Earlier this week I had the flew. I couldn't keep anything down. I know that some people with mental disorders don't need to take medication but those who do depend on it every day and when the daily dose is missed, that disrupts mental balance for up to a week.
Obviously, not keeping food or fluids down means not being able to take my medication. Fortunately I had a place to stay during this time where I had some one by me if I went into either a manic or depressive episode, they could take care of me. It's important that if this happens to you that you can talk to some one about your situation so they can keep an eye on you, even if it's your Doctor.
I can't express how important it is for you to find a friend, family member or be close to your Doctor for reasons such as these.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Some people reading this may not be completely aware of what bipolar disorder is and the effects it has on people who have it and others around them. There are so many people who suffer from mental disorders and don't even know it or are misdiagnosed. When I have to give a quick explanation it's, most people's moods fluctuate up and down within a grey area but when you have bipolar disorder the fluctuation raises above and below that grey line.
Being manic has many stages from feeling like you can do anything like being over confident, or gives a high feeling. When I'm highly manic my mind starts to race and can't hold thoughts for long and I can't concentrate or sleep. Sometimes when I'm in public like a mall, it feels as if everything around me is on fast forward, I can't hold on to a particular thought or event.
The depressive or low feeling comes out in various ways. Often people think depression is a state of not wanting to live. Most depressive people don't have symptoms like that. It feels hard to get out of bed in the morning a feeling of low energy during the day, no motivation, over sleeping or a foggy head, those can be signs of a minor depression.
To go into further details I'll list more of the symptoms...
Manic
-Feeling unusually “high” and optimistic OR extremely irritable
-Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs about one’s abilities or powers
-Sleeping very little, but feeling extremely energetic
-Talking so rapidly that others can’t keep up
-Racing thoughts; jumping quickly from one idea to the next
-Highly distractible, unable to concentrate
-Impaired judgement and impulsiveness
-Acting recklessly without thinking about the consequences
-Delusions and hallucinations (in severe cases)
Depressive
-Feeling hopeless, sad, or empty.
-Irritability
-Inability to experience pleasure
-Fatigue or loss of energy
-Physical and mental sluggishness
-Appetite or weight changes
-Sleep problems
-Concentration and memory problems
-Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
-Thoughts of death or suicide
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm
The following web site has a test you can take that will give you an idea if you have bipolar disorder.
http://psychcentral.com/quizzes/bipolarquiz.htm
Often people are afraid of some one with bipolar disorder. This disorder can be treated in various ways so the person's mood stays within that grey area. It can be difficult talking to some one when their mood changes. I suggest when you know a person is manic keep your voice low and if the manic person is over whelmed or stuck on one thing that is causing stress or you know isn't healthy, try changing the conversation to some thing that focuses their attention on a lighter or humorous topic. This will decrease their stress b/c once the mind is in a bad loop of thoughts it's hard to get out of.
Some times when people are depressed they need others to push them out in a strategic way, to do some thing about it. It may just be finding a Dr to go to or other help like getting them out of the house. At my lowest point I needed some one to help me with every day things, taking stress off of me so that I could focus on getting the help I needed. Some of these things were making sure my bills were paid, helping me research options like Drs, counsellors, etc. or even being checked in on to make sure I was going out and knew I had a person I could call and talk to when I needed. It always helps to have a person that knows a little bit about what your going through even if it's only what's researched.
A surrounding environment has a huge effect on people especially some one with bipolar disorder. Friends and family should be aware of this and try to facilitate it. My previous blog entry states some sites to go for further information regarding this subject.
Being manic has many stages from feeling like you can do anything like being over confident, or gives a high feeling. When I'm highly manic my mind starts to race and can't hold thoughts for long and I can't concentrate or sleep. Sometimes when I'm in public like a mall, it feels as if everything around me is on fast forward, I can't hold on to a particular thought or event.
The depressive or low feeling comes out in various ways. Often people think depression is a state of not wanting to live. Most depressive people don't have symptoms like that. It feels hard to get out of bed in the morning a feeling of low energy during the day, no motivation, over sleeping or a foggy head, those can be signs of a minor depression.
To go into further details I'll list more of the symptoms...
Manic
-Feeling unusually “high” and optimistic OR extremely irritable
-Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs about one’s abilities or powers
-Sleeping very little, but feeling extremely energetic
-Talking so rapidly that others can’t keep up
-Racing thoughts; jumping quickly from one idea to the next
-Highly distractible, unable to concentrate
-Impaired judgement and impulsiveness
-Acting recklessly without thinking about the consequences
-Delusions and hallucinations (in severe cases)
Depressive
-Feeling hopeless, sad, or empty.
