r/bipolar•
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does anyone have any REALISTIC coping strategies?

Coping Strategies

!!long post but i need advice!!

background: i am 17, and have been diagnosed with bipolar 1 since a psychotic break that resulted in a hospitalization. i just recently (1.5 mo) started a new medication for my bipolar that is stacked w two mood stabilizers. the sude affect of the med (atypical antidepressant) is severe agitation. i have always been very quick to anger, but never knew just how bad it would get with this medication. i want to be a better friend and better partner and need help learning how to be.

okay, so, as of recently, i literally CANNOT for the life of me hold a conversation without this intense feeling of almost rage build inside me, no matter what the subject may be. it starts as a hot pressure in the base of my spine and then my entire body will rapidly flood, i get tunnel vision, and then i react very strongly to whatever is happening, normally by yelling, slamming things, throwing myself around, kicking/shoving items and absolutely wailing/sobbing. i am extremely worried for my relationships. i currently have one very very close friend, my boyfriend, and around 15 goodish friends. all of them know about my history, diagnosis, and medication struggles as i am very open and value clear conversation. they all have been so understanding with me and i care for all of them.

i just don't know how to keep myself from reacting so intensely, and would really appreciate some REAL coping strategies. i have gone to therapy for 6 years for my other diagnosis, and recently started with a secondary supporting therapist under the same facility that specializes with bipolar, explosive disorders ect and all i get are "splash water on your face", "take a walk" or "take a cold shower". these are all great coping strategies for when im at home, but i get triggered MUCH faster in academic settings, public, at my job and even just walking outside.

(also i am very open to trying a new med, ive been through 2 ssri's, 2 snri's, 3 atypical's, 1 antipsychotic)

Posted Aug 28, 2026, 7:36 AM UTC

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