Yep. That is what racing thoughts are like. A bunch of people jumping up and down cheering on somebody. Imagine panning around the convention and seeing each person whiz by. With racing thoughts, you do not need to pan around inside your head. The thoughts just show up and start jumping out at you rapidly. Your head feels heavy and fatigued. Forget about focusing on one thing for any length of time, like the beautiful Michelle Barack.
When I was studying for my Masters, it was the worst time for me academically because of the persistent racing thoughts. It may have been stress-induced, too. I started recording classes for the first time. If I had gone up on any more medication, I would have had to drop out and sleep. I prayed alllll the time.
How did I finish? By God's mercy and grace! I did not choose to tell my instructors about my diagnosis because I was too ashamed still back then (See blog on Name Game Shame). My study group kicked me out and I was on my own, but the solitude paid off. Forget about statistics class. I just could not handle that with numbers, charts, and formulas, etc. So when people experience racing thoughts, this is an idea of what is happening to them. If it is happening to you, you need to see a mental/healthcare provider right away.
It is up to you if you want to inform your school advisor or appropriate faculty member about a diagnosis of Bipolar, but it is wise to at least speak with someone in the Person's With A Disability office. You have certain rights and protections and every school should have this type of service.
You know, the main thing is to take all medications as prescribed and if it is better to take just one class, do not pack your semester with difficult courses. I should have taken that statistic's course all by itself, maybe. Just do not wait until it is too late to do something about a class that you are genuinely having difficulty with due to Bipolar symptoms. Now that I manage the brain disorder with medicine and therapy, I rarely have those symptoms and when I do, I contact my doctor right awy. Keeping too many things on a "to-do" list can cause stress just like too many classes. Some days I have to just focus on one thing.
Ok, I think Michelle did an excellent job! I think that her speech was very meaningful.
Today, I wish that Michelle's message hits home. So, did YOU get the message?
Agnes ~ Too Wise Not To Praise Him!
Author of "Cooling Well Water: A Collection of Work By An African-American Bipolar Woman" ISBN 0975461206 Winter Release Pending
Posted By: agnes levine
Tuesday, August 26th 2008 at 12:58PM
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