I really learned is not to give up trying even when I was down and things looked hopeless.  It took a fair while and a cooperative psych but eventually things worked out, not perfect but good enough.

I stared as many did in taking clinicians word for things, thinking they were always right, as opposed to often. As time went on I came to realize I had to go though a lot of trial and error to get where I am now.

So I hope this new set of meds and dosages works wihtout unacceptable side effects. Remember you are the expert on yourself and in charge. So if after a reasonable time things aren't right don't hesitate to say so.

Croix

[Callignee]

Thanks again Croix.  I've got an appointment today with psychologist, hopefully we can discuss my growing paranoia.  

Cheers

Geoff

[Croix]

Dear Geoff~

While I realise a psychiatrist's appointment only has limited time can I suggest you insist upon discussing the paranoia as it is both on the increase and is distressing for you.

Croix

[Callignee]

thanks Croix - I met with psychologist last night and discussed paranoid thoughts giving me a thought diary (cbt) to use.  My head is spinning confronting paranoid thoughts  for me.  He did say he's reached out to a psychiatrist, one with open books.  Small steps.

cheers 

Geoff

[Croix]

Dear Geoff~

I'm please to hear you have a chance at a psychiatrist, they have done me the most good by far.

I remember being encouraged to keep a diary as a means of trying to cope with flashbacks and nightmares. When I started and just tended to record the details of each unpleasant episode I'd become rather distressed, particularly reading back later on. I found if I incorporated all the nice things I could dredge up over the day it made for much better reading balance looking back, not so upsetting.

I found the sort of nice things can be very trivial, from an ice cream on a hot day right up to going out to the movies with my partner.  There is as thread called Store Your Happy Memories Here which is where everyone can write down some of their happier moments for later recall or for others to get a lift.

Wishing you good luck with the psychiatrist

Croix

[Callignee]

Thanks Croix - for your thoughts.  Small steps.  I'll have a look at the "store happy memories".  It's always good to read happy things

THanks

Geoff