[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by Nightsong

Hi!

Good to meet you all, I have bp2 (diagnosed 4 years) and I'm 2 weeks into a 2-month intensive outpatient program. Going pretty well, all things considered - the DBT and CBT classes are really helpful - but getting a little overwhelmed. On Thursday I was just hit with two new personality disorder diagnoses, too, so that doesn't help. I hardly know what to focus on anymore.

Has anyone else been through intensive outpatient/ day hospital? How did you keep your focus?

Hi Nightsong!

Welcome to the Bipolar Forum at PC.

I hope you will find the support and the information you may be seeking.

I am sure many members have completed intensive outpatient programs. I think you will be hearing from more in time.

We also have forums for people living with PDs. Please feel free to also explore those forums. Some of us here also live with PDs diagnoses.

Please do make yourself at home here on PC!

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

Not to be pessimistic, but I don't think it'll show up. I think it was misdelivered because it's still not here today.

I wish PO box prices weren't so high either, and that I had one local enough to me. The one I really want to rent is located about 1-2 mins down the road (depending on traffic), but the post office has no 11x11 boxes available for rent. The other two post offices are 20 mins away from my place, in opposite directions. While 20 mins isn't bad, I'd much prefer 2 mins. And one of those post offices happens to be in another state. (Not sure how taxes work with that. I don't want to pay for double the sales tax.)

Anyway, we're celebrating my grandma's birthday today. 89. We got her a nice, authentic Red Sox jersey (since she's a huge baseball addict!) and a few other small things. The jersey was only $72 with a 40% manager discount from a friend, so we were very happy with the purchase!

She is a diehard Yankees fan (since she's originally from upstate NY) and we saw a Babe Ruth jersey for sale, but it wasn't in her size. She loves the Red Sox, though, and we got her her favorite player's jersey (Mookie Betts).

Hi Blue!

I am sorry your package has not shown up.
Is it anything you can replace?

It's just wonderful that your grandmother is doing as well as she is at 89 y.o. I know she has breast cancer and every moment with her is a gift to you and to your family.

My grandmother (deceased in the past 3 years) also loved the Red Sox! She never missed a game that was aired on TV. She loved anything Red Sox. The last piece of Red Sox clothing I had bought her was a pink Red Sox baseball cap with the logo in its usual colors. She loved it, especially since the visor helped with the sun! I now have her cap.

I cannot get over the prices of PO boxes. I had wanted one at a post office just 5 minutes away. Yet, I am disgusted with the prices, so... probably not going to do it.

You might have another option? There are some "business stores," who help businesses with printing, packing and shipping, fax services, etc. Some of these places also rent out PO boxes. They also sign for packages with your permission. I have one of these nearby and, now that I have recalled this, I am going to call them to check on their services.

I hope you and your grandmother are having a great time!!!

[Nammu]

Originally Posted by Nightsong

Hi!

Good to meet you all, I have bp2 (diagnosed 4 years) and I'm 2 weeks into a 2-month intensive outpatient program. Going pretty well, all things considered - the DBT and CBT classes are really helpful - but getting a little overwhelmed. On Thursday I was just hit with two new personality disorder diagnoses, too, so that doesn't help. I hardly know what to focus on anymore.

Has anyone else been through intensive outpatient/ day hospital? How did you keep your focus?

to the bipolar thread

[Daonnachd]

Hello, Nightsong - and all the rest of you my friends.

Last night at the concert my son and his girlfriend purchased a CD of the duo they heard so this morning, while I made pancakes, we listened to the music of Rodrigo y Gabriela. It's straight up guitar. One of the songs on the disc was a cover of a Pink Floyd song but I don't know which. I'm not really a dedicated fan of PF though I do like some of their stuff, so...

Anyhow, my son has now departed with his girlfriend to spend a couple days at her (mom's) place. As soon as they had left I went out for a bike ride. The exercise was good for me, as was the socialisation around the music. I'm feeling better today than I was a couple of days back. I wish the same to all of you.

My husband and I are totally beat! We did spring-type cleaning both yesterday and today, focusing on all of the carpeting in our house and the many other mini projects that stem from that. We were cleaning the bedroom blinds for probably the first time in who knows how long. I've been wanting new curtains. As I attempted to shift a curtain to the side, the whole curtain rod came down. I said "Now we really have to get new curtains!" Our sink is also leaking and needs replacing. Our countertops are old and disgusting. We're going to go tomorrow (hubby took the day off) and look at those. We barely have the money for all of this, but oh well. We had the money, but between the vet bill and our car breaking down, that disappeared. Why is it that money so often disappears for horrible things?

