Try being me for a week or two

[jimnyc]

I was on this page a little while ago and laughed at what I had in common with damn cartoons. I deal with depression and anxiety all the time, and it's ruined a good portion of my adult life, not being able to live out things fully the way I would like. And not many see it because I hide it. It's embarrassing for whatever reason.

NT'sGirl is one of the rare few that saw it in action. On my first trip to Alaska it was a long 14 hour flight. 5 hours to Dallas, 4 on the ground and then another 6 or so to Alaska? I was already on edge. Rick and Sharon picked me up and away we went. We made a few stops and stopped at a friend of theirs over there, Lee. Great guy! All cool as hell there that I met. But my anxiety was picking up and I couldn't gobble xanax in front of everyone. As we were leaving his house I felt it, and Sharon noticed and asked if I was ok. I was flush and all kinds of sweaty, my hair and my chest/neck area. I felt it and didn't know anyone noticed, but she did! It got better, and the trip was fantastic as you know, but the anxiety found it's way to interrupt me several times while there.

Anyway, to ME, these pictures make so much sense. I can relate to each and everyone of them in some way or manner. Folks that have never dealt with it don't understand. But when I talk to others, and they tell me things they deal with, I realize I'm not alone, just alone.


https://i.imgur.com/7ujyBVf.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/3M8nhTm.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/DBZmfUf.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Deu4s9q.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/GHfQQTN.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/4yGKRgu.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/AdFvfxu.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Lid4VCt.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/WHerSNV.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NJBE9Q5.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/gHx3rgn.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/hMuTDH0.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/bjURB9Q.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Gig6FQq.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/88Xe97E.jpg

[hjmick]

Hard pass.


I see everyday what it does to a person. My wife has multiple diagnosis'... Bi-Polar, anxiety, depression, PTSD, one or two more just for fun...

There were several years when she couldn't leave the house except to go to work. I did everything... grocery shopping, took the kids to there shit, took the kids out, cars, everything that had to be done outside of the house, and a lot of what needed to be done inside of the house, I did. I'm not complaining, not even a little bit. I am showing just how debilitating mental illness can be.

The key is a good doctor and proper medication. It took us years and a couple of stumbles to get to that point...


There is nothing, absolutely nothing embarrassing about it, Jim. Nothing. Hang in there.

[jimnyc]

Hard pass.


I see everyday what it does to a person. My wife has multiple diagnosis'... Bi-Polar, anxiety, depression, PTSD, one or two more just for fun...

There were several years when she couldn't leave the house except to go to work. I did everything... grocery shopping, took the kids to there shit, took the kids out, cars, everything that had to be done outside of the house, and a lot of what needed to be done inside of the house, I did. I'm not complaining, not even a little bit. I am showing just how debilitating mental illness can be.

The key is a good doctor and proper medication. It took us years and a couple of stumbles to get to that point...


There is nothing, absolutely nothing embarrassing about it, Jim. Nothing. Hang in there.

I got the bipolar and anxiety and depression, but no ptsd stuff thankfully. I know a lot deal with it or deal with someone with it, but more so don't know anything.

I work my hardest to ensure I do those little things that you took responsibility of. I'm still the one taking care of the home and yard (I try) and I'm the one who does all the errands outside the home. So I am functioning, just not as I would fully prefer. I would prefer to be working and if I didn't stumble I would/should be in the 120k range now. Instead, nada!

I have been with my same Doc since about 2004. We have tried various medicine lineups in the first 6-10 years, but I think we are on to something stable now that I like. Been on the same meds for a long long time now and I'm cool with it. Take an antidepressant in the morn and some other crap, and then something to sleep at night. And xanax as needed. I DO NOT abuse that one, never. Most people do. He said I'm a rarity. Never once increased dosage and never once did my dog eat my meds! Supposed to take 5 a day but I really take 2, and as needed from there, which thankfully isn't often. But that antidepressant is a double edge sword. It helps, but if I forget just ONE day, by 5pm I'm feeling a little crazy, off the rails, speedy up and light headed. If I forget THEN, I likely will have horrid sleep and feel 20x worse the next day. You MUST go down slowly when going off, very slowly. If at all.

So I'm a slave to my medication and I absolutely can't stand that. :(

[SassyLady]

Jim, I can totally relate. Bipolar II, anxiety, PTSD, hyper vigilant, insomnia, major depressive disorder and a period of time with mild agorophobia.

Most of my life I woke up pissed off that I woke up. Not anymore.

Anti depressants don't work on me which I just recently discovered is probably due to TBI.

My Bipolar II allowed for long periods of time, years, of high functionality and then short periods of debilitating depression. As I grew older the high and low periods started swapping out and longer depressive episodes and shorter periods of functioning. Bipolar II is harder to diagnosed due to the longer periods of up and down.

In 2013 .. after divorce and death of baby sister from 10 year cancer battle I checked myself into a mental health facility. While there I tried a mood stabilizer, Lamotrogine, and was able to have a better outcome.

And then, last year, I started on Keto diet, 90 day detox protocol and peptide injections. Lost 40 lbs and got off the lamotrogine, blood pressure meds, ulcer medication, ambien (took every night for 20 years ... now, maybe once a month). I feel better than I have my whole life.

I still have down days ... but it is a day here and there ... not weeks, months, years.

I truly believe a lot of my ability to deal with depression has to do with what food I put in my body.

[jimnyc]

Jim, I can totally relate. Bipolar II, anxiety, PTSD, hyper vigilant, insomnia, major depressive disorder and a period of time with mild agorophobia.

Most of my life I woke up pissed off that I woke up. Not anymore.

Anti depressants don't work on me which I just recently discovered is probably due to TBI.

My Bipolar II allowed for long periods of time, years, of high functionality and then short periods of debilitating depression. As I grew older the high and low periods started swapping out and longer depressive episodes and shorter periods of functioning. Bipolar II is harder to diagnosed due to the longer periods of up and down.

In 2013 .. after divorce and death of baby sister from 10 year cancer battle I checked myself into a mental health facility. While there I tried a mood stabilizer, Lamotrogine, and was able to have a better outcome.

And then, last year, I started on Keto diet, 90 day detox protocol and peptide injections. Lost 40 lbs and got off the lamotrogine, blood pressure meds, ulcer medication, ambien (took every night for 20 years ... now, maybe once a month). I feel better than I have my whole life.

I still have down days ... but it is a day here and there ... not weeks, months, years.

I truly believe a lot of my ability to deal with depression has to do with what food I put in my body.

That's what I have, Bipolar II. And I too can go a month or 2 on such a "high" that I feel I can do so many things and sleep less and the 'mania' sets in a little for the better, as that stage in the high you can take advantage of it. Many famous people had it and did just that, and many in athletes, politics and lots of smarty pants folks.

But then the fun starts when the high starts going away and you start feeling sluggish. Then you start getting depressed - and have NO WAY to explain it, as you don't even know why you're depressed. It's not like I'm always sad or brought down by specific things, just life in general, and my body suffers as a result.

Then I want to sleep in more and go to bed earlier. I start hibernating and not wanting to go out and not wanting to see people, and not wanting to even call people as much, or answer the phone... Then folks like us will often ignore responsibilities like doctor appointments and taking care of ourselves. Not with the shrink though, as we need our meds! I let my hair grow at those times, may shower less and life just basically starts to suck. That's when folks here may see me disappear or not post for awhile, as I know I'm not myself.

Someone in my family is taking Lamotrogine right now!

