Bipolar Coping with Bipolar 2 & c-PTSD

[littlestars]

Does anyone else have Bipolar Disorder? Specifically, Type 2? I'm having difficulties managing that disorder on top of c-PTSD.

I was wondering if anyone has a "first aid kit" for when things get worse when triggered into a bipolar episode. I don't really have any set plans for whenever I have severe depression. The mania episodes are somewhat manageable. I have my mother manage my finances and I try to maintain a less stressful environment. I also isolate myself so that I don't do anything drastic. I don't know if that is proper or if there is any more that I could do about it. I'm open to suggestions about mania. However, it is the depressive episodes that I need to pay the most attention to lately.

A depressive episode for me spirals out of control. It's rather typical; eating less, sleeping excessively, and ideation. I lost about ten pounds within a few days. I can't bring myself to get motivated. I neglect my personal hygiene too. I try to stick to my routine, but it's difficult. I have about twelve things I make sure to do every day and I can only really accomplish about three or four of them when I'm depressed. What do you do in this situation? Do you have a personal "first aid kit" for when this happens to you?

I used to think that c-PTSD was the only debilitating disorder I have, but now I see how it all blends together. Please let me know whatever you can. I'm not really doing so well in spite of the consistent support I get from my family.

 

[DOA247]

I got bipolar and ptsd and feel unheard so i understand completely

 

[littlestars]

I got bipolar and ptsd and feel unheard so i understand completeIy

I'm glad I'm not alone on that. Thank you for your reply. It means a lot. Do you feel like medication on top of some other "coping mechanisms" help at all? I've set a time for a better sleep schedule and have changed my diet (trial & error; I avoid sugar as much as possible because it causes negative reactions for both disorders) - it seems to help a little. I've been looking into ways of dealing with triggers as they come instead of avoiding them altogether. For example, I've been trying to overcome my fear of crowds. They just happen and I have to deal with it somehow. I've been told to be grounded in someway, but haven't really found anything that works. As far as moods go, I'd say that notion may apply as well. What do you think? And do you have any strategies to share?

 

[DOA247]

I’m so sorry for the delay I been having to socialize all day forgive me . I will respond to each question honestly I just want to read it all before I respond respectfully

I'm glad I'm not alone on that. Thank you for your reply. It means a lot. Do you feel like medication on top of some other "coping mechanisms" help at all? I've set a time for a better sleep schedule and have changed my diet (trial & error; I avoid sugar as much as possible because it causes negative reactions for both disorders) - it seems to help a little. I've been looking into ways of dealing with triggers as they come instead of avoiding them altogether. For example, I've been trying to overcome my fear of crowds. They just happen and I have to deal with it somehow. I've been told to be grounded in someway, but haven't really found anything that works. As far as moods go, I'd say that notion may apply as well. What do you think? And do you have any strategies to share?

I have started treatment with medications . But so far they both don’t work and my symptoms have actually gotten worse. My coping mechanism is Punjabi music and avoiding people and saying less as much as possible . I have an amazing man who supports me mentally so it helps so much . But doing it alone is never possible . I came on here to gain support and to be support because this is not an easy process .please seek therapy and talk to a doctor before making drastic changes. I also am trying to stop working because it is affecting all areas to where it feels like I’m having an outer body experience , extreme anxiety and other symptoms

 

[littlestars]

No need to apologize. Medications are all trial and error. You have to learn as you go, unfortunately. I hope you find the medication(s) that help you. It's good to listen to music because that is soothing. I listen to the same songs over and over but am trying to find other music that helps me relax. Perhaps try other things that you enjoy as well. What brings you joy? I ask myself that a lot lately. It is difficult to feel joy often with these issues and not have control over them though. It is good to have support in many ways. This forum is a good place for support. Each journey people take is unique. Do what you feel is best for you.

 

[DOA247]

No need to apologize. Medications are all trial and error. You have to learn as you go, unfortunately. I hope you find the medication(s) that help you. It's good to listen to music because that is soothing. I listen to the same songs over and over but am trying to find other music that helps me relax. Perhaps try other things that you enjoy as well. What brings you joy? I ask myself that a lot lately. It is difficult to feel joy often with these issues and not have control over them though. It is good to have support in many ways. This forum is a good place for support. Each journey people take is unique. Do what you feel is best for you.

It’s been so hard .. so hard my family don’t like me .. dad wanna act like dad after twenty years but let’s gf talk to me funny . Just bad but there is always good

No need to apologize. Medications are all trial and error. You have to learn as you go, unfortunately. I hope you find the medication(s) that help you. It's good to listen to music because that is soothing. I listen to the same songs over and over but am trying to find other music that helps me relax. Perhaps try other things that you enjoy as well. What brings you joy? I ask myself that a lot lately. It is difficult to feel joy often with these issues and not have control over them though. It is good to have support in many ways. This forum is a good place for support. Each journey people take is unique. Do what you feel is best for you.

My only joy is my husband . I be sad but he makes me happy but it’s so heavy losing your family to ptsd because you the only one who wants to get mad when I am triggered is crazy . I hope all things smooth your way