High Stress Life
Hi everyone! So I have a bit of a hectic life right now. I’m about to start my residency so I can become a licensed professional counselor, I’m about to go from part time to full time, I’m working on my PhD, and between maintaining my marriage, my mental health, and working in the mental health field I am feeling burnt out already. I also take an antipsychotic that helps me with my stability and eventually I want to find another good therapist. The downside of my medication is the weight gain and health related side effects I’ve gotten because of them. I’m kind of scared to think about going off my meds with all of the stress in my life but eventually (maybe in a year) my husband and I would like to see our family of 2 grow to maybe 3 or 4. How do those of you who are not on medications handle the ups, downs, in-between, and psychosis without the use of medications?
(Bipolar type I with psychosis is my diagnosis).
@MrsSweetPeace
Hi--congratulations on starting your residency. 😊 It does sound like here's a lot happening and things are hectic. Can understand what you're saying that the medication has some side effects and you're interested in getting off of it if possible, but then you're worried about what might possibly happen since it helps with stability.
I don't have bipolar disorder, but here are a few links I was able to find that might be relevant:
https://theconversation.com/managing-bipolar-disorder-without-medication-48640
https://psychcentral.com/bipolar/small-steps-you-can-take-today-to-improve-bipolar-disorder
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/psychosis/self-care/
I skimmed through and here are some things that were mentioned as possibly being helpful:
- Doing a cost/benefit analysis of medications before acting
- Using past experience to identify things that help with managing or adjusting mood
- Utilizing the energy of manic moods for positive or constructive purposes
- Frequently self-evaluating and talking to people to try to get a practical, objective sense of what is or isn't working
- Identifying and managing stressors if possible
- Creating daily routines that feel stabilizing
- Keeping track of symptoms to identify patterns
- Avoiding substances that might exacerbate moods
- Using mindfulness
- Engaging in physical activity
- Modifying diet
- Getting enough sleep
- Using bright/dark light for depressive/manic episodes
- Using peer support
- Recognizing and managing triggers
- Using relaxation techniques
- Maintaining physical health
- Having a crisis plan