OCD and Bipolar don't mix.....
By peedielyn
@peedielyn (1207)
United States
October 5, 2008 10:12pm CST
Right at this moment I am frustrated. I finally sat down long enough to check my emails and I have these undying thoughts going through my head. I have OCD. I am Bipolar. For whatever reason, this is my destiny to be a "mental patient".
This all started a few years ago with the diagnosis on the OCD. I wasn't sleeping because of the thoughts running through my head constantly. I wouldn't think of anything out of the ordinary, but bills overdue, kids eating right, my pj's weren't big and baggy enough, just stupid everyday things that didn't make sense to me. I was diagnosed with Bipolar this year and don't understand it at all. I have been reading up on it and know all the symptoms, but why me? My parents are divorcing as of Monday, and I am at my wits end over that. I couldn't care less if they stayed married or married dead cows, but the tension and stupid comments all the time are getting on my nerves. I have had the worst two weeks ever. I am arguing and snapping over the smallest things. I am high and energetic and then crash to a low almost instantly. I don't want to get out of bed, but I can't sleep while I am there. The horrible thing about this is I realize what I am doing and cannot control it. I don't want to do the drug therapy. I am terrified and because of the OCD I obsess over it constantly. I am afraid of the side effects, or habitual prescription use, or accidentally overdosing.
Are you like this? Is there ever a way out? How do you cope with the overwhelming feelings?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@GardenGerty (157555)
• United States
6 Oct 08
I have several friends who are bi polar, or OCD, or both. I do not ask them about their meds, or how they manage. You will find friends on here in similar shape. Some of them have been able to get on disability. I do not know of anyone who has OD'ed on their meds, though. Sometimes it opens a whole new world and makes them more productive.One of my biggest personal heroes is Bi Polar. I hope you can find enough braveness to try some of the therapies.
1 person likes this
@peedielyn (1207)
• United States
17 Oct 08
I hope things just lighten up. I found out that I am eligible for disability as long as I am on meds. The thing I don't like is the fact that I could be concidered disabled, when I know I can work. I just hope it gets better!
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157555)
• United States
17 Oct 08
My friend took disability, and may still be on it, but she is also able to work a certain amount. Another thing she does is participate in the National Association for the Mentally Ill (NAMI). She actually travels and presents information about her disability to civic and educational groups. She is a very successful person in my eyes.
@staysee34 (94)
• United States
16 Oct 08
I too have several friends in this same situation and a soon to be a 7 year old daughter that shows some signs of OCD and Bipolar Disorder. Medications are completely safe and are generally monitored very closely by your doctor. They may also recommend seeing a therapist to help you work through understanding your condition and the depressive periods you experience. Aside from that I keep a journal for my daughter. In this journal, I write down date, time, and what's going on. If she's overly excited (euphoric) I jot down what triggered it if I know and do the same for moments of complete sadness and anxiousness. Also, routine helps. A friend of mine with Bipolar, keeps hers under control with a strict routine. This also helps with the OCD. As far as your parents bickering, you have the right to remove yourself from it. Difficult to do I know but still a choice. Simply tell them that their relationship troubles are exactly that...THEIRS. Not yours or anyone elses and that you don't want to have to pick sides or get caught up in the middle of their disputes. I wish you much success. I have worked in the mental health field for many years. And with everything bad comes something good. I have met several individuals faced with adversity such as yours and they all had something to offer. It's overwhelming to wrap your head around these concepts. But you are by no means a "mental patient". You simply have a chemical imbalance that is fixable.
@peedielyn (1207)
• United States
17 Oct 08
Thank you for the insight! I appreciate all the facts that I can get. I did buck up and tell them how I felt about things. I had a nervous breakdown Sunday which ended up a break through. I know what I want and decided to take the steps to get help and that includes taking meds. I think even if it doesn't stop the crap at least I could feel better! Thank you again for the encouragement. I will keep you posted!