I ordered food from my favorite pizza restaurant. I told my husband that I couldn't do even one more household chore. I had worked for a while doing dishes, and didn't want to have any new dirty pots/pans.

My former neighbor's house is up for sale. I haven't seen anyone looking at it since it was on the market. Today there was an open house and I didn't see anyone heading to it. Her house is the mirror opposite of ours. I think she may have difficulty selling quickly. Many houses in the area have been up for sale for a long time. The market is obviously slow. Hopefully if/when my hubby and I want to move (in 3-5 years) the market will have improved.

Originally Posted by Nightsong

Hi!

Good to meet you all, I have bp2 (diagnosed 4 years) and I'm 2 weeks into a 2-month intensive outpatient program. Going pretty well, all things considered - the DBT and CBT classes are really helpful - but getting a little overwhelmed. On Thursday I was just hit with two new personality disorder diagnoses, too, so that doesn't help. I hardly know what to focus on anymore.

Has anyone else been through intensive outpatient/ day hospital? How did you keep your focus?

Welcome to Psych Central, Nightsong! We're happy you joined us! It does sound a bit stressful that your doctors keep adding diagnoses. Just always remember, you are not your diagnoses. You are you.

I have attended intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization day programs many times in the past. Sometimes I was better able to focus than others. Just do your best. I imagine your program has assigned process group meetings, but do you also have the chance to choose other groups of interest (i.e. art therapy, various coping skills groups, etc.)? I have been in both standard IOPs and DBT group IOPs. It's good that you will have exposure to both. If you ever feel uncomfortable in a group, please let the therapist know. They know that participants are dealing with various challenges.

[wildflowerchild25]

It’s ****ing HOT out! 99 degrees. We didn’t do anything today, it was just too hot. Just stayed inside in the AC. We did go grocery shopping but I had to put it on my credit card because I’m so damn broke. I hope I get a teaching job for the fall.

Yesterday was awesome! Even though it was super hot we had a great time at the medical oddities museum. Then we had some absolutely delicious Mexican food afterwards. The salsa was so fresh! And my enchiladas were awesome. I’m so happy we went. Then since my son was staying overnight with my mom we were able to watch some R rated comedies without fear of him hearing or seeing something he shouldn’t. It was a really nice night together.

I’m excited for my interview on Tuesday. I’m really trying to prepare in my head. I hope I nail it.

[Innerzone]

Sorry to have been scarce the last few days. I thought I'd spend one day being totally lazy and recovering. But then I haven't wanted to do anything since. Sure feeling like depression. Wanting to sleep all the time, hiding in my room, feeling totally **** about myself, not caring about or feeling much of anything, irritable, not wanting to do anything. It all seems like such a chore. Today was the first day I was determined to put clothes on (as opposed to pjs). I did. Then promptly went to sleep in them. I forced myself to walk to the store tonight to get bandaids. I'm supposed to take the bulky bandaging off and put a bandaid over the scar/stitches and all I had was little ones that don't stay put. So needed something a bit more robust.

Aaaanyhow... I couldn't help but wonder if the painkillers hit a switch. Even though I only took them for one day. (??) I will try to force myself out tomorrow. If I don't start coming out of this ... hopefully just a blip ...I will add Abilify (basically my PRN) back in.

Other than that, healing up very well. I only get a zing of pain if I try to do something requiring strength. Ziplock bags are a *****. Who would have thought?(!)

[Wander]

The last few days I've been lazing around a lot with my partner. The agitation is bad and sometimes leads to panic. Seroquel helps. Mood kind of flat, but I still can smile. Coping. This morning my pdoc rescheduled my appointment to tomorrow morning, and I see my T on Wednesday. I'm glad. I need support right now. Hopefully I can stay out of being IP. I just need to stay safe.

[~Christina]

Hey , everyone. I’m still stuck in my head.

Fern , I’m so sorry that an old friend lost the battle

WC .. I just love you to bits

IZ ! Yes any kind of surgery no matter small or large can send someone down a dark road. The anesthesia meds are most certainly the cause. I hope you can get back on your feet quickly !

[sadveiledbride]

feeling more and more like **** lately. hope everyone else is doing well

[BeyondtheRainbow]

It's 5:15 AM and like so many 5:15 lately I'm awake sick from whatever I caught in the Domican Republic. All my standard tests came back and I'm on a 2nd antibiotic that works on GI issues. I got a few days break which is the best it's been since I got sick the 28th but I shouldn't still be sick.

