Comments on: Living with bipolar suicidal thoughts… http://bipolarhappens.com/bhblog/living-with-bipolar-suicidal-thoughts/ by Julie A. Fast Sat, 20 Mar 2010 00:13:55 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Mark I http://bipolarhappens.com/bhblog/living-with-bipolar-suicidal-thoughts/comment-page-1/#comment-3951 Mark I Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:35:09 +0000 http://bipolarhappens.com/bhblog/living-with-bipolar-suicidal-thoughts/#comment-3951 I was recently diagnosed bipolar/manic depressive or whatever label they choose to give me these days,it was a relief in some ways because at least it gave me some sort of identity instead of just having loony thoughts!!! I do fantasise about death a lot, have a lot of thoughts about not being bothered to carry on but with five kids and a wife one supposes I should carry on for their sake even if sometimes my other side tells me whats the point!!! What I cannot understand is that I know I should feel that I am fortunate,living in a great country, having material comforts, having opportunities a loving family and a good support system but they mean absolutely nothing to me. Is it abnormal or us to not care really if we live or die? It seems to upset those around me if I tell them the truth about how I feel, so I tend not to tell them. Funny though really, they ask me for my thoughts and if I give them they do not like them...so I do not tell them truth anymore as it upsets and unsettles them too much,,,,...makes me feel like a freak in a way,,,.. I gave the wife a choice as she keeps saying I need to change my paradigm, a life of being with someone like me...or starting a new life with a stable man, no judgment, and my full support. She chose me, but I still think she is a loony to stay with an emotional quandary such as I to be honest.... As the old saying goes "there's naught as queer as folk"....meaning I suppose me or those who choose to put up with me and my illness!!! I was recently diagnosed bipolar/manic depressive or whatever label they choose to give me these days,it was a relief in some ways because at least it gave me some sort of identity instead of just having loony thoughts!!!
I do fantasise about death a lot, have a lot of thoughts about not being bothered to carry on but with five kids and a wife one supposes I should carry on for their sake even if sometimes my other side tells me whats the point!!!
What I cannot understand is that I know I should feel that I am fortunate,living in a great country, having material comforts, having opportunities a loving family and a good support system but they mean absolutely nothing to me.
Is it abnormal or us to not care really if we live or die? It seems to upset those around me if I tell them the truth about how I feel, so I tend not to tell them. Funny though really, they ask me for my thoughts and if I give them they do not like them…so I do not tell them truth anymore as it upsets and unsettles them too much,,,,…makes me feel like a freak in a way,,,..

I gave the wife a choice as she keeps saying I need to change my paradigm, a life of being with someone like me…or starting a new life with a stable man, no judgment, and my full support. She chose me, but I still think she is a loony to stay with an emotional quandary such as I to be honest….

As the old saying goes “there’s naught as queer as folk”….meaning I suppose me or those who choose to put up with me and my illness!!!

]]> By: Kingsley http://bipolarhappens.com/bhblog/living-with-bipolar-suicidal-thoughts/comment-page-1/#comment-3354 Kingsley Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:04:42 +0000 http://bipolarhappens.com/bhblog/living-with-bipolar-suicidal-thoughts/#comment-3354 I am bipolar type 2 and I can associate with your feelings. holding a work conversation and all the while thinking of ending life... "go home at the end of today plan it, leave a note (thanks for the memory have a great life! or something),... maybe and end it. others will feel sad for a while but time heals all wounds they say. I've lost loved ones it hurts but you live with it until it becomes a distant memory. it's suffocating being in a crowded room full of friends and family and feeling isolated alone with my thoughts and displaying the face they all want to see. "how are you with your bipolar treatment?" they'll ask. "good" with a smile I'll reply. All the time not planing more than a couple of days away because there maybe a time I'm just not strong enough to resist. "I'm here to talk to when ever you need it" is the common words spoken to me by doctors, friends or family. hollow words ... spend some time in my head and heart then we'll talk ... could they be strong enough to make it through the day.... would they smile... or would it just break their hearts and leave them crying for release... I don't know. it's a bad day.... get through it ... disassociate yourself ... it's a chemical imbalance you don't feel this way.... have I missed any meds? no... it's just a bad day soon the meds will work again and I'll be emotionally gray .... castrated into a backseat driver shackled into normality... is it to make me feel better or to make everyone else feel better. I'm 38 suicidal since 13 attempted more times than I care to count. all I can do is make it through the hour then the next then today and the day after keep fighting the overbearing bad wolf of my mind. lock the cage for another day. all other sufferers I wish you well in your battle as I continue mine Kingsley I am bipolar type 2 and I can associate with your feelings. holding a work conversation and all the while thinking of ending life… “go home at the end of today plan it, leave a note (thanks for the memory have a great life! or something),… maybe and end it. others will feel sad for a while but time heals all wounds they say. I’ve lost loved ones it hurts but you live with it until it becomes a distant memory.
it’s suffocating being in a crowded room full of friends and family and feeling isolated alone with my thoughts and displaying the face they all want to see. “how are you with your bipolar treatment?” they’ll ask. “good” with a smile I’ll reply. All the time not planing more than a couple of days away because there maybe a time I’m just not strong enough to resist.
“I’m here to talk to when ever you need it” is the common words spoken to me by doctors, friends or family. hollow words … spend some time in my head and heart then we’ll talk … could they be strong enough to make it through the day…. would they smile… or would it just break their hearts and leave them crying for release… I don’t know.
it’s a bad day…. get through it … disassociate yourself … it’s a chemical imbalance you don’t feel this way…. have I missed any meds? no… it’s just a bad day soon the meds will work again and I’ll be emotionally gray …. castrated into a backseat driver shackled into normality… is it to make me feel better or to make everyone else feel better.

