Should I limit my stressful semster to avoid Bi-polar or anxiety?

Question

I worked very hard to improve my CAP at college last sem. But, I got fantastic results at the expense of my moods. I immediately started showing erratic mood swings and anxiety symptoms and paranoia symptoms. I will become "high" and sudfdenly "low" for no apparent reason. Then, I suspected this is because of my coll stress. So, this semester, Iam taking things slowly. But, help! I really need to push myself to get good grades.

I mean.. studies is the only thing I am okay at.

How can I do this?

Thanks!

Answer 1

hey hunny only do what u can handle dont push yourself over the edge mom 48 here ~~~~~~besides all that its the holiday season!!!!!!!

Answer 2

It sounds like your partner definitely has mood swings -- possibly bi-polar. But in recent years, psychiatrists have been more aware of mood swings in general, not necessarily total extremes. One can shift from "ok" to very low or very energized. Some people have mood shifts within one day, and for some a given mood will last for weeks and then switch. (Doctors used to just recognize extreme bi-polar.) Also, there are more and more medicines being used to stabilize moods. Lithium used to be the main one. Now there are drugs that were originally intended to control epileptic seizures -- one example is Lamictal and another is Neurontin. They are prescribed for Bi-polar patients, but a close friend of mine takes Lamictal because he switches often between somewhat depressed and normal, non-depressed mood. If your partner has confidence in the psychiatrist, he can try the lithium and see how it goes. There's nothing wrong with Lithium and new drugs aren't necessarily better. If it doesn't help. or if the side effects are intolerable, then move on to the next option. Unfortunately, every person is different, and whether one needs an antidepressant or a mood stabilizer, it's almost impossible to predict which one will be right. It's really trial and error. Also, there's nothing wrong with getting a second opinion. Good luck, and don't be alarmed by mental-health labels. They exist as a convenience, and they don't match up with success or lack of success in treatment.

Answer 3

Go meet with a counsellor, it really can't hurt.

When I was in University, I noticed that in general, it was easy to get 60's, and a bit harder to get 70's, but to get 80's was a LOT more work, and 90's required an incredible effort. You do a lot of extra work for a few extra percentages. I guess it depends what you need from your grades, for example if you're trying to get into a highly competetive grad school, or really need to be on the honor role. But otherwise, it's pass or fail, and I think if you're struggling with mental health issues , you might want to consider just passing.

Oh, and I'm sure you're good at lots of things other than just studies. Why not go do some of that stuff, it will take your mind of school. When I was in Uni we went out and got drunk and laid at least a few nights every week!

Answer 4

Do you have friends and family you can talk to without them judging you. Sometimes, you need to get things off your chest and hear from people who care about you that things will turn out fine. A lot of the times, you are putting too much pressure on yourself and a friendly reminder that you are going a great job or words or encouragement will put things back into the right perspective. It might be that you are making unrealistic assumptions.

If you are doing the best you can, then do no more. There's a book called the Four Agreement and it might help you with your life.

Answer 5

College classes are time-limited and pressure filled, that's the nature of the beast. Your option for limiting anxiety is in WHICH CLASSES you choose and in HOW MANY CLASSES you take at one time. If getting good grades is your main goal, then a secondary goal for you might be to pace yourself, not requiring as much of yourself as you did this past semester. It sounds as if your symptoms were too much to handle. A lowering of your stress expectations may be just what you need to be more even.

Anxiety is directly linked to stress, and you have it within your ability to control it.

Bipolar is another matter, like brown eyes, you either have it or you don't. If you do deal with bipolar over your lifetime, then managing your anxiety and stress level is key to your health.

Answer 6

U dont mention taking meds and physcotherapy for your bipolar. Were you professionally diagnosed with bipolar? If so, stress is only one of the triggers.
Bipolar is a chemical imbalance in the brain. It is not curable but it is treatable. Through the proper meds and therapy, a bipolar can live a normal life. Good luck hun.

Answer 7

If you have bi-polar disorder then counseling would be the way to go...this disorder isn't the same as being stressed out - it is a chemical imbalance that is serious.

Answer 8

Are you sure you didn't have this issue before? Stress isn't the only thing that brings on these symptoms...maybe they just brought them to the surface?

Answer 9

Bi-Polar Disorder is a grossly over-exaggerated illness.

Answer 10

if your university is worth a darn, they should have free counseling for you. it's very worth it!