An Anxious, Bipolar Day

It was a revelation that others find Xanex their key tool to cope with their anxiety --- useful to understand that others have the exact same coping mechanisms to get through the day. I am not alone in my bipolar misery (but I feel very alone).
My children are now 11 & 13 and they've survived my bipolar struggle with their own positive, happy personalities intact. I have always been careful to explain what the bipolar is doing to my behaviour at the moment, and now they are pretty good at working around what's happening with my moods and get on with their lives. We manage quite well even though any given day might be pretty rough --- it balances out over time. Good parenting will ultimately reign over bipolar!!

I very much appreciate your postings. My 17 year old son was recently diagnosed BP1 and reading your comments and suggestions helps me understand what he's experiencing a little better. It also helps me know how I can support him in this. Thanks for sharing.

After surviving the roller coaster of bipolarity for 30 years and aquiring the tools of cognitive therapy, meds, and vitiamins and supplements, I added a weekly meditation group several years ago. The idea of being 'present' in our lives is a consistantly revisited theme by various authors we have examined. Eckhart Tolle is one I easily attached to, allowing me to assimilate the down and anxious moments, days, weeks, etc. All things change, and there is comfort in that fact. Our moments are uncomfortable, but survivable if we give ourselves the liscense to experience. Fear of what might be happening can be much worse than being with the discomfort. I highly recommend a meditation/discussion group added to the tool kit.
I attend a group at The Foundation Of Light in Ithaca New York.
Bill Goodhew

I hear what you are saying. Your piece spoke volumes to me. I struggle with bi polar every day of my life and every minute of my day. It never really goes away. The main symptom is anxiety, crippling anxiety. Leaving me mentally and physically exhausted by the end of the day. I worked for years in high profile jobs and I coped and then it got worse and I had to give up work. Now I do some consulting work and I get by. I have a very loving partner and that makes the world of difference.

I was the "unlucky" one in my generation to inheirate my bipolar disorder from my Dad who got his from his Mother. Being unmedicated was impossible, finding the right meds. challenging, and coping minimal at times. I work as a firefigher (male dominated field), as well as raising my 7 yr. old daughter and taking care of my Mom who has cancer. Coping is a day to day process. It does get better. And I do believe that God doesn't give us more than we can handle so with the right meds., counseling, and alot of faith we will survive. Hang in there!!

I guess I can cope. I'm still alive. I'm a rapid-cycler. My mood swings frustrate everyone around me. My family can't cope. I have a granddaughter that I never saw until she was 14. And my grandson was 10 the first time I saw him. Then I moved away. My family wants it that way. Living with me is hard on my wife but she copes. When I'm "up" I'm a very angry person. When I'm down I'm suicidal. I TRY to cope. I guess I do. I'm still alive.

Hi, I just recently found HealthyPlace.com and the Bipolar Vida blog and without sounding "mental," I feel it mysteriously landed in my inbox sent from heaven at just the right time!
I have suffered with bipolar disorder for many years now and only just a little over a year ago was officially diagnosed with bipolar.
Today, I had a really bad anxious bipolar day. I was in my merry little routine of getting my two girls ready when I received a phone call asking me to attend an appointment at 9 a.m. tomorrow. My bubble popped! I couldn’t think straight. My attitude changed. I was screaming and shouting, flapping about. Then the anxiety kicked in and I felt heat coming out of my chest. I got dizzy/sick, as though my world was ending. It has taken me until 3 p.m. to sort myself out! I feel on days like this, such a simple thing can trigger such devastation and drama. Now, I’m thinking – is my medication still working?
It’s such a great relief to read other people’s comments and know I’m not alone. I hope my children can forgive me for all they’ve been through because of my illness.

I am now 59 years old and diagnosed since I was 19. I cope. I cope well when under pressure from work or family life or during emergencies. These are times my brain forgets it has a problem, I don't know where this comes from.
I bought up 2 sons alone and I cope. Both turned out well and don't understand me but I'm the first one they call when there is an emegency. Again I cope.
I think it's all part of Bipolar, the good part, and that we have inner strength other people dont possess. A coping mechanism we can access when needed.
Kay

I appreciate your journey so much. It is very difficult being a patient, loving and attentive parent under 'normal' circumstances. But your brave pursuit to do as much as you can despite your anxiety is inspiring to ALL parents. It shows us that no matter what, we can rise above, we can hope and we can do whatever we have to do for them and for us!

How I know those feelings............I am in the next generations! I have been so many things since my sixteen birthday. Now i am sixty five and yes I am bipolar.
My husband of 75 has been diagnosed with cancer, it is not curable, do you know what I can cope.
My Mother is 98 and is living in a world of her own, my brothers do not visit her and I am the only one that is visiting my dear Mother. Again I am coping.
My granddaughter has been diagnosed with an iregular heartbeat, and now has epileptic fits again I am coping.
The reason...................we are special people, with more insight that the normal person out there. We can help people around us. We can cope.
Unlock the special gifts that was bestowed on you because of our bipolar condition and use it to you benefit and those of your family.
I am there for your you.
Lots of love and understanding.