I was gone for a week for a Canadian vacation. I thought I was going to have major issues, but so far not. I did what I could to avoid having problems. I was started to get elevated last night but went to bed on time and I'm OK so far today.
It took 4 days for my mind to relax. I had repetitive thoughts, mostly from media - songs, commercials. Then my "narration" thoughts that I would normally type in as a Facebook status update. I brought along a CBT for bipolar book and did some journaling. I practiced meditating every day.
The high point for me was kayaking alone at sunset. 300 degrees of vision have no sign of people. The lake was calm, a little gentle rocking. The sky was gorgeous. And it might have been the first time I've been mentally calm. I was meditating without effort.
I was irritable a couple days, my fiance asked me if I was taking meds. Most of it was because of my parents. I think I will ditch the big family vacation on the island property my grandma has owned for 53 years. Too much family politics, we can't go unless my parents are there, and there are big issues about my parents try to be my son's parents, and general bad things. Mostly that my parents won't shut up and back off. He's MY kid and it's MY job to set rules/boundaries, and they have no place to go behind my back or directly challenge me! They screwed up their 4 kids, they are not allowed to screw up mine!!
I think the vacation was a good chance to adjust to the lower medication. It has been holding in low-stress situation. Meaning the moods. I did have to take klonopin for anxiety. Do you think anxiety excerbates mood swings?
Now we'll see if the low dose meds hold up to real wolrd stress. I'm getting ready for a big artist event and I intend to win. (arrogant, huh?) LOL It is on Aug 6. I might be gone - or here in avoidance - in the next few days.