How do I keep from escalating?

Hi,  I was diagnosed as bipolar in 1985, I was finally stabilized on Depakote in 1993 and continued until October 2003, when I had to quit due to pancreatitis.  The cause is still u nknown but depakote is still being suspected as causing it.    After that they tried me on tons of meds none of which were tolerated and all were stopped.  I'm still on Lithium.  I have had some stability through daily sleep medications.  The problem is though I have daily severe pain from 2 sources - spine - 4 rotated vertebrae and pancreatitis - recurrent acute episodes, I'm just now healing from another episode a few weeks ago, and Thank God it isn't chronic at this time and I hope and pray it never is.    The problem is my wife just died on June 18th, and I'm here alone.  I've had 6 weeks of stability and I can't afford to escalate, my safety would be in danger.  I still don't have control of my pain, and as long as I don't I risk escalating as pain is the #1 trigger for me. 

WHAT CAN I DO? 

Thanks

 

I'm so sorry for your loss. That in itself could be enough to trigger an episode. I would check with my doc and see what he has to offer. Sometimes benzos do help.
Take Care
Ellie

Yes, I'm exercising a lot more since it happened.  It gets me outside more and that helps a lot, then I run into my neighbors and I talk with them, and that helps too.  Some things aren't easy but those will take more time. 

I've been level for about 6 weeks now and it's really nice.  The Lyrica / Lunesta combination really helped me.