I feel similar to you about putting things in my body. And part of me would love nothing more than to go back and not being on life controlling medications and being a slave to them. But, unfortunately for me, I have to admit that it's helped me. I make bad decisions. I spend not quite wisely and a tad out of control. I would often stay out with the guys drinking and what not after work. Was all wound up at work on coffee and a little wound up in general. Just all kinds of bad decisions in life. I'm sure you're aware of all the possible negative things that a bipolar person can do. Well, I did them all!! And I'm not cured, but the person I am now is much different. More in control. Not bouncing off the walls 24x7. A little better with all of my decisions, most of the time. I just hate to have to take things on a schedule. To have to visit a doc monthly and pay such money. And all of the "What If's" that come along with it. :(

I don't know about me and agorophobia. More and more and more now in my life I find being away from home to be SO uncomfortable, and just want to get back to the safety of home. I was also recently diagnosed with ADHD by my doc, but we aren't doing anything about it. :dunno:

I am TRULY glad to see that you dealt with it head on, beat it to an extent and are on all that healthy stuff and better!! I read so many stories of similar folks and success stories. Good for you!!

[SassyLady]

That's what I have, Bipolar II. And I too can go a month or 2 on such a "high" that I feel I can do so many things and sleep less and the 'mania' sets in a little for the better, as that stage in the high you can take advantage of it. Many famous people had it and did just that, and many in athletes, politics and lots of smarty pants folks.

But then the fun starts when the high starts going away and you start feeling sluggish. Then you start getting depressed - and have NO WAY to explain it, as you don't even know why you're depressed. It's not like I'm always sad or brought down by specific things, just life in general, and my body suffers as a result.

Then I want to sleep in more and go to bed earlier. I start hibernating and not wanting to go out and not wanting to see people, and not wanting to even call people as much, or answer the phone... Then folks like us will often ignore responsibilities like doctor appointments and taking care of ourselves. Not with the shrink though, as we need our meds! I let my hair grow at those times, may shower less and life just basically starts to suck. That's when folks here may see me disappear or not post for awhile, as I know I'm not myself.

Someone in my family is taking Lamotrogine right now!

I feel similar to you about putting things in my body. And part of me would love nothing more than to go back and not being on life controlling medications and being a slave to them. But, unfortunately for me, I have to admit that it's helped me. I make bad decisions. I spend not quite wisely and a tad out of control. I would often stay out with the guys drinking and what not after work. Was all wound up at work on coffee and a little wound up in general. Just all kinds of bad decisions in life. I'm sure you're aware of all the possible negative things that a bipolar person can do. Well, I did them all!! And I'm not cured, but the person I am now is much different. More in control. Not bouncing off the walls 24x7. A little better with all of my decisions, most of the time. I just hate to have to take things on a schedule. To have to visit a doc monthly and pay such money. And all of the "What If's" that come along with it. :(

I don't know about me and agorophobia. More and more and more now in my life I find being away from home to be SO uncomfortable, and just want to get back to the safety of home. I was also recently diagnosed with ADHD by my doc, but we aren't doing anything about it. :dunno:

I am TRULY glad to see that you dealt with it head on, beat it to an extent and are on all that healthy stuff and better!! I read so many stories of similar folks and success stories. Good for you!!

You don't have to go off meds ... just stop putting one thing (carbs) in your body and go for a month and then eliminate something else for another month. Now, you've eliminated 2 things. The next month add another thing. At the same time add something like MCT oil. Eventually you will feel better about not putting stuff in your body.

Start with something like sugar or grains ... give your body a chance to repair rather than fighting off the poisons. You will definitely go through some withdrawal but your body will eventually adapt.

[Kathianne]

Jim, I can totally relate. Bipolar II, anxiety, PTSD, hyper vigilant, insomnia, major depressive disorder and a period of time with mild agorophobia.

Most of my life I woke up pissed off that I woke up. Not anymore.

Anti depressants don't work on me which I just recently discovered is probably due to TBI.

My Bipolar II allowed for long periods of time, years, of high functionality and then short periods of debilitating depression. As I grew older the high and low periods started swapping out and longer depressive episodes and shorter periods of functioning. Bipolar II is harder to diagnosed due to the longer periods of up and down.

In 2013 .. after divorce and death of baby sister from 10 year cancer battle I checked myself into a mental health facility. While there I tried a mood stabilizer, Lamotrogine, and was able to have a better outcome.

And then, last year, I started on Keto diet, 90 day detox protocol and peptide injections. Lost 40 lbs and got off the lamotrogine, blood pressure meds, ulcer medication, ambien (took every night for 20 years ... now, maybe once a month). I feel better than I have my whole life.

I still have down days ... but it is a day here and there ... not weeks, months, years.

I truly believe a lot of my ability to deal with depression has to do with what food I put in my body.
I'm so proud of you, SL! You look so good and healthy!

[NT'sGirl]

I was on this page a little while ago and laughed at what I had in common with damn cartoons. I deal with depression and anxiety all the time, and it's ruined a good portion of my adult life, not being able to live out things fully the way I would like. And not many see it because I hide it. It's embarrassing for whatever reason.

@NT'sGirl (http://www.debatepolicy.com/member.php?u=2455) is one of the rare few that saw it in action. On my first trip to Alaska it was a long 14 hour flight. 5 hours to Dallas, 4 on the ground and then another 6 or so to Alaska? I was already on edge. Rick and Sharon picked me up and away we went. We made a few stops and stopped at a friend of theirs over there, Lee. Great guy! All cool as hell there that I met. But my anxiety was picking up and I couldn't gobble xanax in front of everyone. As we were leaving his house I felt it, and Sharon noticed and asked if I was ok. I was flush and all kinds of sweaty, my hair and my chest/neck area. I felt it and didn't know anyone noticed, but she did! It got better, and the trip was fantastic as you know, but the anxiety found it's way to interrupt me several times while there.

Anyway, to ME, these pictures make so much sense. I can relate to each and everyone of them in some way or manner. Folks that have never dealt with it don't understand. But when I talk to others, and they tell me things they deal with, I realize I'm not alone, just alone.



Sometimes it takes one to know one. ( most people assume I am normal until you get to know me )
I saw it in you because I know it in me, and several of my family members.
I am thankful every day that I have decided to not give a shit if you dont like me having a mental breakdown you can leave. I may be stuck in my own personal hell of a brain but you dont have to stay.

Also I found ways that work for me to keep the dragons at bay, without the drug therapy. People who are able to understand and support me are the keys to my life.

Trying to explain my version of anxiety and depression to anyone who has never had to deal with it on the daily is very frustrating for all parties involved in that convo..
because I dont look like I have a problem.... because I can still smile and laugh and "act normal".

As I have told several friends and family who feel they are alone... NOT ONE person on this earth is perfect or normal! Every person has had to deal with depression and anxiety at some point. Some of us just have a lifetime pass on that bus. It helps when you are no longer afraid of it. It helps to let others know when it gets too heavy. Some days are great and you dont have to pretend to be a normal person because you just are, other days you have to fake it until you find your way out.

Love ya man
I will always be there for you even on the darkest day.
I will gladly share the burden with you or anyone else trying to find a way out of the dark labyrinth, as others have done for me.

[High_Plains_Drifter]

Shit... I feel good to be me now...

