Recently I took a class with a mother of an adult bipolar child. She began to share about her struggles with her daughter that she was going through, manic then depressive stage, her reaching her max end of putting up with it. I didn't tell her of my experiences until the last class we had together. I got to hear the struggles she went through unbiased and advise given by others with no personal relations accept they had children, for this problem. It was eye opening to me.
I knew it was hard on family members when I struggled but never realized how hard. In all my pain and torment, I never understood it may have been more difficult for people around me than it was for myself. All I have ever seen was my pain and torment.
I saw her frustration and physical exhaustion in how her daughter was draining her and she was at the point where she needed to start taking care of herself. The same scenario happens over and over again. No amount of reasoning and support makes any difference. The motivation and willingness to change for her daughter needs to come from her wanting it.
As a friend who had no prior experience, I would tell her to take care of herself first and leave the responsibility on her daughter to find her own way. It's not untrue that your first priority should be your own health.
After our last class together, I pulled her aside and said that I knew where her daughter was coming from. I had spent more time in bed than out of it and look where I am now. Mentally functioning well, working full time and going to the gym and eating well. I told her a web site that changed me. She said to me that it was her daughter that needed to make a choice to change and I wanted to be sportive of her emotions and feelings as well as stay true to helping people understand our point of view. I don't know if I can do both so I kept my mouth shut.
Seeing a loved one hurting and going through the same cycles again and again must be tiering. The logic and reasoning loved ones have isn't translating to mentally ill people. It seems like mentally ill people aren't making an effort or deciding to do things that are obvious for others that will be helpful. Gaining weight and blaming it on Rx drugs seems like an excuse. Don't like how you feel? Change your actions!! Isn't that easy for people with mental illnesses.
I would have loved to explain how much I wasn't in control of my moods and emotions. When I was depressed it was all I could do to keep myself alive and not kill myself. Every moment of my life was managing my brain. All the discomfort, thoughts in my mind, things I wanted to do or ideas I got when I was manic was a constant battle. I was in a constant battle of thoughts and feelings that were in contradictions of other thoughts and feelings I had. All seemed real while nothing did. My mind was tearing apart because I knew and realized it's instability. Now that I'm stable I realize how bad it was.
With what I know now, if I had a loved one suffering like I was, I'd try and understand them while keeping my boundaries. Beating your head against a brick wall is not help to either of you.
Understanding, knowledge, compassion, nudging then forceful loving help is what I would do. My parents supported my basic needs and encouraged me in areas of help. I had a wonderful best friend who's uncle is schizophrenic and relating to me helped him understand his uncle and his mothers position in helping him. He would come over to my place once a week and listen to me without judgment as well as almost force me to take a walk with him outside no matter if I hadn't showered in days. All of this support helped me find answers I needed for my recovery.
I also had a mother who saw me and didn't give up. She researched options and even though she couldn't relate, she had a belief that my life could be more, be better than it was. She had faith in me when I threw that out the window years ago. Her research panned out.
There is no easy answer for anyone involved within mental illness. A willingness to understand each other and an openness for empathy goes a long way.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Allergic Disease Linked To Bipolar I
People with airborne allergies can lead to the exacerbation of depression in patients with bipolar I. A study done by Teodor Postolache (University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA) and co-workers shows that 44% of patients who have bipolar I have airborne allergies like pollen and hay fever.
During high exposure to allergens, symptoms of bipolar increased.
It just amazes me how connected each part of our body is. How a physical problem like allergies connect to brain function. My question is what came first? The allergy or the mental disorder.
During high exposure to allergens, symptoms of bipolar increased.
It just amazes me how connected each part of our body is. How a physical problem like allergies connect to brain function. My question is what came first? The allergy or the mental disorder.
High Blood Pressure And Bipolar And Hypertention
A Clemson University researcher, James A. McCubbin and colleagues has found that high blood pressure dampens your ability to read emotional content in faces. In our writing and texts it is easy to tell if someone is joking by the smiley face they put behind their sentence when in person it would be easily mistaken.
