Bipolar and stress as a trigger??

Hi I have bipolar disorder and am under a great deal of stress. at first it seemed very easy to cope but now the littlest thing could well tip me over the top. any advice on what I can do just to get through the days. thank you

Hi I often get like that and really do understand. I think the best thing you can do is speak with your doctor. try and find a why to remove yourself from the stress even if its only for a short time say an hour or so. really best to take with your doctor. take care good luck

Hi. Believe it or not, I would get a second diagnosis on the bi-polar. I've found, both personally and professionally, that this disease is ridiculously overdiagnosed and medicated and then people run into the kinds of problems you're having.

You might have a simple depression or even a simple anxiety disorder, both of which will act up under stress. But there are medications that treat each of these and a bit of talk therapy would probably be useful, as well.

Of course I'm not saying for sure you're not bi-polar - I'm merely saying I know what I've seen with this disease. It's the diagnosis du jour, and a lot of people get hurt being treated for it when it's often something far easier to manage.

The most effect thing is to call your pdoc and explain what's up. A med adjustment can strengthen stability and make the whole situation much easier to handle. I know that this works for me, and that the med adjustment almost always is *very* small if I call early. Other good practices are to exercise a little extra to help burn off some anxiety and release some stress. Stick to a sleep-wake schedule (again if you can't, it's big sign to call the pdoc). Eat well. Do some mediation or relaxation exercises/bath/sauna/etc. Talk thru what's going on with a friend or family member who will not wind you up about it, and do it regularly. Talk to your therapist or schedule therapy sessions. Work hard at recognizing what you do not truly control and then let go of it.

Not sure what stresses you but it's always good to know what is causing it. If it's tasks that you have to do, you can try dealing with one thing at a time rather than trying to get everything done at once. Hope that helps. :)

I would go talk to your doctor and see if there is a medication they can prescribe to you temporarily while you get through this time of stress.

Feel better soon!