-Irritability
-Inability to experience pleasure
-Fatigue or loss of energy
-Physical and mental sluggishness
-Appetite or weight changes
-Sleep problems
-Concentration and memory problems
-Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
-Thoughts of death or suicide
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm
The following web site has a test you can take that will give you an idea if you have bipolar disorder.
http://psychcentral.com/quizzes/bipolarquiz.htm
Often people are afraid of some one with bipolar disorder. This disorder can be treated in various ways so the person's mood stays within that grey area. It can be difficult talking to some one when their mood changes. I suggest when you know a person is manic keep your voice low and if the manic person is over whelmed or stuck on one thing that is causing stress or you know isn't healthy, try changing the conversation to some thing that focuses their attention on a lighter or humorous topic. This will decrease their stress b/c once the mind is in a bad loop of thoughts it's hard to get out of.
Some times when people are depressed they need others to push them out in a strategic way, to do some thing about it. It may just be finding a Dr to go to or other help like getting them out of the house. At my lowest point I needed some one to help me with every day things, taking stress off of me so that I could focus on getting the help I needed. Some of these things were making sure my bills were paid, helping me research options like Drs, counsellors, etc. or even being checked in on to make sure I was going out and knew I had a person I could call and talk to when I needed. It always helps to have a person that knows a little bit about what your going through even if it's only what's researched.
A surrounding environment has a huge effect on people especially some one with bipolar disorder. Friends and family should be aware of this and try to facilitate it. My previous blog entry states some sites to go for further information regarding this subject.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Effects Of The Enviroment On Bipolar Disorder
I had an interesting conversation today about what causes a mental disorder or where does it come from, specifically bipolar disorder. My view is that all of us are born with a brain that mechanicaly works differently than others, being bipolar or having other conditions like ADD may be natural, God given gifts and it's our society that creates this atmosphere where it becomes the disorder.
I spent some time in Uganda, Africa and society is a lot different there. There isn't the pressure to fit into a mould and success isn't measured by the same standards as we have in our society. I saw people flourish in this environment and not have to struggle through life trying to figure out who they are. What I learnt is to find my own talents and improve on them, not fight against them. I often heard as a kid, 'You can do anything you want to'. No I can't and I really shouldn't try unless I have the burning passion and/or talent needed.
Coming back to my conversation with my friend. He felt that all of us are born with this difference in our brain, normally called a chemical unbalance, and if we were placed in any enviroment from A-Z we would still feel and act the same way as we do now.
The evidence in studies show that nutrition and the home, work or other environments affect a person with bipolar disorder greatly and sujests that ones genes play a part. It is recommended that some one with a mental disorder should have a stable, low stress and scheduled environment. There is a lot of data that referes to the fact that people have triggers when being bipolar. Symptoms you never had can be triggered by a major event leading you to your diagnosis or you can be triggered into having an episode.
If this is true then there is a possibility that when some one with bipolar disorder is in an environment without stress and is eating healthy food, like where I was in Africa, they may not suffer as many or no side effects in which their bipolar disorder wouldn't interfere in their life.
The following are some of the web pages I received my facts from.
http://www.foodforthebrain.org/content.asp?id_Content=1713
http://www.healthyplace.com/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-treatment/how-triggers-affect-bipolar-disorder-gsd/menu-id-67/
http://www.phobias-help.com/bipolar_disorder/Causes_of_Bipolar_Disorder.html
I spent some time in Uganda, Africa and society is a lot different there. There isn't the pressure to fit into a mould and success isn't measured by the same standards as we have in our society. I saw people flourish in this environment and not have to struggle through life trying to figure out who they are. What I learnt is to find my own talents and improve on them, not fight against them. I often heard as a kid, 'You can do anything you want to'. No I can't and I really shouldn't try unless I have the burning passion and/or talent needed.
Coming back to my conversation with my friend. He felt that all of us are born with this difference in our brain, normally called a chemical unbalance, and if we were placed in any enviroment from A-Z we would still feel and act the same way as we do now.
The evidence in studies show that nutrition and the home, work or other environments affect a person with bipolar disorder greatly and sujests that ones genes play a part. It is recommended that some one with a mental disorder should have a stable, low stress and scheduled environment. There is a lot of data that referes to the fact that people have triggers when being bipolar. Symptoms you never had can be triggered by a major event leading you to your diagnosis or you can be triggered into having an episode.
If this is true then there is a possibility that when some one with bipolar disorder is in an environment without stress and is eating healthy food, like where I was in Africa, they may not suffer as many or no side effects in which their bipolar disorder wouldn't interfere in their life.