He calls this emotional dampening. A friend or coworker may make a comment that is meant to be a joke, when unable to read facial expressions it may be mistaken and can lead to anger. This can also lead to distrust and risk taking by not proberly being able to read threats in the environment as well as robing a persons ability to feel enjoyment and personal connections with others.
McCubbin said the link between dampening of emotions and blood pressure is believed to be involved in the development of hypertension and risk for coronary heart disease, the biggest killer of both men and women in the U.S. Emotional dampening also may be involved in disorders of emotion regulation, such as bipolar disorders and depression.
I take a small amount of Pindolol which is a blood pressure medication. I take it for my anxiety and it helps even out my adrenaline.
He calls this emotional dampening. A friend or coworker may make a comment that is meant to be a joke, when unable to read facial expressions it may be mistaken and can lead to anger. This can also lead to distrust and risk taking by not proberly being able to read threats in the environment as well as robing a persons ability to feel enjoyment and personal connections with others.
McCubbin said the link between dampening of emotions and blood pressure is believed to be involved in the development of hypertension and risk for coronary heart disease, the biggest killer of both men and women in the U.S. Emotional dampening also may be involved in disorders of emotion regulation, such as bipolar disorders and depression.
I take a small amount of Pindolol which is a blood pressure medication. I take it for my anxiety and it helps even out my adrenaline.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Implants For Bipolar And Schizophrenic Patients
What would it be like for people who suffer from bipolar disorder or schizophrenia to be able to go to the Dr once every three to six months to be injected with medicine than to take pills two to three times a day? Forgetting to take a pill, or not being able to take it because you got tied up some where and don't have enough on you for the duration is a common issue. Not taking one dose, or taking it late will mess you up emotionally and can sometimes lead to you not caring about the next dose. Being free from that responsibility for months at a time sounds revolutionary.
A new drug that is expected to go on the market in a few months called, NP202, needs to be implanted minimally once every three months. It's a biodegradable risperidone implant that has a continuous delivery system that can be taken out at any time. It can also be used to treat migraines and Parkinson's disease.
Who wouldn't want this new treatment espesially those who aren't good at taking medication as regularly as they should? This sounds like a miracle option. One problem is that it only works on just under half of patients. Just like all mental health drugs, there is not one pill for everyone. It will take time for all the side effects to be known and the known ones aren't published yet because the drug isn't approved so the company making it doesn't need to share that information publicly which helps them get needed financial funding. One thing that makes me uneasy about it is is what Jane Hollingsworth, the chief executive officer of NuPathe, the company making this drug, said. “There is a need for innovation, but the more innovation you have in your product, the more difficult it can be for [the regulators] to understand it, at least within the review cycle time line. By definition, innovation does not fit in a box or the mold for what has come before, and that can strain the regulatory system, particularly if it is a system that favors caution and safety over innovation.”
This statement makes me fear she may be more interested in some possible good outcomes without caring for adequate safety measures for the others.
This treatment is revolutionary while I wouldn't be the first in line to be a guinea pig.
A new drug that is expected to go on the market in a few months called, NP202, needs to be implanted minimally once every three months. It's a biodegradable risperidone implant that has a continuous delivery system that can be taken out at any time. It can also be used to treat migraines and Parkinson's disease.
Who wouldn't want this new treatment espesially those who aren't good at taking medication as regularly as they should? This sounds like a miracle option. One problem is that it only works on just under half of patients. Just like all mental health drugs, there is not one pill for everyone. It will take time for all the side effects to be known and the known ones aren't published yet because the drug isn't approved so the company making it doesn't need to share that information publicly which helps them get needed financial funding. One thing that makes me uneasy about it is is what Jane Hollingsworth, the chief executive officer of NuPathe, the company making this drug, said. “There is a need for innovation, but the more innovation you have in your product, the more difficult it can be for [the regulators] to understand it, at least within the review cycle time line. By definition, innovation does not fit in a box or the mold for what has come before, and that can strain the regulatory system, particularly if it is a system that favors caution and safety over innovation.”