Had a veteran friend pass away recently. He was younger than I am. Was over to his place and talked to him about the VA telling him he had cancer and... well... he didn't look or sound much different to me than he ever had. We had a little swig of Crown Royal whiskey that he liked, talked, I left... a few days later I got a call from a girl that I didn't know but evidently was in his life, got my number off his phone and they knew I was his friend, called me and said he'd passed away the night before... I was like... fuck... why is everyone I know dying?

I wish only the best for whoever, you Jim, Sassy, everyone. It's a real bummer the problems you have. Makes me feel thankful for the few problems I have.

[Gunny]

Hope you get to feeling better, Jim.

I never know what to say to these threads because I'm a sarcastic smartass at heart and will usually say the wrong thing :) Just keep on keepin' on, buddy :)

[jimnyc]

Sometimes it takes one to know one. ( most people assume I am normal until you get to know me )
I saw it in you because I know it in me, and several of my family members.
I am thankful every day that I have decided to not give a shit if you dont like me having a mental breakdown you can leave. I may be stuck in my own personal hell of a brain but you dont have to stay.

Also I found ways that work for me to keep the dragons at bay, without the drug therapy. People who are able to understand and support me are the keys to my life.

Trying to explain my version of anxiety and depression to anyone who has never had to deal with it on the daily is very frustrating for all parties involved in that convo..
because I dont look like I have a problem.... because I can still smile and laugh and "act normal".

As I have told several friends and family who feel they are alone... NOT ONE person on this earth is perfect or normal! Every person has had to deal with depression and anxiety at some point. Some of us just have a lifetime pass on that bus. It helps when you are no longer afraid of it. It helps to let others know when it gets too heavy. Some days are great and you dont have to pretend to be a normal person because you just are, other days you have to fake it until you find your way out.

Love ya man
I will always be there for you even on the darkest day.
I will gladly share the burden with you or anyone else trying to find a way out of the dark labyrinth, as others have done for me.

Thanks, Sharon! Or Thanks, woman! :)

I hate you dang strong women. Women are SO much stronger than men in handling illness and pain. My wife is the same. Sassy does great and now you. I need those crutches and would be deathly afraid to try anything else but.

I DO prefer the natural over Xanax as you know, I don't like that one. That's why my Doc is amazed I never went up in time due to usage, or lost them or whatever. Nah, I just know what they do and take them minimally. Plus they knock you senseless. I'd rather do things naturally if I can. But I don't mind the anti-depressant. And after YEARS of suffering at nights, I don't mind taking something that helps with those racing thoughts and inability to get REM sleep.

That's why I loved you guys so much, made me feel at home. No judgement. So much more comfy there than in the NY setting. I often get stuck in my brain and have nowhere to go. At least out there, I had you guys in a great setting, and then once we hit nature, and no one around, relaxation found me!

But yeah, I'm also one that DOES worry about what others think or say, and I think that may have lead to a bit of the agoraphobia type stuff and avoiding judgmental NY folks, and just stay home.

And yup, you were a happy go lucky type, and I saw NO signs of depression or anxiety in you. I don't know how much you would have saw in me if I didn't constantly make you guys aware. I sometimes worry about what others think, or what they may be seeing in me or whatever, so I talk about it and explain it, and sometimes too much. :) I honestly don't remember you telling my an awful lot. Maybe you didn't. Many deal with anxiety and depression and it's hard to tell unless we compare bags at medication time. I told you guys outright as I had to fill my planner for the week at your house. And I recall you bringing out the bag for you, or you and Rick. A lot of us are on meds. Quite often I feel like I'm the only one in the world dealing with this crap, and the only one taking medications to make things better.

[jimnyc]

Hope you get to feeling better, Jim.

I never know what to say to these threads because I'm a sarcastic smartass at heart and will usually say the wrong thing :) Just keep on keepin' on, buddy :)

Oh I'm good man, thanks! It won't "get better" as it's just a part of me. I don't think there's a cure and no magic way of never having any symptoms at all. The best you do is find the best doctor you can, find the best medication that works for YOU, and stick with it. And if that's what it takes for me to be "normal" most of the time? So be it.

Sharon and Rick will agree:

I AM a tattooed dirtbag.
I DO act normal and dress normal.
I curse and am just as bad as regular guys
I'm a typical male pig
I can have fun with the best of them

In other words, most wouldn't notice. I CAN even be the life of the party, at least used to be. And my kookiness and craziness used to be fun, as in having fun, not truly crazy.

But then as I got older, something happened one day and I was depressed for no reason. No biggie. But then one day I had an anxiety attack for the first time. I COULDN'T even TALK. All I could do was breathe hard, and every now and again spit one word out. The adrenaline was going crazy. It felt like I was on a 200mph rollercoaster in my heart and head. I thought I was going to have a heart attack. I had NO IDEA what was happening. My aunt sent my nephew over and he quickly took me to the hospital. Within 10 minutes of being there it started going away. By the time was in with the doctor, it was gone. He said that was normal, that I was in a safe setting and therefore felt safe. He explained it was likely anxiety set off by something. And that's where the fun started!!

[Gunny]

Thanks, Sharon! Or Thanks, woman! :)

I hate you dang strong women. Women are SO much stronger than men in handling illness and pain. My wife is the same. Sassy does great and now you. I need those crutches and would be deathly afraid to try anything else but.

I DO prefer the natural over Xanax as you know, I don't like that one. That's why my Doc is amazed I never went up in time due to usage, or lost them or whatever. Nah, I just know what they do and take them minimally. Plus they knock you senseless. I'd rather do things naturally if I can. But I don't mind the anti-depressant. And after YEARS of suffering at nights, I don't mind taking something that helps with those racing thoughts and inability to get REM sleep.

That's why I loved you guys so much, made me feel at home. No judgement. So much more comfy there than in the NY setting. I often get stuck in my brain and have nowhere to go. At least out there, I had you guys in a great setting, and then once we hit nature, and no one around, relaxation found me!

But yeah, I'm also one that DOES worry about what others think or say, and I think that may have lead to a bit of the agoraphobia type stuff and avoiding judgmental NY folks, and just stay home.

And yup, you were a happy go lucky type, and I saw NO signs of depression or anxiety in you. I don't know how much you would have saw in me if I didn't constantly make you guys aware. I sometimes worry about what others think, or what they may be seeing in me or whatever, so I talk about it and explain it, and sometimes too much. :) I honestly don't remember you telling my an awful lot. Maybe you didn't. Many deal with anxiety and depression and it's hard to tell unless we compare bags at medication time. I told you guys outright as I had to fill my planner for the week at your house. And I recall you bringing out the bag for you, or you and Rick. A lot of us are on meds. Quite often I feel like I'm the only one in the world dealing with this crap, and the only one taking medications to make things better.

She's funny. This cracked me up:


I am thankful every day that I have decided to not give a shit if you dont like me having a mental breakdown you can leave. I may be stuck in my own personal hell of a brain but you dont have to stay.

I feel EXACTLY the same way at times :)

[jimnyc]

She's funny. This cracked me up:



I feel EXACTLY the same way at times :)

Yup, as do I. But sometimes I fail at that and wonder what they feel or worry about it. But quite often I'm like "Don't like it? Adios!"

