Help!! Normally this time of year is something I look forward to. The beautiful decorations, trees, music, etc. Infact, the music, is something that I've been listening to since October- that is how excited I get about this time of year- :) Yes- Pathetic!!! LOL

Normally I am one of those people who bake like crazy, and for everyone. I usually start baking the week after Thanksgiving. This year, I got into a mixed state, and was so depressed that I wasn't able to do that. It took a toll on me. I couldn't function or do anything. Then I became physically sick from 'that'. What a mess! So, I started baking- this week! And, there are people who actually expect and demand cookies from me- like my sister-in-laws, family, friends, and neighbors. Mostly, my two sister-in-laws are the two main culprits. One of them always is polite and thankful every year and I am grateful for her sincerity. The other one, well, she is less than so. Rude might express her ways of gratitude. :mad:

So, I'm very stressed, and am not enjoying the baking at all. I'm still trying to get out of the mixed state. Physically I'm drained, exhausted, and tired all the time. I'm going to bed at 7:30-8:00 every night. That isn't fair to my family. Can't keep the house clean. It is a disaster- and that is not like me. Normally it is spotless. So, I feel very icky about myself right now. Plus, we are to have Christmas with my family on Christmas Day. So, I'm stressed about that. I just feel YUCKY and GROUCHY.

Sorry to vent. I just feel SCROOOGED!!!!!!!

OH, and I have to re-wrap presents because one of my sons unwrapped almost every single present we put under the tree. And, the presents we didnt put under the tree- all who knows how many, need to be wrapped yet. So, re-wrap and wrap- AHHHHHHHHH... I enjoy it.... but no time!

Has this happened to anyone else here? Has the shopping or holidays gotten to you this year?

Someone, send Rudolph down to save me!

Coffeegirl

I usually love it too. But not so much this year. Not as many cookies, did some though.

Nothing is perfect or as good as it was some other year and it never will be. I am just taking it as it comes and so far it is just getting better. I hope it does for you too. Just try to go slow, listen and enjoy the people around you. You might very well learn something, even about yourself.

Hugs!

Love, Lori

Thank you for the good advice Lori. That sounds like a great way to go. Nice and slow, and take things as they come. :)

Hugs

Coffeegirl

Thank you for the good advice Lori. That sounds like a great way to go. Nice and slow, and take things as they come. :)

Hugs

Coffeegirl

Sounds good on paper anyway LOL!!!

We will get through this, right? I just sorted out my gifts, what to take where. I still have to go to the grocery store sometime today. Whenever...

Love, Lori

Hi, Coffeegirl:wave: Just wanted to jump in and send you some (((HUGS))) and let you know that I am thinking of you. It's great to see you posting again....I really missed you.

Even us non-bipolars have our moments. It just doesn't seem like Christmas around here....my brother is not doing well healthwise and has been in the hospital for over 2 weeks. I am so worried about him and all I want for Christmas is for him to be better. He's my little brother and has a rare neurological problem that seems to be progressively worstening and it seems that now he will need to be wheelchair bound it seems that the doctors just don't know what else to do for him....my hubby and other brother spent the entire day today in pouring rain building a handicap ramp so that he can come home for Christmas. Somehow with all of this it is difficult to get into the Christmas spirit but we as a family have decided to do everything we can to make this Christmas special by bringing Christmas to my brother.

So don't feel like you are alone....I am proud of you and all that you are doing to find the right meds to help you feel better. It isn't easy....Erin is still on the Lamictal...she got a rash this week which had me really worried but thankfully it was a virus that is known as the "Christmas Tree" rash.:D I thought the dermatologist was joking but she was dead serious and said this rash was going around!! I was thrilled that it wasn't the one from the Lamictal....we are now at 125mgs and with the 300mgs of Seroquel we seem to be doing quite well. What a relief and difference we see as compared to last year when we weren't properly diagnosed or on meds. Things are really so much better so I think that the way to feel more in the Christmas spirit is to be able to see the good things that we have even amongst the bad and hang onto the hope that things WILL get better.

I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and my advice is to do only what you are a ble to do and take care of yourself. So your sister in laws won't get their cookies.....let them bring you some cookies for a change!!;)

(((HUGS))) along with a little Christmas spirit ~ Goody:angel: :wave:

Hi Goody~

It is good to hear Erin is doing well on the meds. Not so good that she has the Christmas Tree rash, but thankful it is not the Lamictal one!

I'm sorry to hear about your brother. That must be hard seeing him failing like that when there is not much one can do to help. Just letting him know you love him, and care, will help make a huge impact in each day for him. :)

Blessings and good wishes to you and your family for this holidays! Have a Merry Christmas!

