Why I Need Special Strategies
I will go looney. One sister is a control freak and we are like oil and water. My dad can be mean and cruel.
My Strategies That Work
I spend my holidays with friends.
I have always been fortunate to have friends whose families will add me to the guest list. It's very stress free.
I talk honestly with my therapist and she helps me to look for other ways of thinking when my thinking is screwed. We have worked out that I can call and leave messages if I need to. Unless I say within the first 10 seconds that I MUST talk with her...she just listens to the message. I do try and be funny sometimes. She also has a pager # if I need. That is helpful, just to know it's there.
Lessons Learned
- For the last few years trying to get in balance with my bi-polar has made things sometimes very difficult. I really pissed my friends off by usually not showing up and isolating. So far I am doing pretty well this year. I am grateful that I am able to experience the holidays full aware and conscience of the moment. I'm not drinking or doing drugs. I am taking my meds faithfully and learning to feel good.
- November was very difficult. My father fell and I am his caretaker, I directed a show for my school, chronic headaches with no answers, and last week I found out that my 5 year old dog is very ill.
What is your current diagnosis?
Bi-polar, mainly depression.
I have had thoughts of just wanting to give up...not to die. I have had a few suicidal thoughts but they are not lasting long.
Which of these strategies would help the most people?
To stick with it. Know that it will change soon. Hopefully for the better.
What have you tried that does NOT work?
Isolate. I have to at least get out and connect.
