I'm drowning in my own and other people's emotions.
 

I'm highly empathetic. My psychiatrist says that I'm a Highly Sensitive Person, as is my boyfriend, whom I love dearly.

I lost some weight around three years ago and have kept it off for nearly two. I'm happy with myself and my body HOWEVER I find that my emotional states are extreme and intense. I'm Bipolar, so I know it's something to be expected, but I feel so much I can't seem to deflect people's emotional states as well as I used to. When I was heavier, the weight was a shield and buffer against people's emotions. But I don't have that now, and even with the medication, I have a tough time regulating my emotions and identifying which feelings are truly my own and which are others. It's depressing and used to be beyond all-consuming and overwhelming before the medication, and I just couldn't function.

Anyone feel the same way?

Hey Sarah!

I read the first part of your profile.

I can totally relate, especially in a Bipolar episode. I'm learning to try to "turn off" the vibes of others' emotions. I am currently in a psychiatric day program and I really have to focus on me and not others. You can Private message me whenever. It is OK not to say where u live, but after 6 pm in the Eastern US is the best time. A lot of us use "PM" for private message.

Use the search menu, then select member search and type in trekkiecab.

God bless,
Chelsea

Who else is Bipolar?
 

I'm Bipolar, on medication, and I had my first suicidal thought in I think six months. It was so random. I would never do anything, though. Just thought I would put it out there.

I do feel better. I feel better expressing those thoughts in general. I talked to a friend about it, and it felt pretty good. On/Off I had fleeting suicidal thoughts throughout the day.

Yeah, I was pretty taken aback, especially since I wasn't feeling exactly depressed or low at the time.

Aww thanks, Amy. :) <3 that means a lot. Although I have a few friends I've met in therapy and an amazing boyfriend, I do struggle with feelings of loneliness. Makes me feel like I'm apart of some sort of community being here. :)

Who else is Bipolar?
 

I had fleeting suicidal thoughts yesterday. I'm much better. Looking for a therapist and people to talk to.

i have a bipolar dx. i think quite a few people on here will do, i imagine. glad you're feeling much better though :) x

Hi. Like Arienette said I have a diagnosis of bipolar. It is not who I am. I have a really hard time making that distinction. I have spent a long time managing my condition but also feeling limited by it.
It is good that you are reaching out. Please remember you are not alone.

Hi there. Just checking in on how your journey is going. I found that mood mapping or charting for my psychiatrist or psychologist was really useful. For women there is correlation with days of menses and mood swings. Also things like adjusting meds, eating and hours of sleep can predict a lot.
I never saw the link to my eating until recently.
Like you said about the weight shielding you from the emotions of others ; my counselor uses that language with me at the moment and we are kind of on bad terms because I was not ready to address it. My friends have forbidden from telling potential dates that I am bipolar upfront.
It is hard. I have had this diagnosis for decades and I cannot see past it. I don't know how it isn't a neon sign on my forehead.

I have a bipolar diagnosis and am also a highly sensitive person. Medicine has helped me but I'm currently in pretty low episode right now. We have to try to think positively and allow those to override our emotions and others' emotions.