I'm getting depressed because I feel so yucky and haven't been out doing much in case I was contagious. The NP said I'm can go out if I am careful with hand hygiene but that doesn't help with needing to be near a bathroom all the time. I'm going to have to do phone therapy today since I've had to cancel the last 2 weeks. And I need in person therapy for most of what I want to say.

I have been allowed to eat whatever I want but 2 days into adding food and here we go again.

I'm just so tired. Physically i'm tired from not feeling well and depression is making me tired because this just sucks.

Originally Posted by BirdDancer

bluebicyle, happy birthday to your grandma!.

Thanks!

My grandma went to her favorite restaurant yesterday and got her favorite dish -- baked haddock with squash. I don't think anyone else in our group particularly liked the food, though. lol. But it was my grandma's birthday and it's her favorite place, so as long as she was happy, we were happy.

She LOVED her jersey and said she couldn't wait to wear it around her building. (She lives in an elderly apartment community that's basically subsidized housing. Not assisted living.) It was also a PERFECT fit.

---

Anyway, I found out that my sister's boyfriend now has to wear hearing aids for the rest of his life because of a concussion he had a while back. He's only 21 (like she is). I feel bad that someone else caused his concussion (on purpose too, I think) and that now he is permanently stuck with hearing aids. Must've been one hell of a concussion. But I knew for a while that he struggled with his hearing after the concussion. It's just sad because he's so young. His ears bother him all the time, too.

I kind of want to give him something to cheer him up. I don't know what, though. But you could tell from his facial expression yesterday that he wasn't doing well.

[Scooter9]

I haven't hit my baseline since last Thursday. It was pleasant that day and I'm hoping for more to come but for now I'm back to my regular lows.

I went shopping with my younger son this weekend for some new clothes for me. I lost a lot of weight when I reacted badly to Lamictal and it hasn't come back in almost 2 years but I still have the same clothes which are now really loose (I lost 40 pounds).

I bought a few pairs of pants and a couple of shirts that fit way better and according to my son are fashionable too.

We also had a nice conversation with my older son who is still with us visiting. I'm happy he decided to stay longer and it's always nice having conversations with him even if they aren't easy ones.

I haven't mentioned my cat here but he's 20 and is not doing well. He had cancer removed from his skin a couple of months ago and his mind is going. He poops everywhere now and has other issues.

I hope I don't sound harsh but I think his time has come. He's declining quickly and I don't think old age will treat him well. We're also having difficulty coping with his pooping everywhere. We'll have to replace all the carpets after he's gone. Just taking it a week at a time at the moment.

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by BeyondtheRainbow

It's 5:15 AM and like so many 5:15 lately I'm awake sick from whatever I caught in the Domican Republic. All my standard tests came back and I'm on a 2nd antibiotic that works on GI issues. I got a few days break which is the best it's been since I got sick the 28th but I shouldn't still be sick.

I'm getting depressed because I feel so yucky and haven't been out doing much in case I was contagious. The NP said I'm can go out if I am careful with hand hygiene but that doesn't help with needing to be near a bathroom all the time. I'm going to have to do phone therapy today since I've had to cancel the last 2 weeks. And I need in person therapy for most of what I want to say.

I have been allowed to eat whatever I want but 2 days into adding food and here we go again.

I'm just so tired. Physically i'm tired from not feeling well and depression is making me tired because this just sucks.

Hi!

You have been on my mind a lot.

I am very sorry you continue ill.
I wish I could help somehow.

Has your mom been able to help you?
How are your kitties responding to your not feeling well? I ask because pets are often very sensitive to the "status" their guardians.

I am here for you should you need to vent or need support -- whatever I can do to help.

I hope and pray you will recover soon.

Love and Prayers ~

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by Innerzone

Sorry to have been scarce the last few days. I thought I'd spend one day being totally lazy and recovering. But then I haven't wanted to do anything since. Sure feeling like depression. Wanting to sleep all the time, hiding in my room, feeling totally **** about myself, not caring about or feeling much of anything, irritable, not wanting to do anything. It all seems like such a chore. Today was the first day I was determined to put clothes on (as opposed to pjs). I did. Then promptly went to sleep in them. I forced myself to walk to the store tonight to get bandaids. I'm supposed to take the bulky bandaging off and put a bandaid over the scar/stitches and all I had was little ones that don't stay put. So needed something a bit more robust.

