Dear Questioner,
I'm Sunshine, and I'm glad to meet you on Yixinli!
Thank you for talking about bipolar II disorder. The college entrance exam is coming up, and it's too stressful. What should I do?
The questioner is aware of their problem and is looking for help. I hope they find what they need.
This has made me think about it, and I want to share my thoughts based on my own experience.
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Let's sort out the confusion and analyze it.
I have bipolar II disorder, which is mild, but my mood is unstable. I'm in my senior year of high school and will soon take the college entrance exam. I don't want to go to school. Once I go, I'm nervous. I'm in an advanced class, and the atmosphere is intense. The teacher pressures me to study hard. I have seizures at school and my mood suddenly changes. A while ago, I had problems every two or three days and went home. My father and others wanted me to go to school after seeing that I was normal. I now feel afraid of school. Today is the same. My family says it's better to go to school, but I really don't want to. Studying at home feels good. Now I don't know what to do. Sometimes it's hard, and I have seizures at home.
Advice?
From the questioner's description, we can summarize as follows:
[1] The questioner has been diagnosed with bipolar type II, which is relatively mild. He is emotionally unstable and is in his senior year of high school, facing the college entrance exam. This is an objective fact. Do you usually take medication?
When triggered, does the questioner have their own way of dealing with it? The demonstration class shows that the questioner can maintain results with "bipolar disorder," which is already a good state!
The questioner doesn't want to go to school because of the tension, atmosphere, pressure, and nagging teachers. This leads to a fear of school.
Maybe there are lots of things at school that make her feel scared. Is this why she doesn't want to go to school?
...
[3] The parents want the questioner to go to school. Is this the questioner's usual way of parenting? What do the parents think when they want the questioner to go to school?
This may be worth talking about with the parents. Controlling emotions helps achieve good results. Is this a necessary condition for a good environment?
...
[4] The questioner feels comfortable at home. Has she ever tried to follow her heart? And has she ever spoken honestly? What is she worried about?
No matter where you study, it all leads to Rome. Have a good mood! A good mood leads to a good result. What does the questioner think?
In response to the question, it may be more appropriate to try this:
[1] Accept your condition and understand how it affects you. This will help you manage your emotions. Since you know you have bipolar II, you should also know how to deal with your "relapses/attacks."
[2] When your symptoms are stable, it's normal to go to school, work, and live with bipolar disorder. It's important to know how to help yourself during an episode. What triggers it? Going to school can trigger more episodes.
Once you know what causes your mood swings, you can avoid them. Be aware of what's going on around you, as this can lead to a mood change.
For example, not wanting to go to school, being asked to do things you can't do, lack of sleep, or conflicts with others.
Identifying these "trigger factors" can help us predict how symptoms will affect us and find ways to prevent and resolve the onset of symptoms. This can also help us reduce the chances of emotional outbursts.
[3] The most important thing for treating bipolar disorder is to recognize and respond to changes in your emotions. Take your medication when you need it and adjust when necessary. Find the causes of your symptoms and monitor your emotions.
[4] Bipolar disorder is not incurable. It just requires us to be proactive in responding to unexpected situations. A positive attitude is more important than treatment.
[5] Monitor and manage your emotions. Avoid the things that trigger your symptoms.
Paying attention to our emotions helps us spot dangerous signs and avoid them. For example, we can keep an emotional diary to help us understand our feelings at school.
[6] Don't stress too much. When you're feeling overwhelmed, set a realistic goal for yourself. This will help you stay calm and focused. Also, talk to your parents about your feelings and thoughts. Invite them to learn more about bipolar disorder with you. This will help you feel supported and in control.
Talking to someone you trust can help relieve stress and give you support for the Gaokao.
The above is a response to the questioner. It's just one person's opinion. I hope it will start more discussions and help the questioner. I welcome more in-depth exchanges. I pray that the questioner will relax for the college entrance exam. I wish you luck in your studies and good luck achieving your dreams!
I love you! ?
Comments
I can totally relate to how overwhelming this must feel for you. It's okay to acknowledge that school right now is not the best place for your mental health. Maybe discussing with your parents about a temporary break and setting up a comfortable study space at home could help ease the pressure while still keeping up with studies. Seeking support from a counselor or therapist might also provide strategies to manage these episodes more effectively.
It sounds incredibly tough, balancing Bipolar II Disorder with such a critical academic period. Have you considered talking openly with your school counselor? They might offer accommodations like a flexible schedule or a quiet area where you can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. Remember, it's important to listen to your body and mind; if school feels too much, it's valid to prioritize your wellbeing and perhaps find a middle ground that reduces stress.
Feeling this way is really hard, especially with everyone expecting you to go back to school. It might be helpful to have a conversation with your parents and teachers explaining how you're feeling and what would make it easier for you to cope. Sometimes, just being honest about your needs can lead to understanding and adjustments that accommodate your condition better, making school a bit less daunting.