Hypomanic

[Ktulu]

I'm hypomanic. The penny dropped when I got an email this morning declining my car finance application

I'm primarily irritable, agitated, racing thoughts etc. I saw my GP today and he's given me a script to increase my seroquel from 100mg to 400mg or more if I feel I need it. He said to ring him tomorrow if I think I need a sedative or sleeping tablet. I'm having my lithium level checked on Monday. It was last done in May/June and it was 0.7 which is low for me, I'm usually about 1.0. I don't have a psychiatrist because I've been well for so long, it's nearly five years since I last had an episode.

I'm out of practice in how to manage myself at this time. I stayed off college today because I very very nearly shouted at a lecturer yesterday and will probably stay off tomorrow as well. I'm working at the weekend (I work in a nursing home) but think I'll be ok because I don't tend to get annoyed by anything there and it'll keep me occupied.

What can I do to keep myself calm at the moment? I should be studying for an exam on Tuesday but that's not possible at the moment...

[Ballerina123]

I have a list that I keep for when I'm manic and I read and action it to help myself.

Most important things when you are feeling high is to keep your basic living skill.
Make sure you eat well, sleep enough and wash regularly. Make a time table if your likely to forget, but thoes are the basics.

Secondly, make a list of relaxing activities that will help calm you and action them daily, even hourly if you need to.
My list includes; going for a gentle swim, a short walk (not to fast, a relaxing one), do some art, hot shower or bath with bath salts and calming scents, relaxing music, scented candles, reading, ect

Thing to avoid would be alcohol, caffeine and too much smoking... Or and illegal drugs.

One rule that helps me is the 72 hour rule. It's basically where you promise yourself to not make any big decisions for 72 hours. This helps with impulsivity when feeling racy.

Hope that helps a bit. Hope you feel better soon.

[Ktulu]

Thank you Kate. I am going to try to go to bed early tonight. I need to find some relaxing music because I mainly listen to loud, angry rock music which is definitely not helping. I will take the dog for a walk tomorrow and I've to take her to the groomer so that will occupy me for a while.

I'm avoiding alcohol which is hard cos I feel like I'd be the life of the party and will try to lay off the diet coke. Don't do illegal drugs but can't promise I'll go easy on the cigarettes but I'll try.

I've made an agreement with my Dad that if I want to buy anything that costs more than €50 I'll run it by him or my brother first which is a good idea. Dad just reminded me it's not 5 years since my last episode, it's only 3 but that's still pretty good. My family are great and don't get cross when I get angry thankfully and are good at calming me down. Hopefully the increase in the seroquel will help. And I told a college friend that I've known for over a year but didn't know about the bipolar and she was lovely and supportive and really interested in how it affects me and if she could help which is lovely :)

[HopeRises]

I have an app called "sleep pillow" which plays 'white noise' sometimes that can slow my mind and also help me sleep. Nice and relaxing and it is a free app on Apple.

I hope the increase helps. It sounds like you have some good plans in place.

[Snow White.]

It sounds like you're doing a great job to manage this so far and have lots of plans on place. Well done on telling your family and friend too, I'm so glad they've both been supportive.

You can find a lot of good apps for relaxing music or meditations even these days, or use YouTube aswell. I put these on in bed sometimes and it gives my mind something to focus on until I fall asleep.

Good idea about the money spending, to run it by others.
Sorry I don't have any suggestions but I wanted to say how great it is you've been able to recognize this and put some plans in place and see your doctor. Really well done!