Bipolar disorder? Join the ranks of us Bipolar Bears!
I have Bipolar 2 Disorder, specifically, rapid cycling. It can be hard to ask for help, huh? Even writing down the few words you need to say can feel crazy hard... like you're being a coward, or stupid.
You're not stupid for asking for help. And distraction is a good way to start. But if you are constantly in mental turmoil, and your daily life is being affected, there are more thinsg you can do to make the pain better.
Go back to your doctor and discuss your medication. There are heaps of bipolar medications out there. The reason is because different people respond differently to meds. There is no "one size fits all" pill. Maybe you can change your dosage, add an mood stabiliser, change your anti depressant, get a prescription for sleeping tablets... there's so much that can be done. Go talk to the doctor, because if you are considering suicide, your meds obviously aren't working.
Ask the doctor for referral for therapy. I've done both individual and group therapy. It sounds so silly, talking about your problems with strangers, but it can save your arse. From therapy I learnt what triggers off my mood swings. I learnt how to control my moods, what to do when I'm very sick and who to go to in the case of an emergency. I also got a network of support that I can call upon when I really need it. Therapy may help you too - you never know until you try.
Organise your life. Bipolar sufferers need routine. For them, anything that affects their health can have a negative effect on their mood. For me, that means an 8.30 pm bedtime every night. It sucks, but I'd rather sleep more and cope during the day. Other things that may not seem related but are: exercise, eating habits and diet, social life, etc. Take control of your life - see it as a mission to control your mood. The more you can control and watch, the better you can predict your mood, less out of control and scared you may be.
Tell friends and family. Educate them about what your condition is, and the best way to help you. My fiance now can tell when I'm manic. He knows I need to be distracted when I'm in that mood and knows a range of different things he can try, from putting on my favourite tv show to making me take a sleeping tablet and putting me to bed, to taking me to the hospital. The support is amazing, and so helpful to me.
And finally: do not be afraid to go to the emergency department of your hospital. In Australia at least, there is always a mental health nurse on duty at the emergency ward. You will be taken seriously, and you will get help, even if it is only to be watched until you are safe to be on your own again.
Good luck, and many apologies for the wall of text!
