Bipolar, rapid cycling for over a decade, feeling somewhat unsure of what to do?

Dear question asker, I can perceive the confusion you are currently experiencing, and I extend my support to you.

Accordingly, you have been taking medication for your bipolar disorder.

Despite changing counselors on numerous occasions, no discernible improvement has been observed.

It is recommended that individuals who are taking medication seek the assistance of a professional psychotherapist, rather than a counselor.

A psychotherapist is able to modify the dosage of medication in accordance with the progression of the patient's condition and provide psychotherapy concurrently.

A counselor is not qualified to diagnose a disease; their role is limited to providing counseling.

It is conceivable that the counselor is not an optimal fit for your circumstances and is therefore unable to provide substantial assistance.

It is possible that a change in psychotherapist may yield different results.

It is also important to learn to regularly clear negative emotions.

Engaging in aerobic exercise at a gym is an efficacious choice.

Additionally, one may engage in more aggressive sports, such as finding a Muay Thai coach and taking one-on-one lessons. This approach can help to ensure that one's own safety is not compromised, while also preventing the infliction of harm upon others.

Furthermore, online research may yield information regarding the existence of mutual aid groups or similar organizations.

It would be advisable to consider joining such a group if one is available.

In mutual aid groups, individuals with comparable experiences can provide assistance and support.

It is my sincere hope that the problem you are currently experiencing can be resolved in the near future.

At this juncture, my thoughts are solely directed towards the aforementioned points.

It is my sincere hope that my above answer is both helpful and inspiring to you, the questioner. As the answerer, I endeavor to provide thoughtful and well-researched responses on a daily basis.

I extend my best wishes to you, and I hope that you will find the support you need here at Yixinli.

!

The confusion, pain, and effort you experience in the face of the long-term challenges of bipolar disorder are very real and difficult. I understand that you may feel alone and helpless at this time, but please remember that even in the darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of light and hope.

In the following sections, I will attempt to provide suggestions and ideas that I hope will shed light on and support your situation.

The significance of professional treatment

First and foremost, bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that requires long-term management, and each person's condition and response is unique. Despite your current treatment plan not meeting your expectations, we advise you not to lose hope in finding the right doctor and treatment plan. You may wish to consider

It is advisable to find a specialist psychiatrist, if possible, who has particular experience or a reputation in the field of bipolar disorder.

It is essential to maintain open communication with your doctor. You can facilitate this process by preparing a written record of your feelings, the specific manifestations of your symptoms (including changes in behavior during hypomanic and depressive phases), and your current response to treatment. This will ensure that your doctor has a comprehensive understanding of your situation.

It may take some time to find the most suitable combination of drugs for you, as each person's condition and response is unique. Please be patient and discuss the effects and side effects of the drugs with your doctor regularly.

Psychological support and self-care are also key elements in the treatment plan.

In addition to medication, psychological therapies and self-care strategies are also essential.

It is recommended that you seek professional psychological counseling. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy are among the psychological therapies that have been shown to be beneficial for bipolar disorder. This can help you develop coping strategies and improve your emotional management.

It is important to build a support system, even if you feel isolated. There are always people who are willing to listen and offer support, including family, friends, and online communities and self-help groups. These can provide a valuable source of information and support for those experiencing similar issues.

Adjustments to daily life: Maintaining a regular routine, such as regular sleep and wake times, healthy eating, and moderate exercise, can all help to stabilize emotions. It is recommended that you identify relaxing activities that bring you satisfaction, such as reading, painting, and walking.

3. Coping with the urge to self-harm

It is important to note that self-harm is a way of coping with extreme emotional pain, but it only brings temporary relief and will increase your suffering in the long run. When the urge strikes, we advise you to try the following:

It is recommended that you use alternative methods to cope with urges to self-harm. These include snapping your wrist with a rubber band, holding ice cubes, or engaging in strenuous exercise.

Should you experience an urge that you are unable to control, please seek assistance from a trusted individual or contact a crisis hotline for immediate professional assistance.

4. Navigating pressure from family and society

It is important to communicate with your family. Despite any concerns you may have about disappointing them, open communication will help them understand your situation and provide more appropriate support. You can choose the right time to do this, or you can seek assistance from a counselor to help you talk to your family about your feelings and needs.