Aaaanyhow... I couldn't help but wonder if the painkillers hit a switch. Even though I only took them for one day. (??) I will try to force myself out tomorrow. If I don't start coming out of this ... hopefully just a blip ...I will add Abilify (basically my PRN) back in.

Other than that, healing up very well. I only get a zing of pain if I try to do something requiring strength. Ziplock bags are a *****. Who would have thought?(!)

Hey there, Innerzone!

It's great to hear from you!

I am so sorry you are having a trying time.

I hear you about pain meds possibly playing a role. I also wonder about anesthesia having an effect?

I hope you feel much better soon!

Much Love ~

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by sadveiledbride

feeling more and more like **** lately. hope everyone else is doing well

Hi!

I am very sorry you have such a difficult time.

Please forgive me, I have forgotten; do you see a pdoc and/or a therapist?

What types of activities, or other "things," help you with your depression?

You have an interesting user name. Do you consider yourself to be a sad veiled bride?

Please keep reaching out! Much Love ~

[Wild Coyote]

A Warm Hello to All!

I am having a rough day, so far. I am tired and a bit agitated. I cannot focus for long, and not at all if there is noise around me. I find I can respond to short posts today. I hope to get to longer ones later today, if possible. I am very irritable and, probably, for very good reason. I wish I could write openly and honestly; however, I cannot at this time.
Off to attend to an important task.

I hope everyone is enJOYing their Monday!!!

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by Scooter9

I haven't hit my baseline since last Thursday. It was pleasant that day and I'm hoping for more to come but for now I'm back to my regular lows.

I went shopping with my younger son this weekend for some new clothes for me. I lost a lot of weight when I reacted badly to Lamictal and it hasn't come back in almost 2 years but I still have the same clothes which are now really loose (I lost 40 pounds).

I bought a few pairs of pants and a couple of shirts that fit way better and according to my son are fashionable too.

We also had a nice conversation with my older son who is still with us visiting. I'm happy he decided to stay longer and it's always nice having conversations with him even if they aren't easy ones.

I haven't mentioned my cat here but he's 20 and is not doing well. He had cancer removed from his skin a couple of months ago and his mind is going. He poops everywhere now and has other issues.

I hope I don't sound harsh but I think his time has come. He's declining quickly and I don't think old age will treat him well. We're also having difficulty coping with his pooping everywhere. We'll have to replace all the carpets after he's gone. Just taking it a week at a time at the moment.

It's nice to read about your enJOYment of your sons!

It's so tough when we reach the place where we may have to consider euthanizing our pets. It is a sad position to be in.

Please take good care during this time.

[wildflowerchild25]

I had another horrible dream last night. This time I was laying in bed with RS and he was holding me when out of the blue he said we need to talk. He said horrible things to me, like he doesn’t feel like comforting me anymore and he couldn’t believe anyone could like me in the first place. I was so shocked. Then I began to get angry. I started cursing at him and screaming at him to get out. He just laughed at me. Then his sister (he doesn’t actually have a sister) said he gets like that when he has seizures. So now I’m panicking and calling 911 because I think he’s having a seizure. They come and they have to shock his heart because at this point he’s not breathing. He wakes up and I’m so relieved that I just hug him and cry. Then I woke up. It was the middle of the night. So I went to the bathroom and came back and gave him a kiss but he didn’t wake up so I had to go to sleep again with this awful dream in my head.

I had more bad dreams; one where my car got stolen but the police wouldn’t let me call someone to come get me because they said I was hysterical (I wasn’t, just pissed). This was a very real fear I had in March of 2018. I was very paranoid that police were following me and would pull me over and think I was on drugs because of my erratic behavior. I was convinced I would go to jail or be committed to the hospital. So that dream was quite unpleasant as well. Then I had another one where I was stuck in high school again and I had to do testing for special services and I was so MAD I just kept getting irritable with the tester. This actually happened to me when I was 15.

All in all a fitful night and as a result a rough day. Made no easier by the fact that it was hot af again even though they said it was supposed to be cooler and the power went out at my job. Then the fire alarm went off and it wasn’t a drill so we had to stand outside in the hot sun waiting for the fire company for 20 minutes, then stand around outside waiting for the buses to organize themselves (this happened at the end of the day) so all in all standing in the hot sun for a good 35 minutes. And I wear pants to work! Ugh.

I’m going to go to the gym to work out some of this energy. I have to be on my game tomorrow for my interview.