This statement makes me fear she may be more interested in some possible good outcomes without caring for adequate safety measures for the others.
This treatment is revolutionary while I wouldn't be the first in line to be a guinea pig.
Mentally ill, more likley to be violent?
A new study amongst developed countries show that adults who suffer from mental illness are 4 times more likely to experience violence and 1 in 4 people without a disability have experienced violence in the past year. Hm this sounds like people with mental illnesses are beating on people without.
Actually they are 4 times more likley to be victims of the violence than the perpetrators. This says a lot about out society and how they treat the mentally ill, as well as how people's mental illness affects them so that they live life putting themselves in harms way.
People who suffer from mental illness often are a target because of low self esteem, poor social behaviors, social stress and isolation, neurological impairment, and alcohol and drug abuse.
Media often portrays people with mental illnesses as the ones we should be fearful of, instead society should do a better job of protecting them because they are vulnerable to abuse from others.
How can you help change this trend for the positive? Don't make slide comments to homeless people on the street to find a job because they look physically fit enough to work, they may be suffering from a bigger problem than a broken knee or injured limbs. Engage yourself in a conversation, a kind word or relationship with someone who is different and may suffers from mental illness instead of awkwardly ignoring them. Be more aware of illnesses and stop others from derogatory comments at the least.
If you are mentally ill, acknowledge that your are more susceptible to being abused and you are worth more than that. Isolation is your biggest enemy and find something that gives you self worth whether it be in a job, volunteer work or being a good friend.
It takes all of us whether we are mentally ill, know some one who is or are just bi-standers among people for this violence to end. Every little word said or action done, makes a difference one way or another.
Actually they are 4 times more likley to be victims of the violence than the perpetrators. This says a lot about out society and how they treat the mentally ill, as well as how people's mental illness affects them so that they live life putting themselves in harms way.
People who suffer from mental illness often are a target because of low self esteem, poor social behaviors, social stress and isolation, neurological impairment, and alcohol and drug abuse.
Media often portrays people with mental illnesses as the ones we should be fearful of, instead society should do a better job of protecting them because they are vulnerable to abuse from others.
How can you help change this trend for the positive? Don't make slide comments to homeless people on the street to find a job because they look physically fit enough to work, they may be suffering from a bigger problem than a broken knee or injured limbs. Engage yourself in a conversation, a kind word or relationship with someone who is different and may suffers from mental illness instead of awkwardly ignoring them. Be more aware of illnesses and stop others from derogatory comments at the least.
If you are mentally ill, acknowledge that your are more susceptible to being abused and you are worth more than that. Isolation is your biggest enemy and find something that gives you self worth whether it be in a job, volunteer work or being a good friend.
It takes all of us whether we are mentally ill, know some one who is or are just bi-standers among people for this violence to end. Every little word said or action done, makes a difference one way or another.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Deap Brain Stimulation
Some theories were, Neurotransmitter theory: The shock works like antidepressants, changing brain receptors to allow chemicals to flow like serotonin.
Anti-convalescent. Inducing seizures in hopes they will dampen abnormal brain function and stabilizing mood.
Neuroendocrine theory: Seizures cause chemicals to release that regulate mood.
Brain Damage Theory: The shock causes memory loss and disorientation while giving the illusion the problems are gone.
This was a barbaric practice because I'm sure they ruined more minds than they saved. Looking back there was such little knowledge and treatment known, this seemed like the best option.
My Grandmother is bipolar and received electric shock therapy, as I understand, of her own requesting. She wanted to be better like at one time I would have drilled a hole in my skull if it had a chance to help me no feel what I did.
Now it is called, deep brain stimulation. Where the electricity travels in ones body is more controlled as well as the patients who receive it. Studies show improvement in a majority of percentage of patients. Tests still need to be done but improvements and understanding of electricity helping people with mental illness is improving.