It is important to remember that your health is of the utmost importance. Speak with your school to determine if they have support policies or adjustment plans in place to help reduce your stress.

In conclusion, while the path ahead may appear challenging, each stride represents a demonstration of resilience and fortitude. You are not alone, and there are always individuals ready to extend a helping hand.

I hope you will be able to identify an appropriate course of treatment and support that will enable you to regain a sense of balance and hope in your life.

Greetings. As a heart exploration coach, I am privileged to be able to offer you some counsel.

From the information provided in your written description, it is evident that you have been oscillating between depression and hypomania for over a decade, with no discernible positive development.

Instead, the situation was characterized by a cyclical pattern, resulting in a conflict between feelings of fear and hope.

When an individual is in a positive emotional state, they are capable of undertaking a multitude of tasks and possess a high level of energy. Conversely, when an individual is in a negative emotional state, they are prone to engage in self-harm and experience a heightened sense of self-blame.

You ascribe blame to yourself due to concerns that this approach may result in disappointment on the part of your mother. Additionally, you are apprehensive that your current state of mind is not conducive to academic pursuits and that your future is not within your control.

As fear increases, the likelihood of engaging in self-harm also rises.

One can begin by reflecting on the past ten years and considering the evolution of one's condition.

You indicated that you are currently enrolled in college. At what age did you first exhibit symptoms of a two-way emotional disorder? I postulate that when you sought counseling, your therapist would have initiated the therapeutic process by examining your family of origin and your living environment. This approach would have enabled you to gain insight into your past experiences and facilitate your recovery from the previous emotional distress you had endured.

It would be beneficial to ascertain the extent of communication that has occurred previously, as well as the outcomes of said communication.

Indeed, it may be beneficial to collaborate with the aforementioned counselor in order to identify the most salient issues, particularly given the recurrence of these circumstances.

I can personally comprehend the rationale behind this psychological state, which is essentially an inability to disengage and an unwillingness to absolve oneself of responsibility.

Furthermore, life is replete with uncertainty. The rapidity of change means that what was perceived as truth one moment may not be so the next.

In such instances, it is not uncommon to experience difficulty in managing the situation. The assistance I can provide is to assist you in developing a mindfulness practice and fostering greater self-awareness.

Perhaps I am being somewhat general, so I will provide a more detailed example.

To illustrate, during one's tenure at the university, there is a strong desire to excel academically, complete one's studies successfully, and embark on a promising future.

It can be observed that when an individual attempts to accomplish a task with great effort, the fluctuations in their emotional state become more pronounced.

It is essential to discern the underlying rationale behind the occurrence. To illustrate, academic studies have demonstrated that when an individual is not in an optimal state, their capacity to learn is significantly hindered. However, it is important to note that in numerous subjects during the college years, one can swiftly enhance their academic performance by engaging in a modicum of additional practice or by concentrating on review prior to the final examination.

Furthermore, there are potential avenues for future development. Currently, one may perceive a lack of optimal well-being. However, there are underlying causes and potential solutions to this perceived state of being.

Another example is that each time one visits a medical professional, one will unconsciously smile at others. However, one may not realize that one does not always follow one's heart in many situations or that one's true state has always been to hide one's true thoughts with one's expressions.

For example, if an individual is experiencing significant illness but is unable to convey this to a medical professional or is reluctant to discuss it, what are their underlying thoughts and feelings at that time?

Are you concerned that your condition may be perceived as insignificant by the doctor, leading to your mother's criticism?

Have you considered this possibility?

If one does not express one's actual situation in an honest manner, there may be minimal room for adjustments to one's medication and other aspects, which may prove to be disadvantageous.

Accordingly, I am able to assist you by facilitating the discernment of your present mental state in accordance with the tenets of veracity, thereby enabling the discovery of your authentic intrinsic beliefs.

Furthermore, it is important to align one's actions with one's genuine emotions and sentiments rather than resorting to mere displays or behaviors that are perceived as positive by others.

However, you are experiencing significant personal challenges, and you may resort to strategic concealment to create the impression of stability and success. This is contrary to your authentic self-interest and will not facilitate positive change.

Consequently, if the aforementioned method and direction are deemed acceptable, the individual may proceed to organize the requisite text.