Sharon is absolutely hilarious! Rick is a smart bastard and pretty dang funny himself. Was such a blast chilling in a cabin and their home for over a week, twice no less! And they met me once, and actually invited me back. And then after twice, I'm invited now a 3rd time. So either them two are completely nuts, or they just don't mind that my head is strapped on to my shoulders - about as good as that reel of Rick's was attached to the pole he let me use to catch that king!! LOL If ya don't remember or know, when I hooked into my second fish there, and Rick is yelling the hell out of me to reel it in bring her ashore - the damn reel falls clear off the pole! So now I'm holding the reel up against the pole between 2 fingers and praying to the Gods to not only let me bring that sucker in, but to please let a bear not sneak up behind me and eat me while I had a salmon nearby!! A little unsettling when Rick brings guns, and has the "sniper" girl that was in the military stand point and protect us while we had fun. :lol:

[jimnyc]

"Bipolar affective disorder, manic, severe degree, without mention of psychotic behavior"

That's what is listed as my official diagnosis. At least what the Doc's handywoman wrote in the online place they have for records and communication. Have no idea why he has my manic crap list as severe? But glad I'm not a psycho either though!! LOL

I guess the manic is that pretty much anyone diagnosed with any bipolar automatically has it to an extent. It's a matter of what type of bioplar and how often all these events happen. My manic events or the "highs" come and go, and seems like the highs and lows last for almost an equal amount of time. But that even changes a little each time. Then add in me telling him I think about and dwell on thinking about things at night and being unable to fall asleep.

30 years ago this would simply have been described as "manic depression", as that's what it was long known as. Here's a bit about it for anyone giving a shit, takes 2 mins to read just what I copied, and you will officially know a little bit more about me. Exciting, ain't it? :) The bold I made because those things stood out about me. I could do this for days with my level of interest, but not many interested in bipolar/mania related things. -- and they say diagnosis between 15 to 24. Looking back, I see all the symptoms in me back then, and even much earlier. But I wasn't diagnosed until I was like 35 or so.

Also, I was never ever suicidal. Never needed near hospitalization. Never had hallucinations. Not that anything wrong with those folks, I guess just saying I am luckier than some still. Mine might be through family, as Mom was diagnosed with manic depression and was hospitalized way back in the early 80's.

-----------------------

Bipolar disorder was formerly called manic depression. It is a form of major affective disorder, or mood disorder, defined by manic or hypomanic episodes (changes from one's normal mood accompanied by high energy states). Bipolar disorder is a serious condition. Mania often involves sleeplessness, sometimes for days, along with hallucinations, psychosis, grandiose delusions, or paranoid rage. In addition, depressive episodes can be more devastating and harder to treat than in people who never have manias or hypomanias.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a complex disorder that likely stems from a combination of genetic and non-genetic factors. The mood episodes associated with it involve clinical depression or mania (extreme elation and high energy) with periods of normal mood and energy in between episodes. The severity of mood episodes can range from very mild to extreme, and they can happen gradually or suddenly within a timeframe of days to weeks. When discrete mood episodes happen four or more times per year, the process is called rapid cycling. Rapid cycling should not be confused with very frequent moment-to-moment changes in mood, which can sometimes occur in people with bipolar disorder or other conditions such as borderline personality disorder.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

Like with other mood disorders, the causes of bipolar disorder are not known. What is known is that bipolar disorder involves dysregulation of brain functioning and sometimes has a genetic component (it can run in families).

At What Age Is Bipolar Disorder Usually Diagnosed?

Bipolar disorder usually appears between ages 15 and 24 and persists through a lifetime. It's rare that newly diagnosed mania is seen in young children or in adults over age 65.

Severity of symptoms varies with individuals who have bipolar disorder. While some people have a few symptoms, others have many that impair their ability to work and live a normal life.

Marked by relapses and remissions, bipolar disorder has a high rate of recurrence if untreated. Patients with severe mania usually require hospitalization to keep them from risky behaviors. Those who are severely depressed also might need hospitalization to keep them from acting on suicidal thoughts or psychotic symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking).

About 90% of individuals with bipolar I disorder, which is the more serious form, have at least one psychiatric hospitalization. Two out of three will have two or more hospitalizations in their lifetime.

Like with other mood disorders, the causes of bipolar disorder are not known. What is known is that bipolar disorder involves dysregulation of brain functioning and sometimes has a genetic component (it can run in families).

Along with manic or depressive episodes, patients with bipolar disorder may have disturbances in thinking. They may also have distortions of perception and impairment in social functioning.

Rest - https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/bipolar-disorder-manic-depression#1

[Gunny]

Yup, as do I. But sometimes I fail at that and wonder what they feel or worry about it. But quite often I'm like "Don't like it? Adios!"

Sharon is absolutely hilarious! Rick is a smart bastard and pretty dang funny himself. Was such a blast chilling in a cabin and their home for over a week, twice no less! And they met me once, and actually invited me back. And then after twice, I'm invited now a 3rd time. So either them two are completely nuts, or they just don't mind that my head is strapped on to my shoulders - about as good as that reel of Rick's was attached to the pole he let me use to catch that king!! LOL If ya don't remember or know, when I hooked into my second fish there, and Rick is yelling the hell out of me to reel it in bring her ashore - the damn reel falls clear off the pole! So now I'm holding the reel up against the pole between 2 fingers and praying to the Gods to not only let me bring that sucker in, but to please let a bear not sneak up behind me and eat me while I had a salmon nearby!! A little unsettling when Rick brings guns, and has the "sniper" girl that was in the military stand point and protect us while we had fun. :lol:That's not how I was taught to fish. You're supposed to attach the reel to the pole ...:laugh:

I deal with my issues differently than most people and it is why I hesitate to offer potential solutions to people looking for one because it could be the wrong thing. You can bet money I've dissected it into :deadhorse: For one, I don't have as many different things going on as you, nor anywhere near as severe. The one time I actually tried medication it turned me into a raging frutiloop and I ended up in jail because I was on a Hulk rampage. No thanks. I'll just deal. I HATE jail :) Biggest concern is I remember almost none of it. I'd hate to wake up in jail for the rest of my life over it.

First time I had a panic attack I didn't know what it was and thought I was losing it and dying at the same time. So I did what any good jarhead would do and went for a 45 minute run in the Mojave Desert in July and tried to run it out. That didn't work :)

I had it so bad one time my throat swole almost shut and I'm down at sick call telling the Doc he needs to scope my throat and explained what was going on. He told me I was wound up so tight it was a wonder I didn't launch right off the ship. Once he explained it was anxiety and I was having a panic attack from Hell and convinced me he was correct and I thought it over, my throat was fine in 2 days. Since that time I talk myself out of it with logic. It's not real and only controls me if I allow it to. Like I said, that's me and my situation not telling anyone else what to do.

But I'm ALWAYS in my head that's why what NT's Girl said made me laugh. I would be locked up if people knew what-all was going on between my ears :laugh:

Something I always tell myself: Move forward and keep moving. I might get "shot" but if I stand still and make a sitting duck of myself I WILL get shot. Yeah, it's a military analogy but it works for me.

Sounds to me like everyone in your real world loves and supports you and counts on you for your contributions to the relationships.

[jimnyc]

That's not how I was taught to fish. You're supposed to attach the reel to the pole ...:laugh:

I deal with my issues differently than most people and it is why I hesitate to offer potential solutions to people looking for one because it could be the wrong thing. You can bet money I've dissected it into :deadhorse: For one, I don't have as many different things going on as you, nor anywhere near as severe. The one time I actually tried medication it turned me into a raging frutiloop and I ended up in jail because I was on a Hulk rampage. No thanks. I'll just deal. I HATE jail :) Biggest concern is I remember almost none of it. I'd hate to wake up in jail for the rest of my life over it.

