I'm having a manic episode and I can't stand it

[nadine_mn]

14. How are you feeling today?

I hate that helpless feeling when you *know* what's wrong but can't stop it...that helpless feeling of your emotions taking over.

Have you tried aromatherapy at all...it sounds kinda hokey like a bandaid to a gaping wound. But a couple of years ago I was in intensive group therapy for 3 weeks (8-3pm). We all had varying degrees of mental health issues...some were straight from the 72 hr crisis hold, some like me were about one episode away from the crisis ward. Anyway, I remember walking in and seeing people with what looked like little plastic shot glasses with cotton balls and they were sniffing deeply into them. All ages, gender, etc...something about seeing a big burly guy and a teenage girl sitting next to each other...each huffing cotton balls... aromatherapy. Had to try it and it helped a lot. Days when I needed calming, days when I needed a pick me up, days when I was feeling nauseous- different combos of scents each helped.

Sometimes focusing on sensory stuff....cold water on the wrists, light therapy, music, scents...can help redirect some of the overwhelming stuff.

Also fuck that noise that 2 pharmacies couldn't fill your Rx