I'm bipolar, have ptsd, and severe anxiety. I currently take 20mg lexapro daily, 200mg seroquel at bedtime, and 1mg klonopin 1-2 times daily as needed. I am currently going through a manic episode and my anxiety is through the roof because of some of the careless decisions I have been making. I'm scared to visit my dr. because I don't want to be put in the hospital. The last time I went to see her I was in a depressive state and it took a lot of promises on my part to stay out of the hospital then. I'm worried that if I go now while in a manic state, she will definitely want me hospitalized to get me stable. I guess I'm looking for any suggestions on how to cope with this phase and also, I don't want to feel so alone...
I'm bipolar and going through a manic episode. Anyone have any coping tips?
- Asked
- 17 Aug 2012 by key28
- Updated
- 31 Jul 2014
- Topics
- klonopin, lexapro, seroquel, depression, mania, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder
Responses (10)
You are not alone, but you are isolating yourself by believing your Dr is something to be feared.. This worry and fear is the culprit, most of it brought on by you, so, just as easily relieved by you. Changes your perspective on your DR, face these "careless" decisions for what they really are. You made these decisions and you can take that same decision making power and use it to NOT make those decisions anymore, and also to make the decision toward wellness by cutting this stuff about fearing the DR, and embrace Truth and the Dr, Without this resource that is right in your grasp you'll wind up pouring your soul out to strangers on a website when there's real live flesh and warm blooded help within your grasp. Come on now, you know the truth here. Reach out and decide to get well. Best to you, hope this helps.
Dear key,
Having been bipolar for many, many years, I suggest you are honest with your doctor. Sounds to me like you need to be on a mood stabilizer so to prevent these episodes. The big problem with mania aside from the poor decision we make while manic is that the mania is followed by severe depression. Your doctor probably wanted to put you in the hospital because you were suicidal. This will happen again once the mania subsides.
You have made the first step in addressing the mania by admitting to it. Now follow through by asking for the appropriate medication to control it. You will be glad you did.
Laurie
Wow, Laurie we must have been typing at the same time! Good answer as usual... Mary
Hi Laurie. I was on a mood stabilizer (depakote) for quite a while, but went off of it because my husband and I decided to try and have a baby. The side effects of mood stabilizers on unborn babies is not a risk I'm willing to take. I'm also not ready to give up on trying to have a baby. I really just posted looking for support and maybe some kind words...
I strongly suggest you reach out to your doctor. Write all these things down & strongly advise your doctor you don't want to be hospitlized. If he insists it is only for your own good, & others you are around & interreact with. For instance, do you have children that you are responsible for? How can you make decent decisions or be 100% positive you wil make the right choices for all involved especallly yourself. Sometimes to get a person straightened out on their meds it takes a hospital visit to make sure they don't injure themselves or others around them. It's a safety net if you will. Please copy what you have written here, & call your doc ASAP, & see what he has to say! It surely can't hurt anything, & listen to his reasoning for why if he so chooses to have you take a vacation for a bit in the hospital. He is only trying his best to help you & the other people you interreact with on a daiy basis.
I also wanted to add, that we are not professionals or doctors, but are a great support system anytime you need anything we are here for you. I hope you get this worked out soon...
I really am well educated about my mental illnesses. I only posted this because I felt alone. Just thought I might get some ideas of ways to handle myself. A mood stabilizer isn't an option right now because my husband and I are trying to have a baby. My dr. and I decided together that I should go off my depakote if we were going to start trying for a baby...
Hello Key darlin, I empathize with you totally. Ive been where you are. What the ladies Laurie and Mary said and even balbanese are right on, however, I think you need a friend right now.
If you would like to talk privately you can PQ (private question)me anytime... my heart goes out to you dear. My only hope in this world is my creator, so I shall pray for you... praying all will work out for you with comfort and peace ... pamee
Thank you Pamee. A friend is exactly what I was/am looking for. You brought tears to my eyes because you understood what I was asking for. Thank you!!
You are welcome hun :) just keep in mind I am here if you need a friend. I have problems with my internet here on my mobile phone and my laptop needs to be fixed, but when I am able to get online I am here to be your friend and enjoying it :)
God bless, your friend pamee
Hi there Key,
Sometimes we need to be hospitalized to get our meds and ourselves all fixed up. I had to go to the hospital when I had a major depression/psychotic episode. It was rough but the best thing for me. The doctors found the right meds for me to be on. It took awhile but now I have been fine and have my life back. It's been 5 years next month. Now I can enjoy my family and friends again. Thank God!
