HANDLING A HIGH

 

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR OWN PATTERN

 

Not Sleeping?

Talking Too Much?

Spending Too Much Money?

Just what is your first sign that you are heading for a high?

What is the length of time it takes you to go to the point of no return and into hospital? Some people only have a few days and they, therefore, need to recognise their initial symptoms quickly.

 

Other Examples:

 Racing Thoughts  

Smoking Too Much

Drinking Too Much Alcohol

Inappropriate Behaviour
 Feelings of Pure Bliss

Irritable Behaviour

 No Time to Eat

 

POSITIVE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO HELP YOURSELF

Keep a diary and log your illness so that you can retrace your own pattern and also keep a graph chart.

Medication. Take it seriously. Some people do not. Consult with your psychiatrist and ask him/her if you can self-medicate. This can prove vital and possibly keep you out of hospital.

 

PREPARE FOR THE NEXT HIGH

If you have money - even a small amount saved - see a solicitor and have him draw up a Power of Attorney for you so that your spouse/partner or a trusted friend can stop any more spending sprees before they get out of hand.

ASK YOUR G.P. - to draw an emergency route to get in touch with him/her quickly, thus avoiding delays waiting for an appointment. "ALERT" - Manic episode starting.

TALK TO YOUR FAMILY - before the next manic attack arrives. This illness affects their lives too and anything you can do to help one another is worth exploring.

ANYTHING TO AVOID SECTIONING IS WORTH EXPLORING TOO.

CARERS - do not argue with a person in mania - they are always right - they have all the answers and they have accelerated brain power - you will not win! Conserve your stamina. Don't hesitate moving into the spare bedroom. Do not give in to them - you are just giving into destruction which affects all the family. When their Manic Depression is normal, plan with them what course of action they would appreciate the next time a manic episode occurs. It could be a trip to the G.P., direct contact with the psychiatrist, giving up the cheque book, bank cards and credit carts; you may have to visit the G.P. yourself and if so take another member of the family or a friend to corroborate your story. People in mania are both clever and devious and can act as though there is nothing wrong.

 

SUGGESTIONS TO HELP YOURSELF AND THE FAMILY

Medical help - pre-arrange with your G.P. and/or psychiatrist if you are still in touch, to devise a system to cut the corners to get into hospital as soon as possible. It is in their interests as well as yours as hospitalisation in the early stages may lead to a shorter stay. Other avenues to explore are 'phoning your psychiatrist's secretary, 'phone your Community Psychiatric Nurse (C.P.N.) if you have one, the Community Mental Health Team, the Duty Doctor and Casualty if you have to. Collate all this information with the relevant telephone numbers and give a copy to someone in your family or a trusted friend.

Join your local Manic Depression self-help group. This will give you the opportunity to meet fellow sufferers and carers, share experiences and learn from them.

In the Aberdeen Group we hold monthly meetings. Our other activities include going for a walk in our beautiful countryside (followed by a bar supper), youth hostelling, fund raising at Royal Cornhill Hospital Fete (a fun day for all of us) and enjoying our Christmas Party.

If you live on your own, some of our single members suggested you contact a C.P.N., Social Worker, and V.S.A. Befriending Scheme for practical help if you need it in times of illness.

 

REMEMBER TO PLAN IN ADVANCE AND AVERT DISASTER.

 

This information was collected from the Members of
Aberdeen Queen's Cross
Manic Depression Fellowship
January, 1995

 

Last revised: February 29, 2000