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I am new here and newly diagnosed BP. My mother was MD, so it’s of no real surprise.
My depression was pretty normal but my manic came in the way of irritation, anger and rage. This was usually directed at family members, but others were in my attention also.
I came clean and was inpatient for 10 days. That's where the BP diagnosis came. I am now on Depakote and Prozac. Previously I had just been taking different antidepressants (which just ramped up my mania).
Today I am 58 days violence free. No outbursts, no physical violence. It feels really great, but at the same time I am dreadfully scared I may "fall off the wagon". I know every day of good, means one farther from bad, but I'm still scared.
I tried to get into an anger management program, but the therapist (really the only person who has openly "judged me") told me I ma a dangerous man and too angry for his group. Hi group is for people who have road rage, yell and might batter their spouse.
I am continuing with therapy, DBSA meetings and am looking to voluntarily enter a 52 week "court" program.
Does anyone have any advice, help, etc...?
My anger is justified, but how I express it is what really counts.
Posts: 20 | Location: So CA Mountains | Registered: 08-27-2006
I also have experience long term anger. Therapy has been useless. I would ike to know if anyone has found or experienced an effective method for reducing anger.
I have had for several days intense anger and rages and then heaving sobs. I get really irritable and "itchy" (wanting to scratch everyone). I get this for several days to a week or more at a time and was told it was a symptom of mania/hypomania.
As I stated above, I was rage full for 15 years. Today I am 69 days violence free.
The depekote I take has slowed down my thoughts enough that my cognitive therapy has been able to work and control my anger.
The first thing I have to realize was that "my anger is justified, but how I express it is what counts". For years and through many programs I heard that anger was a natural emotion. At the time I fully disagreed with that statement. In my mind I could not handle anger - like an alcoholic can't have a drink.
How can you stop a naturally occurring feeling? You can't! So every time I did get angry, I had failed yet again - what a vicious cycle. But if you understand that "my anger is justified, but how I express it is what counts" is the true key.
I am 69 days violence free – does that mean anger free – No. I have been irritated, angry and on the edge of rage – but I have not yelled, I have not hit, I have not grabbed, pushed or any of the other things I did on an almost daily basis.
There is one other statement I’d like to share that’s helped me – “People are disturbed not by the specific things or events, but by their thoughts, views, opinions and beliefs about those things or events”.
So – Was I really pissed that my son didn’t clean his room? No – I was pissed because he disrespected my rules, and in turn disrespected me. So why would I be pissed that I was disrespected? You can really break this down and find the true root of the issue.
Now mix in the Bipolar and all of its stuff. Stress ramps up the manic.
Best to all, Dave
My anger is justified, but how I express it is what really counts.
Posts: 20 | Location: So CA Mountains | Registered: 08-27-2006
I, too, have a problem with anger. When in traffic, I'd like to jump out and beat a guy to death for cutting in front of me. It's over-the-top, I take my meds and take care of myself, but it continues. I think I need to pound myself with more meds. Nothing else seems to work. I get angry when I'm on medication.
I know in my several year journey I have had a few med changes, increases, etc... I went from the generic Valproic Acid to the regular Depakote, and it made a large difference.
Also, taking a few magic pills isn't the full answer. Counseling is an essential part. A work book I got and use is called "Mind Over Mood". It deals with cognitive therapy. Very good stuff.
Finally, I also recommend finding a local DBSA meeting. DBSA is the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. The hold meetings for individuals and their families (if they desire). It has always been great to sit in a room with a whole group of people who deal with what I do.
My anger is justified, but how I express it is what really counts.
Posts: 20 | Location: So CA Mountains | Registered: 08-27-2006
I go to therapy and a week DBSA support group meeting. I also read books, take my meds, get exercise and enough sleep and avoid stress triggers. And I'm still angry.
I'm new here too and Im a 24 yr old female. My anger is over the top. I guess you can say I'm manic right now, I have been for 3 weeks. Doctor just put me on Epival (depakote). I'm feeling some relief but not to what I would like. Just being cramped on the couch makes me want to explode. I have the book "Mind over mood" but i never got all the way through it, is it really that good?
The post you read was from 2 years ago when I was first diagnosed Bi-Polar. I actually take brand name depakote now at 2500mg daily. I still use Mind over Mood (or at least the tools I learned from it).
I also use a Guided Imagery CD for Relaxation from a lady named Belleruth Naparstek. Again, I used the CD many times and now revert to it as needed to relieve stress, etc...
It hasn't been an easy road, but it's one I am happy to travel. I haven't laid hands on my kids since I was diagnosed and medicated. Their lives are greatly improved.
My anger is justified, but how I express it is what really counts.
Posts: 20 | Location: So CA Mountains | Registered: 08-27-2006
I like to remember a few things when dealing with all this. There is no magic pill. We have a chemical imbalance that can be improved with consistent medications, but not eliminated.
I liken the skills I learned from Mind over Mood to the same process I went through to stop smoking.
I had to divert my urge to smoke and remind myself of the benefits - so I would then have continued success. Today I STILL crave tobacco.
Personally I believe that anger, etc... can also become addictive and learned behaviors that you MUST combat in a meaningful way to succeed. It's been a combined effort on my part of meds, groups and skills from books and CD's.
Don't give up on yourself or others. Those that truly love you will be there for you, but most importantly, you have to be there for yourself.
Sorry if I preached or rambled too long. Chat anytime you like. Dave
My anger is justified, but how I express it is what really counts.
Posts: 20 | Location: So CA Mountains | Registered: 08-27-2006
Well after starting to pace the floors my doctor upped my medication to 50mg of lamictal a day and 250mg of epival 2 times a day (remember, epival was makin me too hungry so i wouldnt take it 3 times aday). Im startin to settle but it just isnt working and i know that the meds arent the only thing that will work, so im going to start counselling. its just my husband just doesnt understand and doesnt really care to be honest and it really drives me nuts, i feel like i am craving his attention.!
I'm glad the meds are helping some. Give it time. Counseling is also a great step to healing
As far as your hubby goes, I'm no authority by any means on marital advice. Maybe going to DBSA meetings togeather would help. DBSA is Depression and Bi-Polar Support Alliance. You can search for any local affiliations in your area at http://www.dbsalliance.org There is also some really good reading here.
I have to run - One Day At a Time
My anger is justified, but how I express it is what really counts.
Posts: 20 | Location: So CA Mountains | Registered: 08-27-2006
weird thing, my psychiatrist didnt like how i was responding to treatment so he took me off of wellbutrin and lamictal, kept me on epival and added clonazepam. i have to call him tomorrow and see how things go. wish me luck.
As far as your hubby goes, I'm no authority by any means on marital advice. Maybe going to DBSA meetings togeather would help. DBSA is Depression and Bi-Polar Support Alliance. You can search for any local affiliations in your area at http://www.dbsalliance.org There is also some really good reading here.
hi there, i appreciate all of the info posted here.. my eleven year old has bipolar and can be quite violent.. anger outbursts..etc i think that getting advice from others who have to deal with these issues themselves is quite valuable. Do you have any advice for my son who gets absessive about things that he wants to do to the exclusion of anything else and t hank you
