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Treating Anxiety In Bipolar

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gary19716
gary19716

hello I am just after other people's experiences on severe anxiety with bipolar and how they treat this!

I am very frustrated as my mood is elevated but I have severe anxiety and agitation. I don't feel as though my mental health team are taking me very seriously. Every time I see my cpn or psychiatrist or senior clinical pharmacist I am telling them that the anxiety is becoming unbearable and is seriously affecting my everyday life. They have increased my quetiapine dose to help with the high mood but still I have not been given anything to help with my anxiety. All they keep saying is they can't give me any medication for the anxiety in case it makes me high but I would rather be high and have less anxiety than suffer like this. Does anybody have any suggestions? I really wish I had my old psychiatrist still as my new one is rubbish, he doesn't even look at you when you are talking. Any advice welcome!

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  • clare39944
    clare39944 gary19716

    Posted

    Dear Gary, I have just been reading the replies to your dilemma.  It is important to get the drug regime as good as it can be to help one's mood, but there are other techniques which are not drug related.  I have had manic-depression/ bi-polar for 40 years and have experienced the roller coaster with which we are all familiar.  It took me a long time to finally accept that I needed to be on medication for life.  Meds are not a cure all, but the relative stability they give has allowed me to try Cognitive Behaviour Therapy ( on the NHS) and off my own bat I go to a weekly meditative group and have also found singing in a choir extremely helpful. Perhaps this is not for you.  I also find that taking a walk calms my anxiety and encourages a 'living in the moment' frame of mind which is beneficial.  I don't know your circumstances but will also mention that gardening is extremely good for one's mental health.  I live in the country now and am lucky enough to have a garden.  When I lived in the city I was part of a group called the 'Green Gym' and also shared an allotment.  I had a good CPN at the time and she encouraged me to be active.  Finally I agree with the right to ask for another psychiatrist as you are not getting on with your present one. Yours, Clare 
  • louise79427
    louise79427 gary19716

    Posted

    Hey Gary, when I was on an anti psychotic it made me really anxious and I couldn't sit still. Been off it for 3 months and its gone. Have got my anti psychotic on standby incase I need it again. Hope you get better soon x
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