Electricity for mentally ill patients feels barbaric but there are possibilities for future understanding. When they started they knew nothing about the consequences, only the faith it would help some. Now they only use it in extreme cases, the research is growing and will one day be practiced daily.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
While I Wait
I sit waiting in line like everyone else. I look around at other people. The young guy in the corner is still accept for glancing at his phone and writing a text message about once every five minutes. A child plays and tried to get attention by jumping off and on the seats near to her parents. An adult women starts to talk to the child because she is reminded of her own. The child calms down after she is noticed.
It would be usual for people to be focused on there phones, reading emails, surfing the web or writing messages but this day like many others, they all seem to be at peace with just waiting.
I have looked at the man in the corner and studied his behavior, I was entertained by the child playing for a while, I stared at the old woman, making stories in my head about where she came from and now I count all others before me and imagine excuses why I should go before them. I can't sit still, my leg vibrates in a beat. My bum starts to hurt from the hard seat so I move into another position. My back gets sore and my leg falls asleep from the other one perching itself on it so I reverse. Within seconds I reverse back and slump myself into the chair in hopes of comfort.
I don't find comfort in the chair I'm sitting in so I try and think of other things that would occupy my mind but all I can think of is how I don't want to be here and how are they able to sit and wait so peacefully.
It would be usual for people to be focused on there phones, reading emails, surfing the web or writing messages but this day like many others, they all seem to be at peace with just waiting.
I have looked at the man in the corner and studied his behavior, I was entertained by the child playing for a while, I stared at the old woman, making stories in my head about where she came from and now I count all others before me and imagine excuses why I should go before them. I can't sit still, my leg vibrates in a beat. My bum starts to hurt from the hard seat so I move into another position. My back gets sore and my leg falls asleep from the other one perching itself on it so I reverse. Within seconds I reverse back and slump myself into the chair in hopes of comfort.
I don't find comfort in the chair I'm sitting in so I try and think of other things that would occupy my mind but all I can think of is how I don't want to be here and how are they able to sit and wait so peacefully.
Lack Of Sleep Causes Depresion
It is so common for us to have 5, 6 hours of sleep or less. In our fast pace society, most people don't have the time to spend on rest and sleep. It's recommended that we need 8 - 9 hrs of sleep a night but on average we get less than 7. Prolonged sleep deprivation can cause depression.
When we don't have adequate sleep our central nervous system is affected, it becomes more active, inhibits the pancreas from producing enough insulin, the hormone needed to digest glucose.
Studies taken show that a lack of sleep within 2 years can change the chemicals in your brain and lead to depression. Not only that, it can cause high blood pressure, anxiety, heart problems and weight gain.
I know from experience how not sleeping made me crazy. Now that I'm getting back into life I have a challenge to balance expectations of productivity and my desire to keep up with all activities in life with the time to sleep as well as the time it takes me to wind down to be able to sleep.
We need to make sleep a priority. Simplify your life if needed. Learn techniques on how to shut out life and fall asleep. If you don't, you most likely will suffer the fate of depression and unnecessary anxiety.
When we don't have adequate sleep our central nervous system is affected, it becomes more active, inhibits the pancreas from producing enough insulin, the hormone needed to digest glucose.
Studies taken show that a lack of sleep within 2 years can change the chemicals in your brain and lead to depression. Not only that, it can cause high blood pressure, anxiety, heart problems and weight gain.
I know from experience how not sleeping made me crazy. Now that I'm getting back into life I have a challenge to balance expectations of productivity and my desire to keep up with all activities in life with the time to sleep as well as the time it takes me to wind down to be able to sleep.
We need to make sleep a priority. Simplify your life if needed. Learn techniques on how to shut out life and fall asleep. If you don't, you most likely will suffer the fate of depression and unnecessary anxiety.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Stress Tests In High School
Should high schools give students a test for depression? With the pressure kids are under from school and home, teams they may be on and social stresses, more and more develop depression and anxiety problems. 31% of students suffer from some degree of depression. It is not part of the curriculum to educate and test children for depression, anxiety or a mental illness, even though small, there is a growing number of schools that address this issue.
