Hi Julie,
I am going to court tomorrow, and I have been a mess, shaky, anxious, and frustrated at everybody around me. I feel like everything someone says is just irritating and worthless to me. I don’t want to be around anybody, but I know that is not healthy for me. I have been getting worse all week leading up to this stressful situation. I am worried that I am going to have a full blown depression episode. I cannot concentrate and am having trouble sleeping.
Hi C,
Isn’t it amazing what stress can do to our bodies and minds… I would be stressed too. It hits us harder- that’s for sure. It’s amazing that you are aware of your anger and frustration- this means you can keep it from ruining relationships and getting you into trouble. I was majorly irritated yesterday and even yelled at a friend- I felt terrible and then realized that is not the real me and I have to manage myself better. I suggest that you have a mantra to say the rest of the day. I am angry because I am stressed and I have bipolar disorder. I will NOT take this out on other people. They are not the problem. I will NOT ruin relationships. I have made it through many tough things and I will make it through this. I know when the court session is over I will feel differently. I can do this and I will. Now, what do I need to do right now to feel better.
I talk to myself like this constantly- even with the stress is overwhelming. The truth is that you can’t get out of the court situation, so you might as well use it as a learning experience to see how well you can manage the anger.
Julie
Julie: I don’t recall your ever talking about your doctor. What is she/he like? I am abigious about my doctor. He is a good listener but a poor questioner, and he is not board certified, so whenever I am hospitalized, I am seen by a different doctor, and that doctor has changed or increased/decreased medication, not my doctor, who follows up on the changes. What are some good guidelines about doctors? Can you name a few? Helen Ag
Bipolar disorder is a grave illness causing intense mood alterations ranging from feeling depressed to mania, can even contemplate to suicide. It is caused due to genetic predisposition, high-stress lifestyle, sleep deprivation, stress filled events in life etc. Symptoms are: feeling sad, lonely, helpless, and guilty etc. If anyone are suffering from it, should discuss with close ones, friends, so it will relieve one’s pain, should take help from others to prevent it.
Yes, this is bipolar disorder! I always say it’s an illness that affects a person’s ability to self regulate their moods.
I would also add that anger, irritation, ADD, OCD, and anxiety symptoms are just as common as the mania and depression for some people! It’s complicated. THere is no question that medications are the first line of treatment. It’s extremely rare for someone with an active case of bipolar disorder to do well without meds. That is certainly how it is for me. But meds are not enough- we all need a plan.
Julie