Bipolar Brides

I went through DBT - Dialectical Behavioral Training - and that helped A LOT! It's a "class" that teaches you how to deal/cope with your mental differences in a positive and healthy manner, so that you can stay sane lol. It gives you coping skills that allow you that extra 5 minutes you need to gather yourself so that you don't flip off the handle bars. I met some cool people in there as well. Everyone is struggling/dealing with their own issues and while they may not be the same issues that you are dealing with, they are sympathetic (usually) and can relate. It's definitely worth doing, if you can find a therapy clinic who hosts them. It's a 3 or 6 month course, I don't quite remember. I took it shortly after I left my ex-husband (in 2007) and it also helped me cope with what I went through when I was married to him, which was an added bonus. One of the techniques that is helpful for everyone is called "mindfulness," which is what it sounds like - you do something (cont.)

Such as puzzles, knitting, word finds, coloring, what have you - and you put your entire attention/focus on that task, allowing yourself to calm down a bit before you try to do anything else. It really does help. I used it a lot when I was quitting smoking (I colored with my step-daughter who was 3 when I quit, which really helped!) So yeah, even if you can't get into a DBT program, they still have stuff online that can give you options and skills to try.

I definitely get the pet peeve, @julie. My biggest pet peeves related to my mental difference are when people tell me to either calm down or ask me if I can just not behave that way. (gee, don't you think I would if I could?!) So yeah, I understand. And have a course of action gives a person the feeling of achievement, rather than just feeling like they are stuck in a rut. I've had to deal with some issues both related to bipolar and related to other things and I've constantly felt that, while talking about my feelings and what I went through can be helpful, after awhile, it starts to feel like I'm dwelling, if that makes sense.

How do you know if you are bi-polar...? I am a moody bitch...and I admit it...i just wonder if I am bi-polar cuz i can fly off to extremes in 2.5 with no problem??? HELP

How do you know if you are bi-polar...? I am a moody bitch...and I admit it...i just wonder if I am bi-polar cuz i can fly off to extremes in 2.5 with no problem??? HELP

Http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar-disorder/DS00356