Are most bipolar people reckless drivers?

[Draga]

Ok I have not drivin since I was 25 ..which, god, was 6 years ago. I had at least a 1 week and 1/2 of the taste of freedom...but I took that freedom for granted. I drove 80 MPH over a busy highrise, making turns @ 50 MPH, made silly/ damn near fatal mistakes like not noticing red light, driving not in line of the other cars but on the turn sign on the road and backed but and almost hit a car...then it happened..I didn't see the car coming on the right side and paniced when he honked horn at me and sped away too fast not able to make complete turn and ran car into my friends parents tree( got 5 stiches and a whole lot of bruises) ...I didnt drive car for a while after mom got a used car, 86 economy car, which made me feel worse, but I did take it for a spin across town to visit my b/f and the moron told me to park car by the trash can, unbenounced to me there was a fire hydrant behind it...when I left his house at 4 in the am the car was gone!!! Got towed away.....that was the very last time i ever driven.

Believe me this is taking a lot of cazones to write this thread...the mistakes I made before and realizing for each carelessness, I am lucky to be alive, it's humiliating to even share this but heh I gotta know..please someone tell me I am not the only reckless person when getting behind the wheel.

I am sure it's the combo of bipolar and my adhd and the lack of experience on my part...(crap i wanna cry now)...people tell me I need to just get back on the horse....truth is..even if I could, I'm terrified.

[Matt S.]

I drive like a bat out of hell, especially when I get manic, it goes with my flavor of hyperactive ADHD as well. I have terrible road rage and I am one that slams on my brakes when people tailgate me.

[Draga]

Yeah aint it annoying when people r on ur tail lol....hope you were never in an accident like it was..

I'm feeling really depressed now, when I think of all the stunts I pulled since dad died ...it's miraculous I am still alive...the person I was then...I hate her.

[justhope]

I only do it when I am ticked off. Otherwise I am actually pretty normal, I am overly cautious because I was in a wreck back in 1990 that scared the crap out of me. I am a habitual worry wart so I am waiting to get smashed by the first Semi I screw up in front of...so no. That doesn't apply to me. Actually the only time I was really reckless at all was when I drank....which wasn't much ...and I don't at all anymore...

Draga...forgive me if you posted this somewhere since you have been back...
Are you on meds?

[Draga]

Originally Posted by justhope

Draga...forgive me if you posted this somewhere since you have been back...
Are you on meds?

oh yeah, Lamictal, zoloft and vyvance...they work very well for me, course i can still get a lil manic sometimes..and when I get into these moods lol...the meds can only do so much

[Matt S.]

She's part of team Lamictal, another cycling team thing most of us have in common, justhope, CF, me we love the Lamictal.

[goughy]

My father is severely bipolar and was a great driver, when he could still drive!

[Draga]

Originally Posted by mspen1018

She's part of team Lamictal, another cycling team thing most of us have in common, justhope, CF, me we love the Lamictal.

OH yeah...lamictal is usually my happy pill Well the other two as well...but Lamictal was 1st bipolar meds that worked

[speedo]

A friend of mine is bipolar and a car typically lasts her about 6 months before she wrecks it. I had a long talk with her recently about it to the tone of "don't you think there is something wrong here?" It seems to have had an effect, I hope it sticks.

Mom was bipolar and she was awfully hard on a car as she drove it as though it were a sherman tank. She was a safe driver though.

ME

[Draga]

Originally Posted by speedo

A friend of mine is bipolar and a car typically lasts her about 6 months before she wrecks it. I had a long talk with her recently about it to the tone of "don't you think there is something wrong here?" It seems to have had an effect, I hope it sticks.
ME

Best of luck 2 her on that

[justhope]

Well Draga, if you were ummedicated before or the meds weren't working well, then perhaps it's time to try again. How about starting out on a day you feel okay, on a long straight , boring country road with a bossy worry wart friend?

I would gladly come, but I don't think you are close enough? LOL

If you know your triggers and cycles, then stay out of the car those days.
I am a fan of getting back on the horse...baby steps if needed.

[Skully]

I am a VERY bad driver. I am ADHD and Bipolar II. I think the ADHD has a lot to do with the driving part. If I am on the manic side, I throw caution to the wind and really get going. I am horrible, it's a wonder I still have my license!

[Crazy~Feet]

This question is a bit tricksy, sweety. You might want to ask how many people who have ONLY BP are reckless drivers to get a clearer reply.

Considering current research shows that most (and it may be all) people who have BP also have AD/HD, your data may be a bit colored by AD/HD related symptoms.

That being said, I am NOT a reckless driver. Far from it. Off AD/HD meds driving is a horrow show of inattention, and I drive like a geriatric, on the verge of an anxiety attack. On the dex I am less anxious but I still drive quite cautiously. That my be due to my terrible vision and the fact that I wear trifocals and need to move my head just-so to see properly when driving. Call me that person you really don't want to get stuck driving behind for too long ...heh.

I cannot really recall allowing hypomania to make me reckless behind the wheel. I get hyperfocused at home during hypomania, more often than not.

[Mister Crash]

I've earned my self the nickname "mister crash" by all my friends and loved ones because of all the major accidents I've been involved in over the years. I too drive like a maniac nearly every day for no reason at all. Ironically I have a giant passion for sport bikes and this gets me into trouble all the time. I used to enjoy a good high speed pursuit by the local law enforcement occaisionaly to get the dopamine flowing. Dont worry Draga you're far from alone. Hello to everyone by the way and nice to meet you. I've been reading threads for about a month now as a guest but I just HAD to post on this topic.

[Draga]

Originally Posted by Mister Crash

I've earned my self the nickname "mister crash" by all my friends and loved ones because of all the major accidents I've been involved in over the years. I too drive like a maniac nearly every day for no reason at all. Ironically I have a giant passion for sport bikes and this gets me into trouble all the time. I used to enjoy a good high speed pursuit by the local law enforcement occaisionaly to get the dopamine flowing. Dont worry Draga you're far from alone. Hello to everyone by the way and nice to meet you. I've been reading threads for about a month now as a guest but I just HAD to post on this topic.

Some ppl call me Georgette of the Jungle...(watch out for that tree...get it )


Btw....welcome to the Forums....so glad my thread prompted a membership LOL! xoxoxoxo dawlin