First time I had a panic attack I didn't know what it was and thought I was losing it and dying at the same time. So I did what any good jarhead would do and went for a 45 minute run in the Mojave Desert in July and tried to run it out. That didn't work :)

I had it so bad one time my throat swole almost shut and I'm down at sick call telling the Doc he needs to scope my throat and explained what was going on. He told me I was wound up so tight it was a wonder I didn't launch right off the ship. Once he explained it was anxiety and I was having a panic attack from Hell and convinced me he was correct and I thought it over, my throat was fine in 2 days. Since that time I talk myself out of it with logic. It's not real and only controls me if I allow it to. Like I said, that's me and my situation not telling anyone else what to do.

But I'm ALWAYS in my head that's why what NT's Girl said made me laugh. I would be locked up if people knew what-all was going on between my ears :laugh:

Something I always tell myself: Move forward and keep moving. I might get "shot" but if I stand still and make a sitting duck of myself I WILL get shot. Yeah, it's a military analogy but it works for me.

Sounds to me like everyone in your real world loves and supports you and counts on you for your contributions to the relationships.

Well, I thought it was attached. Rick thought it was attached. And it was, until that little beast tried to steal the entire pole from me, and the reel just plopped off and into my fingers! And funnier than that was the great lure I caught it with. Sharon had used it some other time, got snagged and lost it. When I was fishing, kinda got snagged but then got it off, and her lure was on my line! So Rick tied that on there for me. What's the odds, of finding that lure, then using it to catch a king salmon and the reel then falls off? LOL

From stories you have told over time it appears your body and drugs don't work well together. That's how my brother in law is. Goes into tough guy mode and he likes to take his 6'4 frame and massive body and go a little crazy. Almost bled out once when he punched the garage and a hole and then through glass! He's ended up destroying a lot over time and mostly ended up only hurting himself. I know you don't do what he does, but he's an idiot.

[Gunny]

Well, I thought it was attached. Rick thought it was attached. And it was, until that little beast tried to steal the entire pole from me, and the reel just plopped off and into my fingers! And funnier than that was the great lure I caught it with. Sharon had used it some other time, got snagged and lost it. When I was fishing, kinda got snagged but then got it off, and her lure was on my line! So Rick tied that on there for me. What's the odds, of finding that lure, then using it to catch a king salmon and the reel then falls off? LOL

From stories you have told over time it appears your body and drugs don't work well together. That's how my brother in law is. Goes into tough guy mode and he likes to take his 6'4 frame and massive body and go a little crazy. Almost bled out once when he punched the garage and a hole and then through glass! He's ended up destroying a lot over time and mostly ended up only hurting himself. I know you don't do what he does, but he's an idiot.Remind me to not go fishing with you clowns :laugh2: Then again, entertainment value might be worth it :)


He's ended up destroying a lot over time and mostly ended up only hurting himself.I excel at this. I literally destroyed the inside of one of those old school, REAL wood garages, and burned the siding off :) While at it I bent a 1000 lb rated weight bench throwing it against the wall. I tried to use it the next time I worked out and I was like how the Hell did I manage to do THAT? :laugh:

And yeah, the only injuries were to me. Well, not counting property. Sucks having to repair replace all that crap.

I do NOT do well on drugs. Strongest thing I take is ibuprofen, and when I need it, sinus meds. Only certain brands though because some of thta crap turns me into instant asshole. And I mean completely unreasonable instant asshole. Even for BP which mine is fine when I don't drink, but I take a handful of vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements that works for that.

Took some xanax for a couple of days. I was the happiest guy on this planet and probably a few others. And I managed in one 8 hour day to run 40 feet of conduit. Was the most beautiful wall I've every piped :) By comparison, I can usually run 40 feet in about 5 minutes :laugh: I was just sitting there listening to music going :lalala: I decided I wasn't going to stay employed that way :)

[NT'sGirl]

Thanks, Sharon! Or Thanks, woman! :)

I hate you dang strong women. Women are SO much stronger than men in handling illness and pain. My wife is the same. Sassy does great and now you. I need those crutches and would be deathly afraid to try anything else but.

I DO prefer the natural over Xanax as you know, I don't like that one. That's why my Doc is amazed I never went up in time due to usage, or lost them or whatever. Nah, I just know what they do and take them minimally. Plus they knock you senseless. I'd rather do things naturally if I can. But I don't mind the anti-depressant. And after YEARS of suffering at nights, I don't mind taking something that helps with those racing thoughts and inability to get REM sleep.

That's why I loved you guys so much, made me feel at home. No judgement. So much more comfy there than in the NY setting. I often get stuck in my brain and have nowhere to go. At least out there, I had you guys in a great setting, and then once we hit nature, and no one around, relaxation found me!

But yeah, I'm also one that DOES worry about what others think or say, and I think that may have lead to a bit of the agoraphobia type stuff and avoiding judgmental NY folks, and just stay home.

And yup, you were a happy go lucky type, and I saw NO signs of depression or anxiety in you. I don't know how much you would have saw in me if I didn't constantly make you guys aware. I sometimes worry about what others think, or what they may be seeing in me or whatever, so I talk about it and explain it, and sometimes too much. :) I honestly don't remember you telling my an awful lot. Maybe you didn't. Many deal with anxiety and depression and it's hard to tell unless we compare bags at medication time. I told you guys outright as I had to fill my planner for the week at your house. And I recall you bringing out the bag for you, or you and Rick. A lot of us are on meds. Quite often I feel like I'm the only one in the world dealing with this crap, and the only one taking medications to make things better.

There is no comparison between mine and yours.
We both have to be strong in our own way.
The best decision I ever made was to leave New Jersey and East Coast. That 1 gigantic step was the only way for me to finding some degree of sanity.

I was probably about 10 the 1st time I talked my mom off a cliff. The first time I saw that I was not alone. I learned a great deal about how to handle depression at that point. I also grew up with a narcissistic, manic depressive/bipolar brother and I am his trigger... I learned a lot....
I had no idea that my normal was not anything close to anyone else's normal.

My self defense was to run... run more ... faster RUN! I have to keep going if I stop .... it'll take me 2 months to come out of it if I do at all.


You may have noticed that I rarely sit down and just chill.


If I don't keep my brain engaged at maximum all the time it does its own thing and that is scary.


Funny enough it was my mother who pointed that out to me, after my daughters dad passed away.


I had an 18 month old, was in the process of moving and had three different places of employment, I worked 18-20 hours a day just to get me through... so I could not hear the thoughts in my head. I was in a very dark place.


After about 2 years someone took pity on me and said I have to stop.
He taught me how to find my own way come down, how to breathe. How to recognize when I'm over the edge or coming very close to it.

I was always the best chameleon hiding it from everyone but mostly from myself... until I got to the place where I just said OK... This is me. Take it or leave it.
But it has always made me hyper aware and someone else struggling with the same demons that I have.
It has always made me hyper aware to show compassion because it.

I look at every single day as I win... Hasn't got the best of me yet.
I use that more than anything when I feel it creeping up on me when I think I may be in that trap..... I made it through yesterday I'll make it through today.
I learned I can suffer through this or I can make it fun. So I make it fun. No sane person should ever evaluate the thoughts in my head.


I wish there was an easy way to just fix it.


But I've learned to like the person I am. I've learned to appreciate who I am and what I'm capable of. Because I made it through yesterday and I'll make it through today.

Hugs Jim I am proud of you! And I will always love you just the way you are for the amazing funny tattooed goof you are. Even if you need a haircut.

