Cyclothymia Support Group

I've read in a few discussions that people with cyclothymia make adjustments when they recognize an episode coming on or are in an early stage. What adjustments do you make?

I am not necessarily referring to adjustments in medication because I think my lamyctdal and buproherin combo is working.

I know I should avoid triggers but my husband and I are heading toward a divorce and the relationship itself is a trigger. (He says he has lost himself because of our marriage and only wants to do what he wants to do when he wants to do it. He does do whatever is needed for the kids. Basically, I am convinced he cannot love me. He likens it to chemical reactions. There is no blame in the individual chemicals themselves when they become volatile when combined.)

With two kids, I can't just avoid the house and him. I have taken numerous little getaways to visit family (they live 10 hours away.) I try breathing, walking, painting, CBT, walking, working, walking, etc. I call this my bag of tricks. I am wondering what I can do when my arsenal of tricks isn't working.

Hi Annrk, you have mentioned CBT, have you looked at DBT, it does teach you a lot of great ways to look at situations and for me that is the key to handling my different mood swings.

Your bag of tricks sounds quite good and extensive. Add movies, music, gardening, cleaning and organizing the house and support from friends.

What is DBT?

It's another form of behavioural therapy - I can't remember what the D stands for! From what I understand CBT is more concerned with "fixing" flawed perceptions/thought processes, whereas DBT is more about learning new behaviours/skills to manage situations.

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, is a lot more than CBT, it is very intense, it includes CBT. It is used a lot for BPD, but is now being seen to be of great help to others, my case manager ran a program with teens in need and had great succeeder, she thinks that everyone should do DBT.

I also thought you were asking for help with new skills to manage situations....

On the Borderline Personality Disorder Forum is a section on DBT....

Sorry I also thought it is great to have all these things to distract, walking, painting, visiting, but at the end of the day the situation is still there..

DBT teaches you how to deal with the situation...

Post edited by: Light68, at: 06/20/2012 03:10 PM

thanks, I will look into this.