For example, if you are currently engaged in a course of medical treatment or undergoing counseling, at what stage are you currently? Please provide further details, and you may also discuss some of your personal circumstances with me.

Should you require further assistance, you are invited to click on my personal homepage to pose a question, which I will endeavor to address to the best of my ability.

I will then await your response and extend my best wishes to you.

Hello, my child. I hug you and I expect you to feel some warmth. I also expect my answer to help you.

You are amazing. You have worked hard to survive. What you said is a way of seeking help. I admire your courage. I can tell you have suffered a lot. You said you can only withstand it, which is understandable. You said you are suffering and in pain, but you can't find anyone to talk about these things. I don't know if you expressed these things to your counselor when you were consulting before. If we also resist in front of the counselor, it will be difficult for them to help you. Ultimately, your inner strength will help you. It's difficult for us to see and stimulate this inner strength if we keep resisting. We need to change our attitude towards ourselves, stop suppressing and restraining ourselves, and allow ourselves to be true to ourselves. Speak your true feelings and needs to the right person and get the help you need. I believe everything will get better.

I advise you to:

Keep working with your treatment team, view your current situation as temporary, and trust that you will continue to improve. Give yourself time to heal.

We must believe wholeheartedly that we will recover and heal through active treatment. This will require a process and our active participation. In addition to working with doctors and counselors, we must change our attitude toward ourselves. We must stop restraining and suppressing ourselves. Instead, we must understand and accept ourselves and give ourselves the care and tolerance we deserve.

Psychiatrists have professional capabilities, and psychological counselors can also provide you with a space to release your pent-up emotions. You must express all your true emotions and feelings during counseling without having to hide or hold back. Otherwise, they will be unable to truly help you. You can give yourself positive mental suggestions, for example, saying to yourself, "Although I am bipolar for the time being, it doesn't mean I am bad. I believe I will get better, and I still accept this true self of mine."

2. Expressing and releasing your emotions in a reasonable way and maintaining a sense of order in your life will help you gradually maintain emotional stability.

You often restrain your emotions, which builds up inside and makes you eat. But you can release your emotions in a constructive way that doesn't harm yourself. Once you've done this a few times, you'll be able to release your emotions in a more constructive way, letting them out at the right time. You need to release your emotions when they build up, and you can do this by using some methods.

For example, you can find the right person to talk to. It is crucial to identify this person. Those who do not understand you and who will only make you more troubled when you go to talk to them are not the right people. On the other hand, those who can understand you and give you tolerance and support are the right people. In fact, a psychological counselor is the best choice. They will follow the value-neutral principle of non-judgment and will not attack or question you. They will give you enough acceptance and understanding. So, express yourself to the counselor and see if it will bring you different feelings.

You can also continue to ask questions in the Q&A Hall or find a listener or counselor on our platform.

Keep a daily emotional diary. Write down all your daily troubles, emotions, and thoughts. This is a good way to relieve stress. If you keep writing, your inner emotions will flow. It also helps to maintain a sense of order in your life. When our lives are rhythmic, our emotions are more stable. Do small things that make you feel pleasure and accomplishment. This will help you improve your mood and gain inner strength.

3. You need to tell your mother the truth about your situation. She can help you better and your recovery will be more beneficial.

I am also a mother, and if my child were going through this, I would absolutely want her to tell me what she really needs so that I can help her better and truly help her.

You can avoid disappointing your mother by keeping this from her for now. But she will eventually find out, and the sooner she does, the better. This will not disappoint her, but it will show your courage.

My child, you can and will recover. You will live a truly happy and healthy life. When you accept yourself and be your true self, you will have the power to change. You will gradually emerge from your current predicament and embrace a hopeful future.

Read some related books if you have time. They include The Power of Self-Care, When You Start Loving Yourself, the World Will Come to Love You, The Miracle of Self-Affirmation, and The Courage to Be Disliked.

You may find the above useful as a reference. Best wishes!

Hello! I'm sending you a warm hug from afar.

Your description makes me sad. I can see that your hypomanic symptoms and persistently low depressive state serve a purpose, even if you're not aware of it.

