anxiety disorder

[Caffe_al_Caramel]

Hi all,

First; I'm not entirely sure where I'm going with this, but I have to get it off my chest and hopefully find some support & advice.

I used to suffer from an ED (those who have been on this forum longer might recognize me), which left its physiological tool on my health (arrhythmia and stomach pains). I was fine for a couple of years (I didn't cut myself for over 4 years and I've been eating healthy and tried as much as possible to lead a healthy lifestyle); however recently my anxiety disorder got a lot worse (I was exposed to a lot of stress factors). I feel/experience things and situations being at least 3 times worse as they are in reality (it gets to a point where I get chest pains). On the other hand I have occasional 'manic' episodes. I was able to control my mood and emotions pretty well in the past (I knew it will pass and I was able to go on with my life pretty normally), but it got a lot worse recently.

I also found out recently that my roommate is bipolar, which she hasn't shared with me when moving in. It was quite OK until today - she has to change her meds, and she is slowly getting off the old ones and starting new ones, which caused her an episode. I wasn't really prepared for it and had no idea what to do. :crying: It triggered soo much anxiety in me and I literally ran into my room and panicked for about 30mins :crying: I know I need to get some help, because this is causing my arrhythmia to get worse.. but I'm scared that her bipolar disorder is triggering my anxiety.. and I feel guilty even thinking about myself when she is probably feeling a lot worse :crying: My mom suffered for severe depression when I was younger, and I always felt so helpless. Now I feel like this again, because I don't really know how to help my roommate..

..as said, I wasn't really sure where I was going with this. I guess I feel lost in the situation and don't know how to get out..

Thanks to everyone who read this!

[Wonderland.]

Hi there,

It sounds like it may be of use to get some help for yourself before things get any worse.

I imagine it's very hard to live around someone when they are having episodes and not knowing how to help. It sounds like you feel quite helpless in the current situation.

This link (http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/bipolar-disorder/what-can-friends-and-family-do/#.UzqhJvmwJAo) is worth looking at. It's about what close ones can do to help someone with Bipolar.

[wi-nter]

hi there

that sounds like such a difficult situation. i too have experienced anxiety from living together with certain people. for me it was best when i decided for myself to get out of there and find a new place. is that an option for you? living in a place where you feel safe and that does't trigger your anxiety is important.
otherwise maybe your roommate will be fine once she is on her new meds. and you can stay some place else until this is the case?

my mom suffers from depression and was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder as well and i know how hard it can be to deal with that. if that triggers your anxiety maybe you can talk to her about it and you can find a solution for your current living situation.

i hope you figure things out! <3