[NT'sGirl]

Well, I thought it was attached. Rick thought it was attached. And it was, until that little beast tried to steal the entire pole from me, and the reel just plopped off and into my fingers! And funnier than that was the great lure I caught it with. Sharon had used it some other time, got snagged and lost it. When I was fishing, kinda got snagged but then got it off, and her lure was on my line! So Rick tied that on there for me. What's the odds, of finding that lure, then using it to catch a king salmon and the reel then falls off? LOL


Small correction

EVERYTHING about that fish was a miracle! First Rick lost that lure the week before in a snag. Second I caught that lure by the hook an brought it back the day before you got there. Third IT WAS A WHITE KING .... that some how made its way to Talkeetna. ...reels falling off is actually pretty normal at our house so.... Mad Skill to you for having the wear with all to manage tackling our faulty equipment.

[Kathianne]

Small correction

EVERYTHING about that fish was a miracle! First Rick lost that lure the week before in a snag. Second I caught that lure by the hook an brought it back the day before you got there. Third IT WAS A WHITE KING .... that some how made its way to Talkeetna. ...reels falling off is actually pretty normal at our house so.... Mad Skill to you for having the wear with all to manage tackling our faulty equipment.
Not too mention that it is all the makings for great story!

[jimnyc]

Small correction

EVERYTHING about that fish was a miracle! First Rick lost that lure the week before in a snag. Second I caught that lure by the hook an brought it back the day before you got there. Third IT WAS A WHITE KING .... that some how made its way to Talkeetna. ...reels falling off is actually pretty normal at our house so.... Mad Skill to you for having the wear with all to manage tackling our faulty equipment.

Hell, that salmon had more skill than I did! He found talkeetna - I just didn't want to lose another fish like I did 10mins prior and look foolish! So I made sure I held the pole, and the reel, and reeled him in & also dragged him onto shore instead of lifted!!

And I've peeked at that picture a million times since. I wish I had weighed him. Methinks Rick wanted me to feel much better in telling me it was 30-40lbs or so. He was big by my own standards, but the more pics I see of folks with actual weights and then see my pic - I'd guess more like 12-14lbs. And I'm MORE than thrilled that I caught that!! Rick could have told me about 8lbs and I would have secretly been overjoyed!! My largest catch prior to that was about a 5lb large mouth, my favorite catch until Talkeetna. I think I've caught much bigger sand sharks and such on boats, but I don't count them.

[jimnyc]

There is no comparison between mine and yours.
We both have to be strong in our own way.
The best decision I ever made was to leave New Jersey and East Coast. That 1 gigantic step was the only way for me to finding some degree of sanity.

I was probably about 10 the 1st time I talked my mom off a cliff. The first time I saw that I was not alone. I learned a great deal about how to handle depression at that point. I also grew up with a narcissistic, manic depressive/bipolar brother and I am his trigger... I learned a lot....
I had no idea that my normal was not anything close to anyone else's normal.

My self defense was to run... run more ... faster RUN! I have to keep going if I stop .... it'll take me 2 months to come out of it if I do at all.


You may have noticed that I rarely sit down and just chill.


If I don't keep my brain engaged at maximum all the time it does its own thing and that is scary.


Funny enough it was my mother who pointed that out to me, after my daughters dad passed away.


I had an 18 month old, was in the process of moving and had three different places of employment, I worked 18-20 hours a day just to get me through... so I could not hear the thoughts in my head. I was in a very dark place.


After about 2 years someone took pity on me and said I have to stop.
He taught me how to find my own way come down, how to breathe. How to recognize when I'm over the edge or coming very close to it.

I was always the best chameleon hiding it from everyone but mostly from myself... until I got to the place where I just said OK... This is me. Take it or leave it.
But it has always made me hyper aware and someone else struggling with the same demons that I have.
It has always made me hyper aware to show compassion because it.

I look at every single day as I win... Hasn't got the best of me yet.
I use that more than anything when I feel it creeping up on me when I think I may be in that trap..... I made it through yesterday I'll make it through today.
I learned I can suffer through this or I can make it fun. So I make it fun. No sane person should ever evaluate the thoughts in my head.


I wish there was an easy way to just fix it.


But I've learned to like the person I am. I've learned to appreciate who I am and what I'm capable of. Because I made it through yesterday and I'll make it through today.

Hugs Jim I am proud of you! And I will always love you just the way you are for the amazing funny tattooed goof you are. Even if you need a haircut.

So many things in common and things to think about here. Everyone is different but us with these ailments do share so many similar traits. I try to get by when traveling by trying to have fun and always being funny. Sometimes being too excited and restless and trying too hard to be funny, and it will come off as gibberish and goofyness and make me look stupid. But if all things are firing ok, I like to think I can hang my own in the intelligence and funny departments.

But yes, I did notice that you were the one of the bunch that had non-stop energy and wanting to move around the cabin, even if to do small things. But I also think you do a LOT LOT LOT in helping so many others, and I also noticed that many others are aware of this. Rick even said that "Sharon likes to run back and forth to the airport or showing folks around" and what not. Personally, I couldn't have asked for better guides in the world, that were actually friends! What a blast.

And moving away from NJ/NY, been talking about it for years. Just too many people when I leave my home. Go to a store and there are hundreds in there. Can't move on the roads. Constant noise around you. But I found true peace out there in the woods in Talkeetna with you guys. I don't think I could do so out there forever, but I could surely do what you guys do - enjoy beautiful Alaska with minimal folks to begin with, and the ability to disappear on a boat into the water where most can't get to and then relax in a warm cabin in the middle of absolutely nowhere.

But I just can't wait to move. But likely about another 10-12 years maybe. Yukkkkkkkkk.

[NT'sGirl]

Hell, that salmon had more skill than I did! He found talkeetna - I just didn't want to lose another fish like I did 10mins prior and look foolish! So I made sure I held the pole, and the reel, and reeled him in & also dragged him onto shore instead of lifted!!

And I've peeked at that picture a million times since. I wish I had weighed him. Methinks Rick wanted me to feel much better in telling me it was 30-40lbs or so. He was big by my own standards, but the more pics I see of folks with actual weights and then see my pic - I'd guess more like 12-14lbs. And I'm MORE than thrilled that I caught that!! Rick could have told me about 8lbs and I would have secretly been overjoyed!! My largest catch prior to that was about a 5lb large mouth, my favorite catch until Talkeetna. I think I've caught much bigger sand sharks and such on boats, but I don't count them.


Honestly I would have said 25 pounds it was a nice fish. Really need to get you back up so I can take you halibut fishing! My first butt was 125# also an occasion when the reel fell off... I swapped rod with my dad because my reel was broken took 2 steps and almost fell in the ocean. It hit like a Mac Truck! I was hanging on by a cleat as my dad screamed at me not to loose HIS new rod.... I yelled back that would be easier to do IF I were IN the boat! I will try not to loose you to the deep though I promise.

[jimnyc]

Honestly I would have said 25 pounds it was a nice fish. Really need to get you back up so I can take you halibut fishing! My first butt was 125# also an occasion when the reel fell off... I swapped rod with my dad because my reel was broken took 2 steps and almost fell in the ocean. It hit like a Mac Truck! I was hanging on by a cleat as my dad screamed at me not to loose HIS new rod.... I yelled back that would be easier to do IF I were IN the boat! I will try not to loose you to the deep though I promise.

