Bipolar and Overstimulated? Me too!

Signs I have overworked, am overestimated and that my #bipolar is raging. What on this list happens to you?

1. I get very testy and mean. People upset me and I’m a bitch in public.

2. I purse my lips and think that things should be different than they are.

3. I can’t sleep.

4. Traffic is simply impossible for me to deal with. I yell and shout while driving.

5. I feel guilty about my behavior.

6. I have trouble stopping. I will keep working out of guilt and the belief that I’m lazy.

This is when I have to take stock of my current situation and talk with myself about my choices. I literally say this to myself….

Julie, it’s great that you have work you love. Bipolar is here though and it means you have to slow down. Did you take your meds? (Yes) Ok, check that off the list. Are you going to get to bed at a reasonable time tonight? (I’m worried that I am going to work too late as I have an event to go to that starts at 9:30 PM) It’s ok. Go to the event and stay an hour. Go straight home, take your sleep meds and calm yourself down.

ETC.

Talking to yourself when you see the signs that you’re overstimulated is a wonderful tool. The Health Cards taught me my symptoms. Now, I have my lists of what to look for and I know what I need to do. I can’t stay at this level of mood. It’s not sustainable. I can take care of myself now. I don’t have to let it escalate. I can be a nicer person. I can calm down.

This is how I manage my bipolar. I’m interested in your story.