Hugs :angel:

Coffeegirl

Hi Goody~

It is good to hear Erin is doing well on the meds. Not so good that she has the Christmas Tree rash, but thankful it is not the Lamictal one!

I'm sorry to hear about your brother. That must be hard seeing him failing like that when there is not much one can do to help. Just letting him know you love him, and care, will help make a huge impact in each day for him. :)

Blessings and good wishes to you and your family for this holidays! Have a Merry Christmas!

Hugs :angel:

Coffeegirl

Hi Goody~

It is good to hear Erin is doing well on the meds. Not so good that she has the Christmas Tree rash, but thankful it is not the Lamictal one!

I'm sorry to hear about your brother. That must be hard seeing him failing like that when there is not much one can do to help. Just letting him know you love him, and care, will help make a huge impact in each day for him. :)

Blessings and good wishes to you and your family for this holidays! Have a Merry Christmas!

Hugs :angel:

Coffeegirl

Hi, Coffeegirl:wave:

Thanks for the good wishes X 3 :D I wanted to check in with you to see how things went for Christmas. I sure hope they went well and that your new meds are starting to kick in and make things better.

As for us.....my brother was discharged temporarily for the holidays...the doctor feels that he is better off being with family since nothing really seems to be helping and that my SIL is capable of handling things since she does while he is in the hospital. The ramp is done....our family was suppose to get together at a Bed & Breakfast however my brother is having some problems peeing and the doctor feels that it is best that he doesn't leave the state so we are all going to bring our reunion to my other brother's house which is only an hour away from the hospital/doctors. The home nurse may even start an IV line so that he has it in place to help out. AND....my mom just called minutes ago with some wonderful news. She spoke to the docotr who is head of a center that specializes in the problem that my brother has and he said that he will be happy to consult with his doctor and perhaps come up with some type of plan that will help my brother out!!:blob_fire My mom reminds me of me in finding the help for Erin....we never stop until it is done and we have exhausted every single option!!

Anyway....I was thinking about you and hoping that your own miracles are happening and that your holidays went well. I know that sometimes the stress that is involved can definitely have an impact on how you feel and I am hoping that you have fared well.

We leave tomorrow for a few days but I just thought I would check in with you...you hold a special place in my heart and I am hoping and praying that things are going well for you and your family. Give us an update if you can.

Love ~ Goody:angel: :wave:

Hi Goody~

That is terrific news about your brother. I hope that things go well with the family reunion/gathering. It is always great when loved ones gather together.

I can relate to always trying to try out every option with Erin. That is the best way to go in all aspects. I hope that she is doing well through the holidays because it can be fun, but sometimes stressful as well. More fun for her- she is at a young age. :)

My family had a good Christmas. The boys enjoyed Santa, and are very well in believing in Santa. They ask a lot about the reasoning behind Christmas as well, so that is very neat too. I was sick before, during, and after Christmas; and still am sick with a cold and very nasty sore throat. Went to the doctor and got some medicine-but it hasn't kicked in yet. Not able to eat hardly at all or drink. Just am eating pop cycles, ice, and chicken noodle soup.

We get togther with my family's side this weekend. It will be fun. We meet at a hotel and go swimming, etc.

Thank you for the well wishes Goody. You are a very dear and sweet person to me as well. You and your family are in my heart and prayers too.

Hugs

Coffeegirl

Hey there
I dont think anyone shoule be EXPECTED to bake, cook, or give presents. That is not fair to physically drain anyone' life away because of expectations. Leave that to Santa I guess!
What I am trying to say is that you only are one person, so only do what you can. If things dont get done, maybe there is someone to ask for help?
For me, I got downright depressed over the holidays, and still am. I usually get so excited, but this year (and last) I have been in London and my family live in MA. so can't afford a plane ticket, and God knows my husband tried to make me happy.
Heck if I went I bet I would be more stressed and depressed with all the demands of packing and flying! And visiting my BP brother who just puts me in a bad mood because he is so moody.
well anyways, I have felt so sad and miserable for a long time. I cant seem to fit in over here or even find a job so find it hard to even get out of bed before 2! How sad is taht? And holidays just made it worse because I knew there would be no tree (not even a tiny bit of money for xmas cheer!) and hubby even made all the food but I still was depressed and am not even looking forward to 2007.
sorry I hope I didnt make anyone depressed, I am just saying that I understand falling apart due to expectations. Well maybe you can try to talk to them and say that really takes a toll on you physically?
Good luck!
:)
Leomia