seeking advice on bipolar

[callignee]

Hi

I’m new to sane forums and have bipolar with psychotic features.  For the last years I’ve been relatively stable except for a recent stressful period which triggered hypomanic episode and delusions again and now progressed into depression.  Now I’m maxed out with mood stabiliser, antipsychotic and antidepressant medication as well as seeing a psychologist. The psych has helped a little with depression and anxiety but not as much with the delusions, especially the automatic intrusive thoughts. This current situation has dragged since the new year.

I’m curious how others with bipolar manage panic and anxiety attacks triggered by delusions and intrusive thoughts.

My GP is very supportive but I wonder if a review with psychiatrist would help.

[MissGremlin]

Hello @callignee and welcome to the forums. I’m sorry you’ve been going through such a hard time lately. It sounds exhausting dealing with the hypomania, intrusive thoughts, delusions, and now depression aswell.

I also have alot of anxiety, panic and intrusive thoughts and it gets really overwhelming at times. What I find helps me is distractions and also keeping connected during the really tough moments. I try to remind myself that intrusive thoughts can feel very real, but they aren't facts. Those thoughts can exist without us needing to act on them. 

I'm really glad that you have a supportive GP and psychologist. Given the delusions have returned and things have been going on for a while, I think a psychiatrist review could definitely be worth considering to reassess support and medication as things can change over time and need adjusting.

You're not alone, we are here for you, take gentle care of yourself ❤️.

[Misty7]

Hi @callignee,

Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear you are experiencing intrusive thoughts. I too have intrusive/ distressing thoughts from CPTSD they are not pleasant. The more you can understand them the less they were have a hold over you. Intrusive thoughts are simply anxious thoughts trying to keep you safe from danger. You have probably been anxious for a very long time and your mind has learnt over time that it should protect you from danger whether it's an actual threat or not. Usually it's very unlikely an actual threat like a tiger chasing you or a dog bite. Distressing thoughts/ intrusive thoughts will come up when you are stressed or highly anxious. There are a couple of ways you can manage them. You can find them on Youtube.

1. 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding technique (helps you focus on the present moment)

2.  TIPP Method ( shifts the physiological state from anxious to calm)

3.  Tapping your chest and directly talking to the Anxiety and Fear by saying "Thankyou anxious and fear, i am safe i am safe it's okay its okay its okay''.  This one works for me.

*Don't be scared to tell your psychologist that you are struggling with the intrusive thoughts. Email them and let them know even if you have to repeat yourself. Also tell them that you are struggling with the panic & anxiety attacks.

*Someone else on here can probably give a more direct answer based on your disorder.

[Misty7]

I forgot to also mention that having a cold shower for 30 seconds will stop a panic attack.

[callignee]

@MissGremlin hi,  thanks for your kind welcome and advice.  I think a review with psychiatrist is worthwhile. I've been on most of medication for some time apart from recent changes. 

thanks again

[callignee]

@Misty7 , hi - thanks for your kind words.  Grounding and TIPP sounds worthwhile. I'll explore on some youtube clips.  I see my pschologist shortly and so will ask for more help with the instrusive thoughts.  The psych has helped with my depression,

thanks again.

[Happychick]

It must be very hard for you. I feel for you, I have had bipolar since 2002 when I had a manic episode and ended up in the hospital. I also hear voices or really just one voice and have delusions some times, I find it hard to regulate my emotions despite being on the maximum dose of mood stabiliser. I stay stable for a while but if I’m placed in a stressful situation my body responds badly. I also get angry and frustrated easily and scream and yell and carry on a lot when things don’t go my way. I’ve found the medication can only do so much and that seeing a psychologist is the most helpful for me. Thing is I’m a bit of a know it all and like to think I know all their tricks and techniques I just have trouble implementing them, hang in there hopefully things will get easier for you and the depression will lift. Do you have any hobbies that you look forward to doing that can help. I wish you well here if you need anything