Bi polar anxiety

One of my biggest issues is the anxiety. It's crushing me. Does anyone have meds other then benzos that help this. Also is the anxiety separate condition wise or is it h ypomania potentially that is agitated. One pdoc said it's h ypomania driven but I don't get other symptoms of h ypomania during the anxiety. Just horrible depression and anxiety cycling 10 times a day at various intensities. Please all send good vibes. I'm trying to hang in but my spirit is getting exhausted.

I'm sorry about the anxiety. I have it too, so I understand. I just talked to my counselor about this last week- is the anxiety just from the bipolar? All she said was that I'm not diagnosed as having GAD. So I don't know if it's just bipolar related. I will have a talk with my NP about this, maybe she can shed some light. Like you, I don't get it just when manic. I have it when I'm depressed, too. And also when stable. I get it before bed, before entering social situations, or when I'm too far away from my house. And also when going over bridges in a car. Anxiety is the reason why I can't drive. It also greatly effects my work, which is partly why I'm applying for disability. For me, it's crippling.

I take Klonopin for it. But when I was in the hospital last month, the psychiatrist I saw there prescribed me Laxapro and said it would also help with anxiety. But my NP won't allow me to take an antidepressant, because I might get manic, like I did while on Prozac. I'm pretty sure antidepressants also work as anti-anxiety meds. Maybe you should have a talk with your doctor about this more. I don't know what meds you're on, or if you are like me and can't take antidepressants.

I'm sorry you are going through this, and I hope you get some answers and some relief. Hugs if wanted.

Exactly. I get it all the time too. Been using adavan and trying to meditate to help it. I'm on lithium 1200mg per day right now. I hate antipsychotics so I refuse to take those. I tried lexapro and it made the anxiety so bad I ended up attempting suicide and then into the hospital for 40 days where they managed to figure out very little as for my meds. Then one pdoc said the lexapro made what he called manic panic and not to touch antidepressents ever. So then I move cross country to live with my parents and my pdoc here says I should take the antidepressents pristque because as you said it has anti anxiety properties. Yet that's what cranked up my anxiety the first time so I'm sitting here with these pills terrified to try them. These docs.... who knows right. Anyway thanks for the input and the hugs. Always much appreciated. G

I started taking anxiety pills earlier this year, I feel like a different person. I don't become overwhelmed anymore like I used to. Also it fixed intrusive thoughts, I'm feeling really well and stable because of it. I can stay focused for long periods of time, things that made me crazy has vanished. I feel peaceful and wish I hadn't been so stubborn, I should have been taken meds for years. It also keeps me calm and this helps with my BPD. I still have many episodes of both mood swings and manic behavior however since I don't have near as much anxiety it is under control somewhat lol.

Thanks a lot for this input. I find that it does all you say and does help the intrusive thoughts. I've been using adavan aka lorazapan... are you taking a benzo.... because these help me too but pdoc is trying to get me to stop as he doesn't like me on a benzo... but I'm not taking much and feel they help a lot

Some blood pressure meds reduce anxiety.
If I have anxiety, I may be on a too low dose of my other meds.
I may be drinking too much coffee or not getting enough exercise.
Eat healthy - mostly vegetables.
Melatonin works for some people to fall asleep quickly and deeply.
Sleepy time teas are pretty relaxing.
Bath, yoga, meditation before bed.
I don't think benzos are as bad as some people make them out to be however.
Drinking alcohol is similar to a benzo, but my doctor says it is better to take a benzo than drink. I still find a beer or two very relaxing and enjoy it. Particularly hoppy beers like an IPA are calming.

Thanks for this z7z