Stress Center Peer Support

Originally posted by Don57:
I don't worry whether I am or am not bipolar. I don't exhibit the classic symptoms such as hallucinations, believing I'm someone I am not [God, a special messenger of God], going for days without sleep, or even mania [usually]. But I do go from normal mood to depressed often, remain in normal mood most of the time but cycle to depressed for a short period of time, then back to normal. I do have problems sleeping, and self esteem seems to be ever shifting from good to poor back to good. It never ends.

Interesting. . .I guess the definition is pretty broad. I sometimes have trouble sleeping too but it's just when I have racing thoughts. Like last night I kept waking up practicing in my head what I was going to tell the doctor to sound "normal" so he wouldn't automatically give me antidepressants. Guess I failed there!

In your case there is a reason for not being able to sleep, anxiety and worry. In my case there is absolutely no reason for why I can't sleep. No anxiety, no worry, just not able to go to sleep. Jogging was helping a lot with that but haven't had the energy for that for 3 months now. Haven't figured that one out yet, lack of energy. And yes, the definition of bipolar seems to paint a very wide brush.

OK. . .that makes sense. The last time I was staying up late was when I got obsessed with a game on Facebook. I was staying up until 1-2am playing that dumb game. Now I look at it and don't even get what was the big draw to it. It really annoyed my husband because I was totally addicted and playing it all the time.

I don't worry whether I am or am not bipolar. I don't exhibit the classic symptoms such as hallucinations, believing I'm someone I am not [God, a special messenger of God], going for days without sleep, or even mania [usually]. But I do go from normal mood to depressed often, remain in normal mood most of the time but cycle to depressed for a short period of time, then back to normal. I do have problems sleeping, and self esteem seems to be ever shifting from good to poor back to good. It never ends

Hi all,

Hi Don, this is a very good/excellent description of a hyped up hi-side and I have had those experiences a few times. That was when I was much younger, and yes it is scarrey, and it also makes a lot of people scared of you.

I saw my dad go through this (early 60's) and worse. As I have gotten older, I noticed that when I ate fish, it helped me come down, so that whenever, I felt that I might be going overboard, I ate fish and it was like a soft landing that didn't send to the depths of hell. I am have generally been on down side of this battle for quite some time. But, this site really helps me feel a sense of purpose that I didn't have before due to downside type life events and physical injuries, that really limited me.

Faith, I don't think you are bi-polar and you are probably just projecting, and that is causing you undue worry. Try to stay focused on all that is good, and positive. This too, shall pass is a good mantra. I really liked Shirah's old mantra: I can't control the wind, but I can control the sails



Hi Don again,

"In my case there is absolutely no reason for why I can't sleep. No anxiety, no worry, just not able to go to sleep."

I missed this earlier and I wanted to comment. I hope you don't mind. I visited your web site and read several of your blog entries. It is odd that the B-12 shot lasted for such a short time. Nevertheless, I think that you may on the right track. BTW, you and your family look great. I think that you will probably find that no matter what b/p meds they put you on your going to develop sluggish overall feelings. Many of the diets that are prescribed lowering high cholestrol, and I don't know if you have this problem, but they sometimes, have the opposite effect intended. Most times, for many people, high fiber, low fat, only serves to, over time, cause weight gain and do not really lower the cholestrol count.

I have this problem too. Years ago, I went on Atkins diet. Low carbohydrates and high protein. I lost weight and got those numbers down. That diet is tough to maintain cause I am a sugar freak. I love cake and cookies, candy, snacks, ice cream and chips. yeah, yeah, all the stuff that taste so good and is bad for us. Anyway, while I was on that diet, I had so much energy, it felt like a huge bi-polar upswing without the freaking hallucinations. I felt great.

I would suggest you try increasing you protein intake, and lower your carb intake to say 120-150 grams of carbohydrates, but no more. You can check nutritional labeling serving size. Try this for 3-5 days and see if your energy level comes up. It's worth the try, and it really is not that hard to lower carbs to these levels. if you do try it and it works for you, please PM back. I want to know.

God love all of ya,

Hugs-

Gman5256