Are you bipolar or an addict looking for insight from a like-minded soul? Have a loved one suffering from bipolar or addiction and want some inside advice? While I’m not a doctor or medical expert, I can tell you about my experiences with this dual diagnosis and look to support others with replies. Note that your submission may be used in an upcoming blog post, although names will be changed.
This week Carrie R. writes:
I need some advice. I can’t really talk to my husband about this because, even though he’s as supportive and patient as a person could ask for, he’s probably gonna be forever mystified by the things going on in my head.
I ditched Lithium this past summer after four years and I feel great about it, mostly because I feel like I’ve reclaimed a lot of clarity in my thoughts and because I feel less fatigued across the board.
Right now I’m weaning off of Zyprexa – atypical antipsychotic that was treating my depression. Lately, and primarily in the evenings, I’ve been feeling really wired, like hypomanic. I feel like the volume in my head has been cranked up to 11 and I feel this general WAAAHHHHHHHHH feeling. I honestly don’t know how else to put it. Sleeping is hard, but I have a script for Ambien, which is fine, but not a long-term solution. Part of me is enjoying it because I spend a lot of time in my living room playing my guitar as if I’m playing for a crowd of 2,000 people and it feels great, but the restlessness is making shit weird and difficult.
I’d really appreciate and insight you have on coming off of mood-stabilizing meds. I haven’t done anything nuts yet besides a few hyper-energetic phone calls.
My question is: any thoughts on transient mania / hypomania and channeling this restlessness into something safe and useful?
Hypomania can be fun but also tricky when you feel like you need to calm down and get to sleep. I can’t speak to what it’s like coming off mood stabilizers, since I’ve been on the same ones since 2007 when I was diagnosed.
Since you are a musician, I will answer the question this way. When I need to chill out, I listen to jazz records. I recommend the ‘60s – mellow stuff like Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Stan Getz, and Thelonious Monk. Classical music would also work as long as its not too boisterous. I find that just sitting on my couch cross-legged and soaking up the music really soothes and settles my brain and combats any racing thoughts that might be occurring. It can be almost like meditation.
Your guitar playing is also a positive way to channel that energy and wear yourself out. Rather than strumming like a rock star, try dialing it down a bit and zeroing in on playing something peaceful like The Beatles’ “Blackbird” or “Norwegian Wood” or even something folksy like Simon & Garfunkel or Bright Eyes’ “First Day of My Life.” Fingerpicking requires lots of concentration and focusing on learning something new can also provide solace. Think of it as a lullaby for yourself.
