Bipolar Type 1. Need Help.?

1. acrazyco Says

   First of all, there’s nothing to apologize about – if you need help, it’s very brave to ask for it rather than bottling it up inside. Under “normal” circumstances I would recommend that you call a hospital, but that may not necessarily be an option based on what you’ve said – so there are some things that you can try instead that might work. Before we get to them, let me say this: I have bipolar type II, but experience mixed states very often as well – I really do understand the dynamic of what you’re experiencing very well.
   Having said that, the first thing that you might try is using a relaxation technique that is as simple as breathing. Seriously – taking deep, cleansing breaths that fill your lungs from the bottom to the top (imagine filling a pitcher of water as you breath in slowly through your nose – exhale through your mouth) can really help you calm down (it can help with the anxiety level a great deal). What you also can try is focusing on an image that is calming – a memory that is pleasant or happy – something from a vacation or your childhood … anything that you can summon that can arouse a sense of calm in your mind. Focus on that image as you breath, with your eyes closed. Imagine being transported back to that peaceful, safe place/moment – where nothing can hurt you. This is a place that you can go anytime you feel stressed out or you just need time away from all of the “noise” in your life – all you have to do is close your eyes, take a breath and you are there (it takes practice to get that good at it, but I’ve been doing it for over 20 years – believe me – it can become an incredible resource for breaking anxiety).
   If you can do that for even a few minutes at the beginning I really believe that you’ll start to feel some positive effects from it – but you also have to believe that it’s going to help you, otherwise there’s no point in trying it … remember, the brain is an incredibly powerful organ and responds tremendously to the power of suggestion. It is very easy for our systems to become stressed but not nearly as easy for them to de-stress – we have to consciously apply learned techniques to effectuate the deactivation of the stress cycle or it will continue to perpetuate until it completely engulfs us – something that doesn’t take as long as we might imagine.
   Another thing that you can try – and this can be done in conjunction with the relaxation exercise – is doing something fun with your daughter – something that you know won’t add extra stress to your day. Can you go for a walk in a park or do something that will use up some energy (without costing any money)? One of the issues that we have with bipolar disorder is that our brains – our thinking patterns – don’t go in the direction that we think they should be going. Most people think bipolar disorder is all about highs and lows, but that’s obviously not the case – the mixed state can be one of the most difficult things someone can experience; I’ve described it as feeling as though my brain was – quite literally – being torn in two directions … with my emotions, and my emotional state, following closely along. I’ll fall to pieces at the drop of a hat, crying while watching something on television and becoming angry at the next thing that comes on … usually a commercial. What I’ve found, at times, that has helped – besides the relaxation exercises – is trying to get my mind to focus on something calming and non-frenetic is to do something that takes my mind off of itself. Doing something that is, quite simply, mindless can often distract me from me – distract my mind from the fact that “I’m not supposed to be feeling well” … to the point that, I suddenly realize that the episode has either passed (I’m also a rapid cycler), or lost much of its sting.
   The important thing is that you cannot give up … I applaud you for seeking help – and for not giving up; the fact that you can articulate your fears and issues is a sign that you have more control than you might actually think – even though that may be difficult to believe.
   More than anything else – put the knife away … you don’t need it next to you. When you hear yourself saying that, draw something, or jog in place for a few minutes – after taking a few deep breaths … but leave the knives in the kitchen – that’s where they belong … and don’t worry – you’ll get through this – for yourself, and for your daughter.

2. Max Says

   Don’t self-harm or suicide attempt, not for you, but your 5 year old daughter, imagine how she would feel?

3. Marshmel Says

   The best thing for you to do is either ring for an ambulance or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. You should never harm yourself, this will just show that you are danger around your child. It would be more sensible to call for help so you can get it. If you go into hospital no one can take away your child, your husband will have to take care of her no matter what until you are well enough again. If you go to the hospital they will be able to keep you safe, even if it is just for the night. You need to be talking with a psychiatrist so you can sort out your medication, you really need to as you cannot carry on like this. I am so sorry you have to be going through this, I know how you are feeling. Please go to the hospital, they cannot make you go into hospital but they will be able to keep you safe for tonight. Good luck and stay strong.

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