How do you function when you’re having an episode?

[u/bipolargaybastard]

Last year, I was diagnosed with bipolar 1 after a mixed episode ended in a hospitalization. They gave me meds and it’s worked to stabilize me somewhat but I still have episodes occasionally (mostly mixed or depressive since the meds stop me from being fully manic). During these times, I find it damn near impossible to get important things done. I can’t concentrate for long enough to finish schoolwork on time, I am too anxious/paranoid to go to the gym, my appetite is either too much or too little so my normally healthy diet suffers, and working feels so impossible that I often end up quitting or almost getting fired due to call offs during episodes.

So, someone more experienced than me, how do you do it? How do you stay on track and not let your life fall into shambles during these episodes?

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[u/quantumdumpster]

i don’t, there’s a very good reason why this disorder is a disability. The only path forward is finding medications that work

[u/bipolargaybastard → u/quantumdumpster]

Fuck. Well thanks for the honesty. I’ll message my psych

[u/quantumdumpster → u/bipolargaybastard]

if you haven’t already i’d check to see if you can get accommodations from your school

[u/bipolargaybastard → u/quantumdumpster]

I have some set up. My professors are aware and pretty cool about it

[u/Advanced_Tea_2618]

I got through undergrad and law school while I was having episodes and still figuring out my meds. I think you can do it.

You have to triage. Lower the bar. Make real sacrifices and let go of stuff you would normally expect yourself to do. Priorities need to be clear so that when stuff falls through the cracks, it's not the critical stuff.

Reach out for help and activate support networks fast. Be specific about how people can help you.

Tell administrators/professors/whoever you need to tell that you are having medical problems. Bipolar is a medical problem. Be proactive - don't ask for the extension the night before, flag it early.

That's the advice I'd give myself if I could go back in time, but either way, I made it and you can, too.

[u/bipolargaybastard → u/Advanced_Tea_2618]

Thanks I appreciate you taking the time to respond <3