Habits

Having just recently been diagnosed as bipolar II and going through some periods in which I've spent money with abandon, experimented with drugs and participated in other unsafe activities, I'm wondering if this sort of behavior is something I can expect to see for some time to come. In essence I guess I'd like to know how effective medication and therapy can be at managing some of these behaviors. Of course everyone is different, but I'd like to hear some of your experiences.

It's possible you'll engage in those activities again if you don't respond well to treatment.

If you haven't done so already, get your loved ones involved in your treatment. Have some safeguards in place so you don't spend too much money or engage in risky behaviour. During my first couple of years dealing with it my family and friends were a huge help with making me aware that things were getting out of hand. My mental health counsellor at the time helped us come up with an action plan that would be put into place whenever I became unstable.

Recognising your early warning signs can be helpful for when you are going high and low as it will mean you know when you are getting unwell and can hopefully get help before things get out of hand. I find this is the best way to nip things in the bud.

Cracked

Mogwai,
Hi there! Well, behavior that we exhibit when unwell doesn't necessarily just "go away" with meds. For me, the meds straighten out my brain chemicals and control the wild mood swings to the point that I can think clearly and rationally and make choices that allow me not to engage in those unwell behaviors. Saying how long behaviors stick around or that one can expect them to continue isn't how I think of them. I tend to believe that all those unwell behaviors are symptoms/signs/warnings that I'm again becoming unwell. At the first sign that I'm doing things that I used to do when unwell, I know I need to tell my pdoc and/or therapist because, obviously, something is amuck in me ol' brain again and I need some help. Also, I believe firmly that my wellness (and maintenance of proper non-hypo behavior) is 50% meds (to correct the brain chemicals) and 50% my own efforts. Being well isn't just going to befall my life; I must work at it. I first must be diligent to take my meds to maintain a good chemical balance in my brain and I then must work through my issues (as they won't resolve themselves unless I try) and I must try, as best I can, to make good choices. That's kinda how I approach the whole behavior thing for myself.

Hope that helps!

Hugs,
Kosh