I’m 38 suicidal since 13 attempted more times than I care to count. all I can do is make it through the hour then the next then today and the day after keep fighting the overbearing bad wolf of my mind. lock the cage for another day.

all other sufferers I wish you well in your battle as I continue mine

Kingsley

]]> By: kat http://bipolarhappens.com/bhblog/living-with-bipolar-suicidal-thoughts/comment-page-1/#comment-3316 kat Sun, 29 Nov 2009 01:01:51 +0000 http://bipolarhappens.com/bhblog/living-with-bipolar-suicidal-thoughts/#comment-3316 And, now I'm scared. This down keeps on keepin on and more and more I cannot see the point of my living. Diagnosed 12 years ago and many meds later I'm not confined to my bed but I'm just awake more to alienate myself from everyone and experience longer and more excruciating bouts of pain. I understand that fighting attitude and I keep trying to rise above it and then I get weary and then I can't fight my way out of a paper bag. I've lost all credibility with family, friends and co-workers. I don't want to be around someone like me I have not stopped crying for weeks. I cry while I'm walking, I cry at thru water aerobics Now, I'm just holding on until I can experience , at best, a grey day. Hi Kat, I went through a month long suicidal episode this summer- it was a reaction to a medication. I remember driving down the street crying and crying- but I KNEW that it was bipolar disorder. I have been suicidal off and on for all of my adult life. It's the same thing as being manic- it's part of the illness. If you can remember this- it helps a lot. Here are some tips for dealing with the suicidal thougths while you get help. 1. Suicidal thoughts follow a pattern- everyone who is suicidal thinks in the same way. The topic changes depending on your personal experiences- but the nature of the thoughts never changes. Everything is awful- everything is dark - there is no hope and nothing will ever get better. Notice that this is black and white thinking- it's literally impossible that nothing will ever get better. As you say- even a gray day is better than the suicidal days. 2. Say this to yourself- this is an illness- this is not the real me- this is not my life. I am not my thoughts. Things can and will get better. 3.Check your meds- many medications can cause suicidal thoughts- check to see if your meds are too low- people with bipolar disorder have to be very careful if they take antidepressants as they can cause mania and or suicidal thoughts. My suicidal episode this summer was from Zoloft. I knew I shouldn't try it! I know you have tried medications for years- but there is always hope. 4. I know this is a scary topic- but talk with your doctor about ECT. It can be a miraculous treatment for serious depression. I have friends who say it changed their lives. There is a lot of information on the web that is anti ECT- but it's important to remember that the web often has more negative information than positive stories. All of the doctors I talk to and work closely with approve of ECT. I almost had it myself, but the lamictal got me out of the severe depression. 5. It's easy for others to say not to give up- but you're hearing this from me- suicidal since 19- constant depression until I created my treatment plan and then almost constant depression. Like you said- why would anyone want to be around us when we are so sick and crying all of the time! Don't give up- this literally has nothing to do with you- if you're crying all of the time- that's a huge sign that it's bipolar. If you do all of the above- I promise you that a gray day will happen and then you can find the energy to take new steps to end this suicidal episode. Julie And, now I’m scared. This down keeps on keepin on and more and more I cannot see the point of my living. Diagnosed 12 years ago and many meds later I’m not confined to my bed but I’m just awake more to alienate myself from everyone and experience longer and more excruciating bouts of pain. I understand that fighting attitude and I keep trying to rise above it and then I get weary and then I can’t fight my way out of a paper bag. I’ve lost all credibility with family, friends and co-workers. I don’t want to be around someone like me I have not stopped crying for weeks. I cry while I’m walking, I cry at thru water aerobics Now, I’m just holding on until I can experience , at best, a grey day.

Hi Kat,

I went through a month long suicidal episode this summer- it was a reaction to a medication. I remember driving down the street crying and crying- but I KNEW that it was bipolar disorder. I have been suicidal off and on for all of my adult life. It’s the same thing as being manic- it’s part of the illness. If you can remember this- it helps a lot. Here are some tips for dealing with the suicidal thougths while you get help.

1. Suicidal thoughts follow a pattern- everyone who is suicidal thinks in the same way. The topic changes depending on your personal experiences- but the nature of the thoughts never changes. Everything is awful- everything is dark – there is no hope and nothing will ever get better. Notice that this is black and white thinking- it’s literally impossible that nothing will ever get better. As you say- even a gray day is better than the suicidal days.

