any other manic-depressives out there having a very hard time right now

[freeplessinseattle]

this is the worst cycling I can remember in ages, and it is getting in the way of me being able to be as effective as I'd like helping with the campaign. I don't need to elaborate if you are a fellow m/d, but this is really not what I need right now, and the up times that can be productive are not, due to muddled thinking from sleep deprivation and a million thoughts swirling around. anyone relate? what have you done to help, besides adjusting meds?

*I am rapic cycling right now, heading down now after being up, up, up, with less than 2 hours of sleep in 48 hours. I got some today, but woke up cycling the other direction. this is so shitty

[cygy2k]

1. OCD

I have OCD and can tell you that it is much worse the past few weeks looking towards the election, plus my pure hatred for Republican BS.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

2. Have you contacted your doctor?

Therapist? Case Worker? If not, why not?

[freeplessinseattle]

12. maybe b/c I've got the

'ol "dr heal thyself attitude" and fall into the trap of thinking I should be able to deal with this on my own with all my education (halfway thru counseling grad program) and while I have an appt with my therapist next week, I don't want to bug her bc/ I'm a little emotional. but now it's more important than my feelings alone, it is the effect on the election, if I am not motivated to get help asap for myself, I can do it for my country.

maybe I'll see if she can squeezee in this week, or search for another one who has an opening soon..

[lazarus]

3. another rapid cycler here

I'm having a rough time of it, but I don't think it's the campaign or anything. More likely the change in season.

[tridim]

4. Just acid stomach for now

Of course I'm also selling my house, moving to a different state, looking for a new job and suing my current boss for back pay. Yep, I have a bit of stress right now.

[freeplessinseattle]

15. eeep! sorry to hear that, best of luck to you!

[Cornjob]

5. Get your doctor's help ASAP

Your meds may no longer be effective. It is a fairly common occurrence and requires finding a new, more effective combination.

Don't gamble with your health!

[Ruffhowse]

6. I can relate, I'm bipolar, too. Right now I'm not doing too badly, but

it can get pretty serious if I'm not careful. I know how it feels to rapid cycle like you are experiencing--very frightening and disorienting. Meds have always been very helpful to me, but in addition I try to get plenty of exercise. Exercise really seems to help smooth out my moodswings and help me sleep better as well. Also, be sure you're getting good nutrition. I know that can be hard especially when you're really down, but I think it's really important. Other than that, just hang in there best you can and remember that you WILL get better as this spell finally lifts. Just hang on-we'll be thinking about you.

[JimmyJazz]

7. Please call the doctor who prescribed the meds - this is

a very stressful time right now. If you are cycling as quickly as you say, you have to make that call. You cannot afford to wait 6 more days (or longer) for this to abate on its own. Please make that call and let us know how you are doing.

[bettyellen]

8. all good advice

We are all feeling a little crazier than usual, it's unfortunate that we are coming upon the change in seasons, additional darkness and it feels like a full moon coming on. Go see about your meds, B-vitamins, some light regular excersise will help along w/ maybe some meditation and/ or focusing on the positives around you. Stay away from faux news, it can damage you if you're feeling vulnerable. Take care of yourself. It will pass, hang on to that

[Ellen Forradalom]

9. I experienced a serious manic episode

in the run-up to the 2000 election. I was working for the Gore campaign and maintaining a political website.

I have kept my political activities to a minimum this time for the sake of my mental health.

[Paul Lazzaro]

10. I care...please take care of yourself first!

Indeed these are very trying times for all of us...this is an incredibly stressful time because the future of our country depends on the next few days!

But please take a time out and tend to your own well-being...That should be your paramount concern right now...It is very noble what you do and I have the utmost respect for you ! But it's a struggle, that's for sure...

I'm not bipolar but had a friend (actually my sister's boyfriend) who was...I don't wish to go any deeper into my experiences here but I know how agonizing it can be to just deal with these things!

Please feel free to pm me if you would like...I know I have only 10 posts but I am not a newbie, I just changed my username and have been around awhile...

But please, know that there are people who at least try to understand and do care...

Good luck and hopefully after Tuesday we'll all be ecstatic!

[freeplessinseattle]

13. oh honey thank you

what a touching note. so thoughtful
a hearty welcome to you, too!

I appreciate everyone's responses, I guess maybe I was struck but the heatfeltness of a newbie and sometimes newbies don't feel that welcome, especially right now!

again thank you all, you are all such warm-hearted people I am so glad I found you. If it wasn't for du I'd be a basket cabe by now, the community spirit and can-do attitude is invaluable.

an rx for DU please, I need a refill!

[derbstyron]

11. I can relate

sorry to hear that. I'm VERY down right now. Add to it this:
I tend to "self-injure" myself and I'm struggling with an eating disorder. And I'm a GUY!
Talk about messed up.
Hope you feel better.

[freeplessinseattle]

14. wow, we have a lot in common

'cept I'm a girl. so they say anyway, lol.

feel free to pm me anytime, especially if you are feeling the desire to SI. I will get notification at my em when I get a new pm.

(and remember that now more than ever nourishment is important, keeps our strength up, all that jazz, I keep telling myself that I can be normal just for a week. trying but of course that streses me even more. it is just for a 6 more days though. We can help each other through it day by day

Please take care

[derbstyron]

16. thank you

I needed that.
Today was a very bad day. I got dumped by my therapist. She's still going to help me with the Bi-polar (I'm also a rapid cycler) but she can't deal with the eating disorder.
I'm on disability because I can't work so I lost my insurance from my employer so I can't get into a program and on those rare occasions when I do find a therapist that accepts payment on a sliding scale invariably they only want to deal with women.
Of course, I can't get Medicaid here in Florida because of cuts to the program that rules out single men. They will only give it to single women with kids (thanks Jeb, ASSHOLE republicans!)
Of course, now I'm on welfare cause you know that's all us liberals are good for.
I focus on goals and the only thing keeping me going right now is to watch Fox news Tuesday night when they pass around the kool-aid.

God, I don't feel good. ;(

[freeplessinseattle]

17. giving you a big hug

or trying to anyway through this virtual world. I am so sorry to hear of your situation and am really po'd at those therapists that discriminate against men. so what if they haven't worked with men, they can still help and if they were good therapists they would seek out help to help. that is so pathetic, I want to write to them and clean their clock!

I have great respect for your struggle, which is made even more challenging with Jeb's idiotic heartless behavior.

This is the place to find people with heart, I'm so glad you found us at least. thank god for the internet.