VERY newly bp - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

psychbaby · 10-25-2004, 06:22 PM

Hi all,

While I've been in here in another forum, I was just told today that I'm bipolar... in fact, it sounds funny to me (not haha funny)

Supposedly, and I agree with what the doc was saying, it's a type that fits in the "other types of bp" classification... so confusing.

Since there's soooo sooo many questions that I have (and I have browsed around some other sites - so much to absorb), the most pressing problem that I have right now is how can I focus on something that I need to get done? I reeeeally need to do some work that I can't put off, but I just feel so overwhelmed I can't get a thing done!

I've been on Paxil for chronic depression for yrs, and the doc started me on Lamictal today, but of course that's not going to help me here and now.

I'm seeing a therapist recently (I see her tomorrow again) and I hope she also has some suggestions, but I would love to hear about something that may help me now.

Soooo, anyone have any suggestions? I do realize what works for some, may not work for others, but I at least need to try something - anything (well, just about anything)

Thanks all in advance!
~pb

Yakins · 10-25-2004, 07:20 PM

The best thing you really can do is take your mind of it for the time being, try to take a "break" from your illness and don't let yourself dwell on it. I realize this may be hard to do but try to do something for the day that will keep your in constant movement and your mind on other things. Best of luck. =)

analog2000 · 10-25-2004, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psychbaby

how can I focus on something that I need to get done? I reeeeally need to do some work that I can't put off, but I just feel so overwhelmed I can't get a thing done!

My husband has a lot of success with setting a kitchen timer. I know it sounds lame, but it really does work for him. He sets the timer for say 25 mins, and then he works on whatever (not looking at the clock) until it rings. Then he goes about and does whatever else. If he has a lot to do, he will repeat this a few times throughout the day.

Sometimes just having a block of time set aside where you only focus on one thing helps. Don't try to do everything at once. Just pick on thing and work on it for 25-30 mins.

Good luck.

psychbaby · 10-25-2004, 11:47 PM

Thanks guys.

Well, got thru today. That's all I can ask for right now, yes?

c'ya later,
~pb

Gambletx · 10-29-2004, 10:40 AM

are you feeling unusually anxious or is it just an inability to concentrate? when i was diagnosed last year, i ended up having anxiety attacks toward the end of the year and the doc prescribed clonopin for me. it worked great and i was able to focus better. I would also suggest making sure you set a very good plan for yourself each day to keep you focused.

it may sound strange, but be happy that you were diagnosed. i went years being mis-diagnosed and it was very hard. now that i know what I'm working with, i can begin living my life the way it was meant to be. i would highly recommed reading a book by Kay Redfield Jamison called An Unquiet Mind. It not only helped me to better understand and deal with my illness, but it also helped my family and boyfriend better understand what I was going through. you can get it a bn.com.

good luck to you and just take it one day at a time - hell, take it one hour at a time if you have to. you will get through this!