Hello all! I am new to the commmunity and have joined today. Sometimes I get very frustrated when I get really stressed, and I need to find a way to stay calm without displaying my frustration on the outside, especially at work. ( I do take Clonazepam as needed by the way). Does anyone have any tips? 
At work in particular I try and think of something funny and have a laugh on the inside - decreases my frustration and keeps me from acting on it. I prefer to think of a character in "Little Britian" who goes ee, ee, ee all the time but can then answer "her" mobile normally. If you've seen it you'll know who I mean, but there must be some comedy character you can bring to mind or a funny situation - it's only a diversion, not a life long behavioural change, but it does help me.
The other thing I do is just get out of the offie for 5 mins and go for a walk, and if things ar really bad i'll go sit on the loo for 5 monites and just concentrate on my breathing.
Cheers
N
You are very welcome. The other thing is not to let other's stress get you stressed. I don't know what area you work in, but I try and remember, as much as possible, that if something is stressing me in the workplace that it's not life or death - it's just work. I spend 38 hours a week thre so I really need to maintain my sense of humour, when all around me are losing theirs! People at work get stressed out about so many little things sometimes it's incredible - I just remind myself that if i'm going to get stressed, let it be about something that actually deserves my stress!! Work, on balance, does not :) There will always be stressful times when workloads are heavy and tempers flare, but if you can concentrate on the task at hand and just get it done to the best of your abilities, then you have done all you can do.
have a good day at work!
N
Welcome to our bipolar - new members add new ideas and we are glad to have you join us.
Most of my stress comes from negative thinking, about how others perceive me or simply how I view myself and situations happening in my life. When I can keep a positive outlook, even the toughest and most formidable situations are easily resolved and have a desirable outcome. Negativity breeds stress and frustration. Not always so easy to stay on the positive, but definitely worth striving for. It makes a difference for me.
Distractions are helpful and important when stress is present in our lives. We all have it and we all can learn tricks of the trade, so to speak, to help us cope and avoid stress. You have been given some valuable pointers by others that have posted to your comment. I use many of them myself. DBT training can be an invaluable resource - hope you find some good info online. Perhaps you might see if your community offers such training.
When I eat healthy my brain stays healthier. It's pretty simple, but it works for me. Lots of protein (not necessarily lots of meat), fruits and vegetables are key. I try to avoid sugar and limit caffeine somewhat. And I watch the carbs. Now, if I would practice what I suggest on a regular basis, I know I would stay brain healthy most of the time. Easier said than done.
Deep breathing helps with stress - I also use it before bedtime when I have trouble sleeping. It tends to put me in a sleep mode. If I do not get a good night's sleep, it increases my stress factor for the whole following day. So be sure and get enough sleep based on your personal requirements.
There are stress management courses taught everywhere. Maybe one of these classes would be right for you.
JUDY
you really should look at your emotions and work within yourself to ease this pain. I mean you should controll your thoughts and emotions by self evaluation. you can change your thinking and that will eventually change your behaviors. but you need to start within your emotions, deep inside yourself and change your thinking and that will change your outsiderness. it gets easier to controll once you get the hang of it.
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I am involved in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy & we are learning a lot of stress reduction skills that are helping me a lot. You might look into learning about:
--mindfulness
--breathing techniques such as used in yoga
--distress tolerance when circumstances are such that you cannot change them & they are causing you distress
Oh shoot, I don't have my book with me. Maybe google dialectical behavioral therapy & see if you can get a site that describes what tools they teach. It is hard to describe. Like taking a "pause" when the emotions start escalating & try to refocus & distance yourself from the emotions & use your "rational" mind...
Suzanne,
Thank you for responding to my post and giving me some insight. I will certainly google the info that you have provided.
Thank you so much,
Saxplyrwyf