Posted by Ritch on January 1, 2005, at 16:33:55
In reply to Bipolaroid Anxiety Disorder » Ritch, posted by Mr.Scott on January 1, 2005, at 15:16:03
> The only thing that would not be 100% identical to your descriptions, would be the substance abuse that I sought relief in for many years.
You're not the lone ranger with regards to tinkering with non-prescription substances! When I went off lithium in my late '20's for a few years, alcohol crept in to medicate the agitative depressions (or mixed episodes). If I'm not on an antimanic medication I start craving alcohol(esp. in a mixed or primarily depressive episode). Also, oddly enough, ADHD meds reduce cravings (desipramine, stimulants).
> One thing I should note...is that I can force myself into distraction sometimes through work and social activities so that all this crap stays in the backround. That seems to be my greatest source of relief today aside from paltry doses of this that and the other which inevitably cause side effects as I approach therapuetic doses.
>
> ScottI also feel compelled to stay busy and use the energy productively and not get idle. I've had people ask me things like: "Don't you ever just do ... NOTHING?". I think some of this is panic disorder in some indirect way coming through. My Mom is just like that and she had epilepsy and panic attacks. When she gets idle she starts getting uptight and agitated. I'm the same way, if there isn't a chore or a project or SOMETHING, I just start pacing all around, and start focusing on somatic symptoms and feeling panicky.
poster:Ritch
thread:435630
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041228/msgs/436418.html