Interesting reading... I found the comments more helpful than the actual article. Seems that I read those same things on various other sites. Besides, living with the disease, you kinda get a real good feel for what the disease is about. Experiencing the mania and depression, racing thoughts, panic, uncontrollable urges, and then moving into extreme happiness, creativity, and controllable thoughts is something I would never wish on anyone.
I was recently diagnosed with Bipolar I. My bouts with mania and depression definitely last longer and occur more often than the "highs". I've read about "triggers", but I can honestly say that there are no single triggers that bring about the lows. Just the other night, I was sitting reading a book. All of a sudden, I couldn't focus, my chest felt tight (sign of a panic attack), had a million thoughts going on in my mind, and I began to cry. All from reading. It took a long time and an increase in the dosage of medication I am on to finally calm enough to sit still. Sure, there are "bigger" triggers such as huge crowds or confined spaces, but it would be nice to know the little ones as well. Everyone is different. I agree that exercise, meditation, and other lifestyle changes help; however, the episodes continue to occur as there is no cure for them.
Given that I hit lows that last an extended period of time, the doctors are still working on my medications to stabilize me. I actually go back in tomorrow for another adjustment. I am looking forward to the day when there is less mania and depression and more normality.
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Interesting reading... I found the comments more helpful than the actual article. Seems that I read those same things on various other sites. Besides, living with the disease, you kinda get a real good feel for what the disease is about. Experiencing the mania and depression, racing thoughts, panic, uncontrollable urges, and then moving into extreme happiness, creativity, and controllable thoughts is something I would never wish on anyone.
I was recently diagnosed with Bipolar I. My bouts with mania and depression definitely last longer and occur more often than the "highs". I've read about "triggers", but I can honestly say that there are no single triggers that bring about the lows. Just the other night, I was sitting reading a book. All of a sudden, I couldn't focus, my chest felt tight (sign of a panic attack), had a million thoughts going on in my mind, and I began to cry. All from reading. It took a long time and an increase in the dosage of medication I am on to finally calm enough to sit still. Sure, there are "bigger" triggers such as huge crowds or confined spaces, but it would be nice to know the little ones as well. Everyone is different. I agree that exercise, meditation, and other lifestyle changes help; however, the episodes continue to occur as there is no cure for them.
Given that I hit lows that last an extended period of time, the doctors are still working on my medications to stabilize me. I actually go back in tomorrow for another adjustment. I am looking forward to the day when there is less mania and depression and more normality.
December 3, 2009 - 4:01pmThis Comment
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