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Posted 5/2/2011 3:29 AM (GMT 0)
I have a question to anyone that has or understands being bipolar 2 w/borderline symptoms. I thought that being bipolar meant you were either manic or depressed...I was wondering if anyone goes from being just fine to agitated, frustrated, snappy to other people for no reason, and or anger and rage?

I take medication: but am still getting angry for no reason. Does anyone have suggestions or certain medications that might help? And also having several panic and anxiety attacks a day. Worse now that I'm off effexor.

I'm on Gabapentin, Vistaril, Trazadone
My Dr. was going to add Lamictal next week and possibly prozac as she has slowly taken me of Effexor. What are some anxiety and panic attack meds that you can recommend.
Hoping someone can help?

Serenitee
rolleyes
Posted 5/3/2011 6:52 AM (GMT 0)
Serenitee,

Unfortunately, I don't really have any medication recomendations for you, but I can completely understand the getting angry for no reason. It can be so frustrating!

One thing my therapist told me about was anytime I get angry/frustrated/snappy/etc is to check myself with H.A.L.T. It's used for those with addictions, but really it's a good tool for anyone to use to check in with their own feelings and emotions. It stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired (Sick kind of ties in with Tired). My therapist recommended that I think about H.A.L.T. and if any of those could be the cause of my irratibility then try to take time to fix the issue (for example, if I'm Hungry, have a snack).

Hopefully the new medications you will be starting will be helpful. Just be patient, I know it's hard, but you will get through it :)

-Jenn
Posted 5/3/2011 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
Thank You for your help...and I will definitely try the H.A.L.T.

Serenitee
Posted 5/3/2011 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
Serentiee:

I have Bipolar II as well and have your exact same symtoms (agitation, rage, negative/harsh voice tone and words, anxiety, irritability). Whenever I find myself in a situation that's becoming annoying for me, I silently tell myself, "be careful, you're in a danger zone." What that means is I'm now feeling anger/anxiety build up b/c of something annoying going on (it almost always happens when I think my wife is doing something irritating to me). So instead of lashing out at her, I tell myself I'm in danger of losing control. It really helps me to become 100% aware of my feelings, regain control, calm down, and use pleasant, respectful tones with other people (my wife, coworkers, whoever).
I believe this kind of self-cognitive therapy/mindset can help you w/o becoming dependent on medications.
Sometimes situations/people are so annoying to us, no med can prevent us losing control. BUT, meds are SO important for bipolar (I take lamictal everyday).
This advice may not work for you. Meditate/reflect on something that may work better for you. You are unique and may respond better to your own creativity.
So, becoming aware as to exactly why you're becoming angry is the 1st step to gaining control over the way you respond/treat other people. You may not know why you become angry, that's ok, just be aware of the effect it has on your relationships and improve yourself from there.
I sympathize with you completely, and best wishes on your journey with us as we all learn to live with and manage bipolar.
One of our members said if we can manage bipolar well, we can actually become better partners/spouses than "normal" people b/c they don't feel intense emotions like we do. We can become more passionate and giving b/c of the bipolar.
Take care.
Posted 5/3/2011 11:09 PM (GMT 0)
@jenn - thank you so much for HALT. I will try to remember that! I think I need to add an S on the end. And my "hungry" should be "hurry". I can be totally fine, but a rush to get out the door quickly get me very irritable.

@serenitee - hypomania does not = happy. Some people's hypomania or mania show up as irritability, anger, quick to anger, rage, etc. It is a symptom to report to your Dr.

No comment on medication from me.
Posted 5/7/2011 3:25 AM (GMT 0)
@Serenitee
I'm not bipolar, just manic. My episodes don't make me angry or anything, but I'm pretty sure that hypomania makes one irritable rather than blissful like me.
Posted 5/12/2011 2:42 AM (GMT 0)
I am cycling I belive right now and my hypomania, I have come to realize, is full of anger/irritation/aggitation/feeling almost evil, and poor things, my kids talking at one time really set me off. I have 3 kids. And of course after me working all day they want to talk to their mommy about their day! I love them dearly, and try to tell them in a calm voice that they have to take turns talking to me....I am very sensitive to stimuli such as the multi kids talking, tv on and if my husband tries to talk to me -- all at the same time I just look at husband and plug my ears and tell him in my nicest voice to please turn all the volume down because to me all the noise is magnified 300% of what "normal" people are hearing. Its weird to react to stimulis like I do, but I believe that is just part of the hypo mania, and I try my best to react calmly; I dont always because I seem to have a hair trigger temper when I fell hypomanic...right now with all that is going on with me (see my signature) my moods are going crazy and its one mood and then the next.....I am totally blessed with an amazing family that is very supportive and encouraging and of course above all I could not make it through one day at all without GOD by my side....
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