My brother is the one pushing me to get back to Alaska and do the Halibut and take some pics. He too likes to eat them and he knows what a great trip it is catching them!! That would be a blast! I would want to catch some monsters though, no baby 30 pounders, I wanna hook into the 100lb suckers and have a lifetime experience before I croak!! A bucket list thingy of sorts for me!

I remember that story, I laughed my ass off picturing you being pulled into the blue yonder by some massive fishy eating your bait! And of course, while the fishy is about to pull you out to sea, you are saved by the men on the boat - trying to save their supplies and bait! LOL

I am striving for the upcoming summer. I'm afraid if I do the winter that the woman will fight me about the summer. But I really want to be there in the summer again!!

[jimnyc]

And in case anyone is wondering, and I know no one is, here is the magical lure that kept getting snagged and caught by Sharon, Rick and myself which lead to a white King salmon!

https://i.imgur.com/pAFbbCg.jpg

[Gunny]

There is no comparison between mine and yours.
We both have to be strong in our own way.
The best decision I ever made was to leave New Jersey and East Coast. That 1 gigantic step was the only way for me to finding some degree of sanity.

I was probably about 10 the 1st time I talked my mom off a cliff. The first time I saw that I was not alone. I learned a great deal about how to handle depression at that point. I also grew up with a narcissistic, manic depressive/bipolar brother and I am his trigger... I learned a lot....
I had no idea that my normal was not anything close to anyone else's normal.

My self defense was to run... run more ... faster RUN! I have to keep going if I stop .... it'll take me 2 months to come out of it if I do at all.


You may have noticed that I rarely sit down and just chill.


If I don't keep my brain engaged at maximum all the time it does its own thing and that is scary.


Funny enough it was my mother who pointed that out to me, after my daughters dad passed away.


I had an 18 month old, was in the process of moving and had three different places of employment, I worked 18-20 hours a day just to get me through... so I could not hear the thoughts in my head. I was in a very dark place.


After about 2 years someone took pity on me and said I have to stop.
He taught me how to find my own way come down, how to breathe. How to recognize when I'm over the edge or coming very close to it.

I was always the best chameleon hiding it from everyone but mostly from myself... until I got to the place where I just said OK... This is me. Take it or leave it.
But it has always made me hyper aware and someone else struggling with the same demons that I have.
It has always made me hyper aware to show compassion because it.

I look at every single day as I win... Hasn't got the best of me yet.
I use that more than anything when I feel it creeping up on me when I think I may be in that trap..... I made it through yesterday I'll make it through today.
I learned I can suffer through this or I can make it fun. So I make it fun. No sane person should ever evaluate the thoughts in my head.


I wish there was an easy way to just fix it.


But I've learned to like the person I am. I've learned to appreciate who I am and what I'm capable of. Because I made it through yesterday and I'll make it through today.

Hugs Jim I am proud of you! And I will always love you just the way you are for the amazing funny tattooed goof you are. Even if you need a haircut.


So many things in common and things to think about here. Everyone is different but us with these ailments do share so many similar traits. I try to get by when traveling by trying to have fun and always being funny. Sometimes being too excited and restless and trying too hard to be funny, and it will come off as gibberish and goofyness and make me look stupid. But if all things are firing ok, I like to think I can hang my own in the intelligence and funny departments.

But yes, I did notice that you were the one of the bunch that had non-stop energy and wanting to move around the cabin, even if to do small things. But I also think you do a LOT LOT LOT in helping so many others, and I also noticed that many others are aware of this. Rick even said that "Sharon likes to run back and forth to the airport or showing folks around" and what not. Personally, I couldn't have asked for better guides in the world, that were actually friends! What a blast.

And moving away from NJ/NY, been talking about it for years. Just too many people when I leave my home. Go to a store and there are hundreds in there. Can't move on the roads. Constant noise around you. But I found true peace out there in the woods in Talkeetna with you guys. I don't think I could do so out there forever, but I could surely do what you guys do - enjoy beautiful Alaska with minimal folks to begin with, and the ability to disappear on a boat into the water where most can't get to and then relax in a warm cabin in the middle of absolutely nowhere.

But I just can't wait to move. But likely about another 10-12 years maybe. Yukkkkkkkkk.Conversation is very interesting. Even the fish, even though I've never been fresh water fishing. Fished in a lot of different oceans/seas, but not so much as a pond or lake. I just liked fighting the fish. I always had to go with someone who would eat my catch because I don't like fish. It's mostly an excuse to drink beer with the boys in FL :)

Glad my daughter doesn't know y'all because her whole goal in life is to move to Alaska and she loves salmon. She hates the heat here. I told her one thing she would definitely do is remedy THAT issue :laugh:

[Gunny]

Here's something no one has mentioned: OCD. There's OCD then there's ME. So I start out to get a plain, white pair of basketball shoes. Good ones, 90s style. I now have 4 pair and am eyeballing another. Because I "need" them :laugh: Never mind the last basketball game I played in was the day I retired from the Marine Corps.

I have 18 pr of jeans, close to new because we hardly wear long pants here. But I needed them. And when I say "need", I'll almost go into a panic attack once I have decided I need them, until I get them. Then I need a spare in case something happens to the original. At least as many shirts.

And I never go anywhere :laugh2:

No wonder my first wife hates me :laugh: In the 80s it was guns and trucks. Can get pricey :)

[Abbey Marie]

I’m not super OCD, but put me at a table, and I will rearrange the things on the table until they seem to me to be in the perfect position. Glasses, salt and pepper, etc. And when we’re done eating, I struggle to not stack the dirty plates if I’m in a restaurant.

And I have a fruit bowl on my island which must have the pattern facing just the right way, I.e., the sunflower has to face the doorway. And the fruit inside must be arranged so that they look balanced and all types showing.

Reading all that, I sound weird.

:laugh2:

[Kathianne]

I’m not super OCD, but put me at a table, and I will rearrange the things on the table until they seem to me to be in the perfect position. Glasses, salt and pepper, etc. And when we’re done eating, I struggle to not stack the dirty plates if I’m in a restaurant.

And I have a fruit bowl on my island which must have the pattern facing just the right way, I.e., the sunflower has to face the doorway. And the fruit inside must be arranged so that they look balanced and all types showing.

Reading all that, I sound weird.

:laugh2:
Ummm, I can relate. You’ve been peaking at my kitchen.

[Gunny]

I’m not super OCD, but put me at a table, and I will rearrange the things on the table until they seem to me to be in the perfect position. Glasses, salt and pepper, etc. And when we’re done eating, I struggle to not stack the dirty plates if I’m in a restaurant.

And I have a fruit bowl on my island which must have the pattern facing just the right way, I.e., the sunflower has to face the doorway. And the fruit inside must be arranged so that they look balanced and all types showing.

Reading all that, I sound weird.

:laugh2:What should worry you is I see NOTHING wrong with that. Doesn't everybody do it?

When I was living at this "live there" motel, the maid would come once a week to do the major cleaning stuff. I would clean the room before she got there . And I DO stack the dishes at restaurants :laugh2:

[Abbey Marie]

What should worry you is I see NOTHING wrong with that. Doesn't everybody do it?

When I was living at this "live there" motel, the maid would come once a week to do the major cleaning stuff. I would clean the room before she got there . And I DO stack the dishes at restaurants :laugh2:

My family cracks up at me, lol.