2. Say this to yourself- this is an illness- this is not the real me- this is not my life. I am not my thoughts. Things can and will get better.

3.Check your meds- many medications can cause suicidal thoughts- check to see if your meds are too low- people with bipolar disorder have to be very careful if they take antidepressants as they can cause mania and or suicidal thoughts. My suicidal episode this summer was from Zoloft. I knew I shouldn’t try it! I know you have tried medications for years- but there is always hope.

4. I know this is a scary topic- but talk with your doctor about ECT. It can be a miraculous treatment for serious depression. I have friends who say it changed their lives. There is a lot of information on the web that is anti ECT- but it’s important to remember that the web often has more negative information than positive stories. All of the doctors I talk to and work closely with approve of ECT. I almost had it myself, but the lamictal got me out of the severe depression.

5. It’s easy for others to say not to give up- but you’re hearing this from me- suicidal since 19- constant depression until I created my treatment plan and then almost constant depression. Like you said- why would anyone want to be around us when we are so sick and crying all of the time! Don’t give up- this literally has nothing to do with you- if you’re crying all of the time- that’s a huge sign that it’s bipolar.

If you do all of the above- I promise you that a gray day will happen and then you can find the energy to take new steps to end this suicidal episode.

Julie

]]> By: Melissa http://bipolarhappens.com/bhblog/living-with-bipolar-suicidal-thoughts/comment-page-1/#comment-1861 Melissa Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:13:25 +0000 http://bipolarhappens.com/bhblog/living-with-bipolar-suicidal-thoughts/#comment-1861 Hey Julie! I'm so glad your pushing through this awful time. You and your work mean a great deal to me. I wait each day to see if you've posted something to the blog - it feels like a lifeline sometimes. I have been having a difficult patch with my marriage and there have been times that those "dark thoughts" as I call them have swirled through my mind. I am combatting them with better self-care. For me that has been an exercise regimen more extreme than any I've ever done. I have been working out in various ways 6 days a week for 45-60 minutes a day. I have been going with other people so I have some accountability and support. I've found that not only do I feel more capable and in control but that my sexual thoughts which plague me constantlly have been decreased in intensity as well as frequency. Thanks so much for being the you that you are. Ever since I first heard you speak I have felt as though I'm not alone in this battle with Bipolar Disorder. Hi Melissa, thanks for your kind words. It was awful- and knowing that others are helped by my experiences makes it a bit easier! I am SO glad that the sexual thoughts are lessening. That can be a real burden- and scary too- Many people say exericise helps them stay stable. I also agree that the people we have around us determines our stability! Julie Hey Julie!
I’m so glad your pushing through this awful time. You and your work mean a great deal to me. I wait each day to see if you’ve posted something to the blog – it feels like a lifeline sometimes. I have been having a difficult patch with my marriage and there have been times that those “dark thoughts” as I call them have swirled through my mind. I am combatting them with better self-care. For me that has been an exercise regimen more extreme than any I’ve ever done. I have been working out in various ways 6 days a week for 45-60 minutes a day. I have been going with other people so I have some accountability and support. I’ve found that not only do I feel more capable and in control but that my sexual thoughts which plague me constantlly have been decreased in intensity as well as frequency. Thanks so much for being the you that you are. Ever since I first heard you speak I have felt as though I’m not alone in this battle with Bipolar Disorder.

Hi Melissa,
thanks for your kind words. It was awful- and knowing that others are helped by my experiences makes it a bit easier! I am SO glad that the sexual thoughts are lessening. That can be a real burden- and scary too- Many people say exericise helps them stay stable. I also agree that the people we have around us determines our stability! Julie

]]> By: Danielle http://bipolarhappens.com/bhblog/living-with-bipolar-suicidal-thoughts/comment-page-1/#comment-1860 Danielle Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:41:20 +0000 http://bipolarhappens.com/bhblog/living-with-bipolar-suicidal-thoughts/#comment-1860 I have had suicidal thoughts alot, but by the grace of god i made it thru and i have been close to carrying out those thoughts but i am glad i am still here. BP is such a horrible mental illness it skews reality and i hate it. I have had suicidal thoughts alot, but by the grace of god i made it thru and i have been close to carrying out those thoughts but i am glad i am still here. BP is such a horrible mental illness it skews reality and i hate it.

]]> By: SkyDreamer777 http://bipolarhappens.com/bhblog/living-with-bipolar-suicidal-thoughts/comment-page-1/#comment-1857 SkyDreamer777 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:39:33 +0000 http://bipolarhappens.com/bhblog/living-with-bipolar-suicidal-thoughts/#comment-1857 I'm with you. I think we've all been there once or five million times. Don't give up and don't give in. As my husband and I always say :This too shall pass". I've given up before. The hospital stay is not worth it. I’m with you. I think we’ve all been there once or five million times. Don’t give up and don’t give in. As my husband and I always say :This too shall pass”.

I’ve given up before. The hospital stay is not worth it.

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