Giving a child a questionnaire for assessment is useless unless there is awareness. A program with informal discussions, teaching videos and speakers is key to helping teens cope and others cope around them. Teachers need to be taught how to handle this situation and students need knowledge so they're more accepting towards others.
When I was in high school we were given a test to asses the level of our stress. I answered questions like, have you recently moved or, has some one you know died within the past _ years. There were also a few questions like, have you ever thought about killing yourself and Is it easy to get up in the morning. I scored so high on that test, high being likely to be depressed but the teacher didn't do anything to help which made me feel even more alone.
These kind of tests are good to give students while it's necessary if a teacher gives the test, he/she is equipped to handle the outcomes.
Giving a child a questionnaire for assessment is useless unless there is awareness. A program with informal discussions, teaching videos and speakers is key to helping teens cope and others cope around them. Teachers need to be taught how to handle this situation and students need knowledge so they're more accepting towards others.
When I was in high school we were given a test to asses the level of our stress. I answered questions like, have you recently moved or, has some one you know died within the past _ years. There were also a few questions like, have you ever thought about killing yourself and Is it easy to get up in the morning. I scored so high on that test, high being likely to be depressed but the teacher didn't do anything to help which made me feel even more alone.
These kind of tests are good to give students while it's necessary if a teacher gives the test, he/she is equipped to handle the outcomes.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Rick Rypien
I knew him playing on my hockey team, the Vancouver Canucks. He was our fighter, a player that showed up on the ice and stood up for team mates while always creating action and physical drama. He had his controversies by getting into a fight with a spectator as well as his physicality within each game. His name was probably the best of any others in all time to describe who he was as a player. Ripen it in heart and soul.
In Regina he was the captain as well as the MVP before he became a Canuck. During the last season he took time off for depression and the team and fans were supportive.
This past Monday he was found dead in his Alberta home, at the age of 27. The police and media are not giving any incite of how or why but suspicions are related to his mental health.
It isn't a secret that he battled depression and that is the likely cause of death. This may be another victim that mental illness takes from us.
There are not a lot of famous athletes who suffer from mental illnesses like depression because of the screening and help given along the way to become a athletic star. This is impart why his death impacts us so much and gives light to a mental illness like depression showing the serious concisenesses of it not being managed before it gets to a fatal point.
For people who suffer, they need to find answers and a peace within themselves and their lives no matter the consequences to career and lives. To be able to live within a life that is healthy may mean to give up a life they have been accustomed to. The result is finding a new way of living, a new life that is more complete and gives a greater happiness than imagined.
I know for myself this is true. I would have never imagined my life to be so fulfilled by rejecting things that seemed natural to me at the time, instead learning about myself and my illness, changing my thoughts and actions. It was all about learning more about why I felt and reacted certain ways and discovering new ways of thinking that made my life better.
In Regina he was the captain as well as the MVP before he became a Canuck. During the last season he took time off for depression and the team and fans were supportive.
This past Monday he was found dead in his Alberta home, at the age of 27. The police and media are not giving any incite of how or why but suspicions are related to his mental health.
It isn't a secret that he battled depression and that is the likely cause of death. This may be another victim that mental illness takes from us.
There are not a lot of famous athletes who suffer from mental illnesses like depression because of the screening and help given along the way to become a athletic star. This is impart why his death impacts us so much and gives light to a mental illness like depression showing the serious concisenesses of it not being managed before it gets to a fatal point.
For people who suffer, they need to find answers and a peace within themselves and their lives no matter the consequences to career and lives. To be able to live within a life that is healthy may mean to give up a life they have been accustomed to. The result is finding a new way of living, a new life that is more complete and gives a greater happiness than imagined.
I know for myself this is true. I would have never imagined my life to be so fulfilled by rejecting things that seemed natural to me at the time, instead learning about myself and my illness, changing my thoughts and actions. It was all about learning more about why I felt and reacted certain ways and discovering new ways of thinking that made my life better.
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