seeking advice on bipolar

Hello @callignee and welcome to the forums. I’m sorry you’ve been going through such a hard time lately. It sounds exhausting dealing with the hypomania, intrusive thoughts, delusions, and now depression aswell.

I also have alot of anxiety, panic and intrusive thoughts and it gets really overwhelming at times. What I find helps me is distractions and also keeping connected during the really tough moments. I try to remind myself that intrusive thoughts can feel very real, but they aren't facts. Those thoughts can exist without us needing to act on them. 

I'm really glad that you have a supportive GP and psychologist. Given the delusions have returned and things have been going on for a while, I think a psychiatrist review could definitely be worth considering to reassess support and medication as things can change over time and need adjusting.

You're not alone, we are here for you, take gentle care of yourself ❤️.

Hi @callignee,

Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear you are experiencing intrusive thoughts. I too have intrusive/ distressing thoughts from CPTSD they are not pleasant. The more you can understand them the less they were have a hold over you. Intrusive thoughts are simply anxious thoughts trying to keep you safe from danger. You have probably been anxious for a very long time and your mind has learnt over time that it should protect you from danger whether it's an actual threat or not. Usually it's very unlikely an actual threat like a tiger chasing you or a dog bite. Distressing thoughts/ intrusive thoughts will come up when you are stressed or highly anxious. There are a couple of ways you can manage them. You can find them on Youtube.

1. 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding technique (helps you focus on the present moment)

2.  TIPP Method ( shifts the physiological state from anxious to calm)

3.  Tapping your chest and directly talking to the Anxiety and Fear by saying "Thankyou anxious and fear, i am safe i am safe it's okay its okay its okay''.  This one works for me.

*Don't be scared to tell your psychologist that you are struggling with the intrusive thoughts. Email them and let them know even if you have to repeat yourself. Also tell them that you are struggling with the panic & anxiety attacks.

*Someone else on here can probably give a more direct answer based on your disorder.

@MissGremlin hi,  thanks for your kind welcome and advice.  I think a review with psychiatrist is worthwhile. I've been on most of medication for some time apart from recent changes. 

thanks again

@Misty7 , hi - thanks for your kind words.  Grounding and TIPP sounds worthwhile. I'll explore on some youtube clips.  I see my pschologist shortly and so will ask for more help with the instrusive thoughts.  The psych has helped with my depression,

thanks again.

It must be very hard for you. I feel for you, I have had bipolar since 2002 when I had a manic episode and ended up in the hospital. I also hear voices or really just one voice and have delusions some times, I find it hard to regulate my emotions despite being on the maximum dose of mood stabiliser. I stay stable for a while but if I’m placed in a stressful situation my body responds badly. I also get angry and frustrated easily and scream and yell and carry on a lot when things don’t go my way. I’ve found the medication can only do so much and that seeing a psychologist is the most helpful for me. Thing is I’m a bit of a know it all and like to think I know all their tricks and techniques I just have trouble implementing them, hang in there hopefully things will get easier for you and the depression will lift. Do you have any hobbies that you look forward to doing that can help. I wish you well here if you need anything

Thanks @Happychick for your post. Sorry for the delay in responding as missed notification.

It’s good that your psychologist has helped. Mine has to some degree. I think I might find another one next time who has a background working with psychosis as this has become more of issue the past few years.  My current one did help in the past and now with depression and anxiety. I’d like a way to better manage my paranoid delusions and intrusive thoughts apart from max antipsychotics.

My depression is improving, a combination of increased antidepressants, psychotherapy and time, I guess. The delusions have reduced but bubbling along in background.  My main hobby has been running. It’s my meditation time. Unfortunately, I injured my back last October and have only started running again and this hasn’t helped my mood. I do like to read up on bipolar, running, science and health topics plus listen to music.