Trying to manage

[rollercoaster]

Hi I'm new, How is everyone?
I have rapid cycling Bipolar II & I haven't been able to get my meds
right for many years. Right now I'm on Wellbutrin, Topamax, Buspar,
Geodon & Trazodone. I can't take alot of the other meds, they make me
swell up. But my depression is pretty well under control for now.

The problem I've been having lately, is that for the last 3 months I
started having severe social anxiety & couldn't go out of the house for
3 wks or even answer the phone. Now I can go out, but I'm afraid to be
around people. Has anyone had this happen? I know Klonopin would help,
but I dont think my Dr. will give it to me cause I'm an alcholic &
addict in recovery, so I don't know what to do. I can't stay inside for
the rest of my life, HELP!!!!!!

[Matt]

I wish I had an answer for you. I have same BP II and very rapid
cycling/mixed states. And I tend to have a lot of social
anxiety...same deal...not even wanting to pick up the phone. I have no
choice but to go outside into the world, but it is very uncomfortable.
Then when I get home I get so depressed when I think of how I can't be
normal with social confidence, etc. I haven't really found an answer
for this yet. I am continually trying to find the right med cocktail.

I take Prozac (an SSRI) and that seems to help the most for my
obsessive anxiety. A bit for social anxiety, but definitely not
enough. Lamictal helps sometimes, because it gives me
confidence...well used too...it's not working so well anymore. Anytime
I'm tending towards the hypo side I have no problem since the
confidence is there. But unfortunately the majority is depression.
And the depression is almost always coupled with anxiety. I've never
tried a benzo so can't comment on that.

[Steve]

No solution - need one too, but a few things that help me.

1. Getting up and getting dressed in clean & ironed clothes, showering and
shaving - like I was going to the offce seems to help.
2. Setting ONE goal for the day (I seem to have a problem focusing)
3. Having some kind of people interaction - the more I am away from people
the worse things get.

Remember that being bipolar is not like you're really sick, it is more like
being distored - sometimes real bad.

So enjoy the holidays, give your signficat other the credit card and get
back to your happy spot soon.

Post by rollercoaster
Hi I'm new, How is everyone?
I have rapid cycling Bipolar II & I haven't been able to get my meds
right for many years. Right now I'm on Wellbutrin, Topamax, Buspar,
Geodon & Trazodone. I can't take alot of the other meds, they make me
swell up. But my depression is pretty well under control for now.
The problem I've been having lately, is that for the last 3 months I
started having severe social anxiety & couldn't go out of the house for
3 wks or even answer the phone. Now I can go out, but I'm afraid to be
around people. Has anyone had this happen? I know Klonopin would help,
but I dont think my Dr. will give it to me cause I'm an alcholic &
addict in recovery, so I don't know what to do. I can't stay inside for
the rest of my life, HELP!!!!!!

[rollercoaster]

Post by rollercoaster
Hi I'm new, How is everyone?
I have rapid cycling Bipolar II & I haven't been able to get my meds
right for many years. Right now I'm on Wellbutrin, Topamax, Buspar,
Geodon & Trazodone. I can't take alot of the other meds, they make me
swell up. But my depression is pretty well under control for now.
The problem I've been having lately, is that for the last 3 months I
started having severe social anxiety & couldn't go out of the house for
3 wks or even answer the phone. Now I can go out, but I'm afraid to be
around people. Has anyone had this happen? I know Klonopin would help,
but I dont think my Dr. will give it to me cause I'm an alcholic &
addict in recovery, so I don't know what to do. I can't stay inside for
the rest of my life, HELP!!!!!!