You have clearly described that when you are in a hypomanic state, you can fully follow your own wishes and immerse yourself in what you like. This state gives you the peak experience of flow. However, whenever this beautiful and pleasant experience occurs, you will be overwhelmed by a strong sense of panic and anxiety. This is because you feel that you don't deserve this state and that your parents don't like it. You only get more love, attention, importance, care, and companionship from your parents when you are in extreme pain.

You will only receive more attention, care, importance, and companionship from significant others when you are constantly plagued by low mood. The way parents respond to your different emotional states implicitly guides the state you present.

A child's self-perception is shaped by their parents' treatment of them. Neglect, indifference, and dislike from parents signal abandonment, and the younger the child, the more intense the fear. To overcome this, children must be themselves in accordance with their parents' expectations.

It is crucial to identify which aspect of yourself requires attention and fulfillment when you are in a state of severe depression, particularly when you engage in self-harm or suicidal behavior. It is essential to explore alternative ways to respond to and satisfy these needs.

For example, you can try to please yourself and satisfy yourself while being afraid and following your heart first. Tell your parents about the panic and unease you feel when you can't honestly face your own inner beauty and immerse yourself in those beautiful and pleasant experiences. Make it clear that you need them to feel supported, understood, respected, accepted, loved, and approved.

You should also record in writing the true physical and mental feelings you experience in the two different emotional states of hypomania and depression. When you see your psychiatrist, tell them this part of your feelings. Ask your parents to leave the room so you can truly present yourself to your psychiatrist and get effective help.

You don't have to please anyone else, not even your parents. Your life belongs to you.

You should read "Why Home Can Wound," "Dialogue with Fear Within," and "Emotionally Immature Parents."

Dear questioner,

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental illness that is typified by extreme mood swings, alternating between depressive and manic episodes. Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder is characterised by the occurrence of extreme mood swings on four or more occasions within a year.

It can be challenging to cope with this condition, but there are strategies and resources that can assist in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

It is of the utmost importance to seek the care of an experienced psychiatrist and to communicate one's feelings and experiences with sincerity. Due to the fluctuating nature of bipolar disorder, an individual may appear to be in a relatively stable state to their physician, yet may be experiencing significant distress privately.

One may consider maintaining a diary or creating an emotional tracking chart to more accurately describe one's true situation to one's doctor during visits.

Secondly, pharmacological intervention constitutes an essential component of bipolar disorder management. It may be necessary to trial different medications or combinations of medications in order to identify the most efficacious treatment.

Should you perceive that your current pharmacological treatment is ineffective or accompanied by adverse effects, it is advisable to consult with your physician. A dosage adjustment or a change in medication may be warranted.

Psychotherapy has also been demonstrated to be an efficacious intervention. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family-focused therapy (FFT), and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) represent three psychotherapeutic modalities that have been shown to be beneficial for individuals with bipolar disorder.

Psychotherapy can facilitate the acquisition of coping strategies, the enhancement of interpersonal relationships, and an overall improvement in quality of life.

It is similarly vital to establish salutary routines in one's daily life. Obtaining sufficient rest, maintaining a regular diet, engaging in moderate exercise, and partaking in activities that mitigate stress can all contribute to a more stable mood.

Furthermore, it is advisable to refrain from the use of alcohol and drugs, as these substances have the potential to exacerbate mood swings.

In regard to your concerns regarding self-harming behavior, it is imperative to seek immediate professional assistance. Self-harm can manifest as a form of self-injury and may be associated with depressive symptoms or serve as a coping mechanism for stress.

In the event of suicidal ideation, it is imperative to seek immediate professional assistance or contact a crisis intervention hotline.

It is also recommended that individuals with bipolar disorder seek out support from their social networks, including family, friends, and support groups, as these individuals can provide both emotional support and practical assistance.

Should one feel that friends and family are unable to comprehend the situation, it is possible to seek support from groups specifically for people with bipolar disorder. Such groups may comprise individuals who have experienced similar circumstances and are therefore better placed to empathise with the situation.

It is important to remember that one is not alone in this experience and that there is no shame in seeking help. Bipolar disorder is a manageable illness, and with the right treatment and support, one can lead a more stable and fulfilling life.

It is imperative not to lose hope and to persist in seeking assistance. One deserves a superior future.