dysphoric mania

[soppyflower]

Hi, Im new here. I have bipolar but rather than feeling euphoric when manic I feel dysphoric. This usually includes thuoghts of violence towards others and or thoughts that people are trying to get me. I become so highly strung and irritated that even the way someone breaths can make me feel like punching their face in. I never act on these thoughts thankfully. In any case I am on mood stabilisers now and hoping this doesnt happen again. Even when I am feeling well I am not the most social person and I am also a very private person. The reason I mention this is I would like more support but so much of the support is about socialization and getting involved in the community etc which doesnt suit me as I find being around others exhausting and triggers me,  Also alot of programs are geared to living skills. thankfully I have competent living skills.  guess what Im trying to say is for people like me there needs to be some sort of support which is just purely moral support. everytime I have reached out for support, the support workers seem to have this agenda of getting you involve in the community as a way of building confidence etc which is fine for those who find it helpful but I do think they should be open minded enough to realise this is not the answer for everyone

[NikNik]

Hi @soppyflower

Welcome to the Forums and thank you for sharing your experience. It can be quite daunting for some people when they share their story for the first time, so thank you.

I think it's pretty typical for mental health care professionals to encourage community activities because there's a lot of evidence that suggests that social connection benefits people's mental health. In saying that though, of course we are all different - and what 'social connection' looks like for some people, might look different for someone else.

This online forum, where we connect with peers, could be considered social connection . Like every Friday we have a virtual Friday Feast (see here) where we just "get together" and chat.

So it's just about finding what works for you.

What type of support would you find useful?

[soppyflower]

Hi Nik nik thanks for your response, When I have an episode, it takes me a while to recover and feelings of paranoia and agression and irratation persist for some time, So when the support worker comes and suggest lets get you out in a group or community etc its really disheartening as I feel that they dont understand how Im feeling or what I need. Imagine being told to go an socialize and what not when you are feeling irrationally hateful and intolerant toward everything and everyone ! LOL ! not a good combination usually just leads to confontation and aggrevation.The support I would like at that time is just a feeling of support and to talk  to someone preferably in my home.

[NikNik]

Hi @soppyflower

I completely understand how frustrating that must be. Do you have a good relationship with your support worker? Are you able to work with them to develop a plan and have the opportunity to talk about what is best for you, especially after an episode? That way, if you have something in writing before the situation arises, you can simply refer back to your plan.

Also, you should definitely mention these Forums to them. They are peer to peer and it is an online community. So while it might not be face to face, you do get the social connection.

That might take some heat off 🙂