Don't be scared to talk to your doctor, that's why she is there to help you.
Take care,
Smileyhappy
Thank you Smileyhappy. I think I will be getting in touch with my dr tomorrow.
Hope all goes well tomorrow for you. Keep us posted o.k.
Smileyhappy
Ruthie, thank you. You have such a kind way about you. Yes, I want to feel better. Yes, I'm miserable. And yes, my mind is spinning and i can't think straight. It took me a few minutes yesterday to answer my husband as to whether or not I want a sandwich because I couldn't concentrate on the question. That was a wake up call I guess. I will be contacting my dr tomorrow. Thanks again for your kindness Ruthie, Key.
Hi - I had many years dealing with PTSD. It can take you all over the map with mood swings! I've gone to several different hospitals for 1-3 weeks - one thing you might do to have some control in a shaky time is to research inpatient places that specialize in trauma disorders and see if there are any in your area. Once I got past being sent to the closest impatient pysych unit (who didn't have a clue on what to do with a PTSD patient - oh do I understand those trust issues! I did SO much better when I was inpatient at a place that knew how to help trauma patients! I know in my area (Maryland) there is Shepphard Pratt in Baltimore and Pyschiatric Insitute in DC. Try doing an Internet search and talk with your doctor about this - he/she can make the call to get you in should you need to go. Sometimes just knowing we have some say in our care can be all that we need.
Thank you ElizaJane. Your research advise was a good idea. Something I will definitely be looking into. Your story gave me some hope that I may not be like this forever. Thank you for that! Key
Also, I will be contacting my dr. tomorrow.
Hello Key,
Many people care about you, pretty obvious wouldn´t you say.
Before I share my thoughts; I read all of the answers and they are as someone put it "spot on", and I also read your profile. I am glad you are happily married and how you describe him, your hubby... "he is my rock!" really made me think, you must his. Key you must be stronger than ever, you are young and have a full life ahead of you, so do not be afraid , because that fear will only do 2 things keep you alert, which with all due respect is not your case and immobilize you and make you weak and it will cloud your vision by taking the wrong decision, be a warrior, you want a family, fight for it, prepare for the future.
I am trying to say go to the Dr., you at this very moment need it more than ever, and if you are hospitalized use it to your advantage, learn from it, you need to be in a safe environment and take it as another experience.
Very nicely put, & thanks for sharing your own experiences, in order to help this person, Only someone that has been through this can truly give a complete & truthful accounting of what can or will happen if she does not follow her doctors instructions. That was very brave of you Maso, & I for one am proud to call you my friend... Mary
Good morning and many thanks for your kind, kind words Mary.
I am also proud to call you my friend.
Have agreat day,
maso.-
I have had manic episodes and phsycotic breaks due to bipolar disorder and protracted klonopin withdrawal... I was extremely productive but anxious as hell during the episode... I was always compulsive and grandiose as well... I was bedridden for months with the withdrawal during which time I researched researched researched... these forums are a great place to share... people who know what you're going thru are

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Good answer Billy. Was about to say the same thing!
To clarify, I am always very honest with my dr. I trust her very much. Its the hospital I'm afraid of, not her. And believe it or not, I do know the truth about my situation, I was just looking to talk to people who understand. Real flesh and blood to talk to is great and all but no one I know including my dr. know what its like to have these problems...
That was an awesome answer Billy. It really was Great. Ruthie
Thank you Ruthie, that's why I'm here, to shine a light in the darkness.
Well, I think it is very nice to hear you say that. Wait..I can't hear you. Anyway, I still cant PQ you. Add me back as a friend so I can tell you what I wanted to tell you. Please. Ruthie
I did add you. Let me try again.
I apologize balbanese for my snarky first response. I'm in a bad place right now and read your response in the wrong tone. Thank you for taking the time to respond to my question thoughtfully. I will be contacting my dr tomorrow...
Thank you Key, thank you very much. Do not hesitate to call on me ANY TIME for ANY THING.
Only someone who has NO IDEA would reply back with that answer.
No problem key28, contrary to my being accused of being clueless by whoever, I do understand and stand by my claim to be here and do what I can. Best to you key28