I'm bipolar and going through a manic episode. Anyone have any coping tips?

I know this to be true because my husband is also bipolar with manic issues. I have been the brunt of his mania, & suicidal tendancies. I sure wouldn't ever want to go through that again. Please, heed your doctors advice & be as honest as you possibly can be with him with what is going through your thoughts right now. That is why I suggested writing down notes until you can call him. Be sure to tell him of your concerns, & hey, what a few days vacation being waited on hand & foot? I would love that kind of attention once in a awhile! Best wishes to you, & let us know how you are doing...

Wow..I'm so impressed by the responses you have received. These people really care. I care. I don't know how to use fancy proffesional words. I'm just a southern girl lol., but I will say that I too have suffered with bipolar my whole life too. Unfortunately I was hospitalized twice in the phsychiatric unit for one to two weeks in my earlier years, do to some unwise things I done, or didn't do. I am a completely different person now, but when I was in a severe depression/panic eppisode I would do self harm. This is the first time I've shared this on the site. But I want you to know you are not the only one who struggles with this, and you are not alone. And there are many people on here that have had or are experiencing the same thing as you. I'm going to be carefule about giving you advise right now. I don't want to give the wrong one. It doesn't appear that are anywhere close to being stable right now. I'm concerned, because I've been there and done that, what will happen if you don't see you're doctor in the condition you're in. Sometimes you can be given all the advise in the world, and it won't do you one ounce of good if you don't take and use the advise you have been given. Honey, don't you want to feel better? I've been there. It's hauntingly miserable. That's what the doctor's are there for. To get you stabilized. Your mind is spinning around like a globe right now, and I bet you , you can't even hardly think right now. Please Please Please listen to what all the other people wrote to you. Listen to what I am writing. I can give you advice if it were regarding some mild depression or something like that. But my advise and suggestion is to see you're doctor before something bad happens to you. I'm not trying to scare you. I am just concered and want to help you sooo bad right now. I hope I havent said anything that you might take the wrong way. I meant every word I wrote to you out of love and concern. Get off that ugly train, and get to a better ride. You're worth it. And you can do it. It was very brave of you to write here. I'm proud of you for that. Many prayers will be said for you. Your friend, Ruthie. And I'm here if you need me.

And to encourage you: I was diagnosed bipolar some 28 years ago and was in/out of psych hospitals and on so many meds! Thanks to 5 inpatient times at a trauma psych unit, and to many years of working with a trauma therapist, I no longer have any PTSD problems - no mania, rapid mood swings, flashbacks, anxiety - all of that - gone! I just have depression triggered by changes in pain meds, and that isn't bad compared to how I was before. So be encouraged - and find a good therapist - and stay alive. That is the most important thing!! I "friended" you - if you become my "friend" we can talk privately. I'll be praying for you - ElizaJane

I know so out of my own experience, what you have lived so have I, it is hard for me to talk about myself, but here it goes.

I am 43, male, suffer from bipolar disorder, ocd, ptsd, panic attacks, anxiety attacks, insomnia, my last manic episode was 2 years ago and it lasted 4 years, I have been in mental institutions 4 times, the longest one for 1 year, and it made me strong. So if you have read this far, thank you... go with your head up high to the Dr., and leave that fear behind you.

I wish you the very best in your prompt recovery,

maso.-

here to help... just remember " this too shall pass" I went from bouncing off the walls on friday to covering my head when the sun came up on Saturday I was so depressed... it was SOOO hard to function... I found that being able to recognize the symptoms allowed me to deal with them better..I had a psychotic break recently.and was able to recognize it for what it was while it was transpiring... helped me cope... the break was caused by sleep deprivation stemming from the withdrawal..I still have it but its getting better slowly... time my friend... call your dr. They may have to change your meds... everyone needs a "tuneup" once in a while... God Bless. I feel your pain