bipolar; please help

[bouncing]

I am still pursuing my education. I am new to site. Did a search on thread and one exist, but all comments are a couple of years old.

Somebody out there under "bipolar nurses" thread said they went through a lot with this and were willing to help anyone with issues. I'm planning on writing a "care plan" for myself. I think I am very manageable but want to get a handle on dealing with prodromal symptoms. I picked up the book "Bipolar survival guide" as was suggested in the thread "bipolar Nurses".

My disease got me bounced out of one school, and I can deal with that. I am exploring school options and am confident I'll complete my education somewhere. I could use advice and maybe a little encouragement. Hate to be needy, but could somebody out there share if you have issues with bipolar.

P.S. Sorry if I'm not suppose to post under this tab, I wasn't sure if posting under student would get me the help I am looking for. Just hope to start a more recent discussion about nurses with bipolar than the previously mentioned thread. I don't know if it's because I'm under the free membership or possibly because the other thread posts are a few years old, but I am having trouble replying or posting on the old thread.

Thanks, again just basically--if you are bipolar please share your experiences.

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

Thanks to those who responded to bouncing. I haven't started "journaling" yet, but can see the value. I am keeping track of sleep patterns, my recent med change has made me much more organized.

The word "psychiatrist" kind of freaks me out. I've gone to psychologist here and there, and years back went to a psychoanalyst for a few months.

I did attend a NAMI meeting about a week ago. Some guy mentioned something he shared with his psychologist and I was amazed at the level of vulnerability that he showed. I guess I never really shared the hard stuff when doing talk therapy in the past. I do know that I need to deal with behavioral stuff along with the drugs, but all in all I keep thinking I'm high functioning.

The jobs I've lost, not nursing jobs, where always just my temper and mouth. There's a part of me that thinks I'm justifying this with the "bipolar" tag, but there's another part that knows something is wrong--most people have more control over their emotions. Though I've never been physically violent, I can see that my intensity at times makes others react to me in a guarded manner.

I guess I'm journaling now, but you don't need to hear all this. I'll definitely take up the practice, and find somebody I can share the hard stuff with.

Thanks again to all.

You'll need a good psychiatrist to balance your meds....maybe your PCP can help with this- that's mostly what psychiatrists do; the psychologist is good for coping techniques.

You have insight about using the bipolar tag as an excuse- that has to stop (and you know :)). Get the intensity under control and learn the early signs that you're getting overwhelmed....that's where the psychologist comes in.. Groups are also good, so you see others who function well - that is important

Keep plugging along :heartbeat

[leslie :-D]

bouncing, are you on any meds for your bipolar?

for the past few yrs, i've had major problems with my older son (he's 21 now).

he had destroyed items in the house (including walls), was physically aggessive with his peers - an overall bully

he had incredibly strong anger, had outbursts very frequently, got into trouble w/the law/police, spent 3 wks in jail...just an overall punk.

my husband, and i were desperate.

after he spent those 3 wks in jail, he was changed but not violent.

lots of anger, nothing clicked w/him, nothing learned (except not to get caught).

he was 'off' and deeply depressed for months.

i think it was ptsd re what he saw in prison.(and he would literally cry, sharing "you would never believe what i saw in prison".

he was with big time prisoners...murderers, armed and dangerous types, pedophiles.

he wasn't supposed to be in that section, but other place was overflowing, no rm.

just let me say he hit rock bottom and couldn't stop crying.

out of the blue, he FINALLY accepted our help.

he took initiative to get therapy, go to pcp to find psychiatrist, just very determined to help himself.

dx'd with bipolar, ultimately ended up on lithium, seroquel, and ativan.

he is ecstatic that he "feels in control", feels more confident, finally respects himself, and therefore, others.

he's working full time, starts college tomorrow, and is excited about his life and future.

i share this with you because when people have a mental illness, it makes them vulnerable, whether they feel it or not.

i just cannot encourage enough, to get a psychiatrist...these are not therapy sessions, in case you're leery about that.

i just want you to feel secure enough in nsg school, and not have to worry about your bp.

my son's confidence has soared because of his meds.

and this is what i wish for you.

wishing you faith and strength, today and forever.

leslie:)