I'm bi-polar and my problem is:?

Question

I cannot forgive myself for the things I've done in the past to friends, family while in a manic phase, most of them are not patient with my disease.
I feel like everyone thinks I'm crazy, they just don't understand.

Answer 1

For people with bipolar disorder, life can be an emotional roller coaster. It can have intense highs and crippling lows. But treatments are available to help control these extreme mood swings. Although there is no cure, with proper treatment, people diagnosed with bipolar disorder can live normal lives. Maybe you need to start on some mediction and givin time they will come to realize you're normal again. I feel you're family isn't informend correctly they don't and can't know what you going through. Whatever you did in the past you couldn't control.

I recomend you become part of a group here's a list:

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
120 Wall St., 22nd Floor
New York, NY 10005
Phone: (888) 333-AFSP (2377) or [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
www.afsp.org

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
730 N. Franklin St., Suite 501
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
www.dbsalliance.org

National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI)
Colonial Place Three
2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: (800) 950-NAMI (6264) or [phone]
TDD: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.nami.org

National Mental Health Association (NMHA)
2001 N. Beauregard St., 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone: (800) 969-NMHA (6642)
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (E.T.)
TTY: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.nmha.org

Exercise
Exercise causes your body to release endorphins, which help you to feel calm and happy. Try to get moving regularly, even if you're feeling somewhat manic or depressed. When you're not feeling well, this could mean a short walk or a half-hour of gardening. Once your moods are under control, pick an activity you enjoy, like swimming or cycling, and exercise for 30 minutes three or four times a week.

Eat well
It's hard to feel balanced and optimistic if you're run down or undernourished. Be mindful of what you're eating, and try to work lots of fruits and vegetables into your diet. A daily multivitamin may help you cover your nutritional bases.

Avoid alcohol and drugs
Many people with bipolar disorder try to find relief from their strong emotions by drinking alcohol or using drugs. Some even use these substances in place of their medication. This approach never helps, and can be dangerous. Drugs and alcohol tend to make mood episodes worse, and quitting medication almost guarantees relapse. If you find yourself relying on alcohol or drugs, talk to your doctor about it. Substance abuse can be treated effectively.

Develop a daily routine
Research suggests that a regular routine and sleep schedule can help stave off manic and depressive episodes. Start by picking a reasonable bedtime and sticking with it. Then, create a daily routine for yourself that includes getting up at the same time every day, with fairly regular mealtimes and work hours.

Learn to predict relapse
Make a list of behaviors that usually signal the onset of mania or depression. For example, you may go without much sleep as a manic episode begins. Or, you might spend money on something you don't need. Talk to your doctor as soon as you spot these changes. He or she may be able to adjust your medication so that you can avoid a full-blown episode.

Avoid stress
You can help keep your moods under control by avoiding stress. Take a stress-management class, or consider trying yoga or meditation. In the meantime, avoid unnecessary pressure by setting reasonable goals for yourself. For example, if you are in school, you might decide not to take a full schedule of classes.

Create a relapse action plan
Talk to your family and friends about what you would like them to do if you relapse. For example, if you ever need to be hospitalized, you may feel most comfortable with a particular doctor. Or, you may want to ask a trusted family member to make decisions about your care when you can't make them yourself.

Families can play a critical role in helping to monitor the symptoms of bipolar disorder, collaborating with the treatment team to prevent relapses, and working together to achieve personal and shared goals. To accomplish this, family therapy usually involves educating the family about bipolar disorder, improving communication skills, and teaching problem solving techniques so that families are able to solve problems on their own.

Bipolar disorder can be frightening to both people with the illness and their family members. In addition, because bipolar disorder often develops early in life and has disruptive effects on functioning, the illness can interrupt normal development and interfere with people’s desires to achieve their aspirations. However, there are very good reasons to be hopeful that through collaborative work among individuals, their families, and practitioners, bipolar disorder can be successfully managed and people can achieve their personal life goals. Many people with bipolar disorder are extremely bright, talented, and creative. For example, the writer Virginia Woolf, the artist Vincent van Gogh, and the actress Patty Duke all had bipolar disorder. With proper treatment and family help, individuals with bipolar disorder can pursue and fulfill their life goals and dreams.

Answer 2

You have to come to terms with what you have done. Take accountability and ask your friends and family for forgiveness. If they cannot, at least you know you did what you could. If they do, don't make the mistake of betraying their trust again. Bi-polar disorder is a neurological disorder, but it is not an excuse. Some people get confused. You need to be making the right decisions for your problem i.e. medication and counseling. If you're currently taking meds, it sounds as though you may need a reevaluation.

Answer 3

Seek therapy! The only way to deal with these kinds of issues is to talk to a professional that you trust and admire. Drugs will only help so much, since the problem is mostly in your head. I know because my little bro is manic and he always does better when he is in therapy (with or without meds).

I am sorry to hear that your family isn't very supportive, but it can be very difficult for some people to understand that you are not completely in control of yourself. Be patient with them and maybe even invite someone to join you in therapy once or twice....believe me, you will feel much better. :) Good luck!

Answer 4

there is a natural herbal type supplement on the market called deprex. you ought to look in to it. Girl there is nothing you can do about your past. forget it. look to the future. If you spilled a glass of milk yesterday and went back day after day even though you wiped the spill up, and said you know I can't believe I spilled that milk.... What good its that going to do you? none, move on think about other things when you start thinking about the past. read a book Like the bible or other positive influence. sing .. your brain can't think if your singing , try it!!!!

Answer 5

Honestly, they probably never will. You need to find a good outlet for yourself like music or art or journalling (sp?). It would also help to find a good therapist that you like or maybe a support group. People that have never experienced it will just tell you to "get over it" or "cheer up" and that is not what you need. Good luck to you.

Answer 6

My best friend is bi polar also and she always starts to fight with me and she feels the same way and even though i try to explain it she doesnt believe that i really really care for her i dont know if that helps..but yeah..

Answer 7

Well, you are going to need to learn to forgive your self. You have a disease, what you have done is not your fault. Stay on your medication and keep seeing your doctor regularly to monitor and manage your medication.

Answer 8

i mean, it's not your fault that you act the way you do..so they should understand that..have you ever read the book 72 hour hold? it' s a great book..i think it'll help you cope! good luck!

Answer 9

If you really have the disease then why wouldn't they understand? Get medicated, seek counseling, or something.

Answer 10

take one day at a time, enjoy each day dont worryt be happy