[Gunny]

My family cracks up at me, lol.My daughter teases me about it. I annoy everyone else. The kitchen, and upstairs and downstairs living rooms are arranged the way I want them. It's that or don't ask me to babysit. And it could be pitch black in my room and I can find anything I want in a minute.

Just making my bed every day has them rolling their eyes at me.

[Gunny]

Time. So in its infinite wisdom, the Marine Corps gave me a class on time management once. I have been insane since :laugh: It's one reason civilians drive me nuts. Just screwing around doing nothing. The essence is if you take all the time you are doing nothing and add something constructive you can accomplish during it you'll be faster and more efficient. It is NOT however something you tell someone who is OC.

For instance when cooking ... I'm cleaning the whole time. The dishes are usually done when dinner is and if they're not, I'll stop eating and finish them. Then I can eat :laugh: Not my daughter. When she cooks it's 100 dishes and they're piled in the sink to do "later". I sometimes wonder what it si I ever taught her :)

[SassyLady]

I'm definitely NOT OCD!

I'm organized, but not obsessively.

I'm efficient which means idon't have to always be doing something to get things accomplished. I love my down time .. to just chill ... read, watch animals out back, play games. Which is why I get things done efficiently so I have time to veg and chill.

And, I never feel compelled to get up and find something to do when other people decide to get up and do something. My roommate drives me nuts. Her will be sitting down reaching or TV and if I decide to do something in kitchen or outside he feels compelled to get up and do something. Says he feels guilty if I'm doing something and he's just sitting there. Doesn't bother me if he decides to sit.

[Gunny]

I'm definitely NOT OCD!

I'm organized, but not obsessively.

I'm efficient which means idon't have to always be doing something to get things accomplished. I love my down time .. to just chill ... read, watch animals out back, play games. Which is why I get things done efficiently so I have time to veg and chill.

And, I never feel compelled to get up and find something to do when other people decide to get up and do something. My roommate drives me nuts. Her will be sitting down reaching or TV and if I decide to do something in kitchen or outside he feels compelled to get up and do something. Says he feels guilty if I'm doing something and he's just sitting there. Doesn't bother me if he decides to sit.The intent is to do what you do. Bust through all the crap I have to do as fast and efficiently as possible so I can do whatever later.

First monkeywrench in the works is the grandson and his non-schedule. If I can get up at 4:45 and roll straight through before he wakes up, that's a good day. If he's up when my daughter and kids leave then it's "as it comes" and takes infinitely longer.

Second is I never run out of stuff to do and I WILL go find something if all the usual stuff is done. This kind of goes into what NT's Girl says above.

I can't sit still. That's a non-happening event. I don't remember the last time I've watched an entire TV show, much less a movie. Taking me to a theater is a bust from the word go. If they'd let me vacuum the floor I'd probably be okay :laugh:

Even when I'm posting on the board. I can get maybe 1,2 or 3 posts in and I'm out of this chair and fiddling with something and I'll come back. There is no down time.

For me, that is the price of sobriety. The ONLY way I know how to shut myself down is to tie one on. And I do that by the aforementioned rules. OCD and booze do NOT go together. Still booze in the bottle? Unacceptable. That's got to be drank. Ran out? There's more at the store. The problem with me and booze was symptomatic to the OCD. When your brain won't shut down you either shit it down or you WILL flame out. It's a match made in Hell.

I can deal with the OCD on its own; whereas, add booze to the equation and I am able to deal with neither.

[High_Plains_Drifter]

Here's something no one has mentioned: OCD. There's OCD then there's ME. So I start out to get a plain, white pair of basketball shoes. Good ones, 90s style. I now have 4 pair and am eyeballing another. Because I "need" them :laugh: Never mind the last basketball game I played in was the day I retired from the Marine Corps.

I have 18 pr of jeans, close to new because we hardly wear long pants here. But I needed them. And when I say "need", I'll almost go into a panic attack once I have decided I need them, until I get them. Then I need a spare in case something happens to the original. At least as many shirts.

And I never go anywhere :laugh2:

No wonder my first wife hates me :laugh: In the 80s it was guns and trucks. Can get pricey :)
For me it's still guns and trucks... :laugh:

I traded in that new 2018 Chevy High Country truck already. Was back in the shop for the second time with transmission problems and I wasn't going to have any of it, not with only 2,900 miles on it. So I got a new 2019 LTZ with the Max Trailering Package, rare truck, was special ordered and then the person decided they wanted a 3/4 ton, but the Max Trailering Package comes with a heavier duty rear end with larger ring and pinion gear, and lower gears, bigger rear springs, bigger radiator, bigger alternator, bunch of stuff. I love it, but for sure, they ding you every time you trade in, even with GM kicking in almost $4K because of the transmission problems with the other truck, I still took a good hit. This new truck BETTER be trouble free. I has the new 10 speed transmission too, which is supposed to be a much better transmission than the 8 speed.
I bought another rifle. Found exactly what I wanted at the last gun show, a Remington 700, bolt action, black composite stock, brushed steel with a muzzle brake in 300 Winchester Mag. I did sell a gun at the show though so I only spent a couple hundred extra.

[High_Plains_Drifter]

I'm definitely NOT OCD!

I'm organized, but not obsessively.

I'm efficient which means idon't have to always be doing something to get things accomplished. I love my down time .. to just chill ... read, watch animals out back, play games. Which is why I get things done efficiently so I have time to veg and chill.

And, I never feel compelled to get up and find something to do when other people decide to get up and do something. My roommate drives me nuts. Her will be sitting down reaching or TV and if I decide to do something in kitchen or outside he feels compelled to get up and do something. Says he feels guilty if I'm doing something and he's just sitting there. Doesn't bother me if he decides to sit.
I definitely like my down time too. Not to say that I don't stay busy because I do, but I make sure to get sit down and do nothing time too, just usually later in the day.

[NT'sGirl]

Conversation is very interesting. Even the fish, even though I've never been fresh water fishing. Fished in a lot of different oceans/seas, but not so much as a pond or lake. I just liked fighting the fish. I always had to go with someone who would eat my catch because I don't like fish. It's mostly an excuse to drink beer with the boys in FL :)

Glad my daughter doesn't know y'all because her whole goal in life is to move to Alaska and she loves salmon. She hates the heat here. I told her one thing she would definitely do is remedy THAT issue :laugh:


we have room and a car for ya just show up!

[Gunny]

If you think getting Jim out of the house is hard ... :laugh:

[Gunny]

Abbey Good thing Jimbob created this thread :rolleyes: :laugh:

So I have been paying attention more to my "habits" since reading this thread. I happen to look at my laundry basket :(

My DIRTY laundry is separated -- darks, brights and whites -- into 3 stacks of folded, dirty laundry. It would drive me absolutely nuts every time I sate down at my desk where I can catch the laundry basket with my peripheral vision and just know it was messy :laugh:

Thanks for the thread jimnyc. I used to think I was somewhat normal :)

[CSM]

Abbey Good thing Jimbob created this thread :rolleyes: :laugh:

So I have been paying attention more to my "habits" since reading this thread. I happen to look at my laundry basket :(

My DIRTY laundry is separated -- darks, brights and whites -- into 3 stacks of folded, dirty laundry. It would drive me absolutely nuts every time I sate down at my desk where I can catch the laundry basket with my peripheral vision and just know it was messy :laugh:

Thanks for the thread jimnyc. I used to think I was somewhat normal :)

No Gunny is normal....ever!

[Gunny]

No Gunny is normal....ever!I'll take my compliments where I can get them, Sergeant Major :)