The following are some of the web pages I received my facts from.
http://www.foodforthebrain.org/content.asp?id_Content=1713
http://www.healthyplace.com/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-treatment/how-triggers-affect-bipolar-disorder-gsd/menu-id-67/
http://www.phobias-help.com/bipolar_disorder/Causes_of_Bipolar_Disorder.html
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Statistics
Recently I posted questions about some stats regarding mental disorders. Even after I put away my notes with the answers to the question, I had a difficult time answering them. I didn't get the right answers. The results are shoking
The correct answers are as follows,
-Over the last 19 yrs, what percentage of North Americans have been diagnosed with a Mood Disorder? 9.5%
-Do cases of Anxiety Disorder quadruple cases of Depression Disorder? Approximately 40 million American adults ages 18 and older, or about 18.1 percent of people in this age group in a given year, have an anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder affects approximately 14.8 million American adults, or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. Even though it's close, the answer is no.
-What is the median age of onset for a mood disorder? 30yrs.
In America, the estimation of people that suffer from mood disorders is of 1/4 of the population and has become the leading cause of disability in North America. Recently the awareness has grown a little but we still have a long way to go, especially in the area of acceptance with all parties involved.
In my point of view which is based on stats and logic, it is that acceptance and knowledge is a key towards help. More than 90% of people who commit suicide have a mental disorder so this is a concern we should all have.
I have taken the information from, http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-numbers-count-mental-disorders-in-america/index.shtml.
The correct answers are as follows,
-Over the last 19 yrs, what percentage of North Americans have been diagnosed with a Mood Disorder? 9.5%
-Do cases of Anxiety Disorder quadruple cases of Depression Disorder? Approximately 40 million American adults ages 18 and older, or about 18.1 percent of people in this age group in a given year, have an anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder affects approximately 14.8 million American adults, or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. Even though it's close, the answer is no.
-What is the median age of onset for a mood disorder? 30yrs.
In America, the estimation of people that suffer from mood disorders is of 1/4 of the population and has become the leading cause of disability in North America. Recently the awareness has grown a little but we still have a long way to go, especially in the area of acceptance with all parties involved.
In my point of view which is based on stats and logic, it is that acceptance and knowledge is a key towards help. More than 90% of people who commit suicide have a mental disorder so this is a concern we should all have.
I have taken the information from, http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-numbers-count-mental-disorders-in-america/index.shtml.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
When Stress Makes Stress
At a point in my life I had to remove myself from anything that caused me stress. Because of my situation this is what I needed to do at the time. It's also a great coping mechanism for any one who feels overwhelmed with the stress of life.
There is a point that it's healthy to remove yourself from 'triggers' or situations that you know will lead you down the path, focusing on stress. Once you have finally learnt how to say NO to all those people that encourage you in the wrong direction, when is it time to even out that pendulum?
I have things in my life that creates stress and most of the time I will put it out of my mind if it's not an initiate matter. Recently I've had excruciating back and neck pains. Long story, short, I had a stressful problem that I couldn't deal with. Without me knowing, internally this creating more stress, enabling me from solving other day-to-day problems and tasks that other wise would be simple.
Once I addressed the original thing that caused all this stress, immediately my neck and back hollered an appreciation.
Most people call this procrastination but it's more than that if you have a mental illness. How do we begin to solve this problem? Do you have a suggestion? So far with most of my inabilities, the most I've learnt is that when I can see what I need to change, that's most of the battle.
There is a point that it's healthy to remove yourself from 'triggers' or situations that you know will lead you down the path, focusing on stress. Once you have finally learnt how to say NO to all those people that encourage you in the wrong direction, when is it time to even out that pendulum?
I have things in my life that creates stress and most of the time I will put it out of my mind if it's not an initiate matter. Recently I've had excruciating back and neck pains. Long story, short, I had a stressful problem that I couldn't deal with. Without me knowing, internally this creating more stress, enabling me from solving other day-to-day problems and tasks that other wise would be simple.
Once I addressed the original thing that caused all this stress, immediately my neck and back hollered an appreciation.
Most people call this procrastination but it's more than that if you have a mental illness. How do we begin to solve this problem? Do you have a suggestion? So far with most of my inabilities, the most I've learnt is that when I can see what I need to change, that's most of the battle.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
A Coctail Of Heat And Medication
It's been so hot where I live the last little while. A lot of medication that is taken by bipolar people will increase your body heat and make you sweat so it's very important to make sure your drinking enough water. In the summer there are many people that take any kind of medication, being overcome with a bad case of heat stroke.
From magazines, medical reports I've read and my own personal experience, drink at least twice as much water that you would normally drink when the weather is warm.
From magazines, medical reports I've read and my own personal experience, drink at least twice as much water that you would normally drink when the weather is warm.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Confident Passion, Discoouragment Then No Action
Most of the time when I talk to people and even write on this computer, I feel confident about the direction of where my thoughts are taking me. I know I need to stand up for myself and others with this illness so that I won't be caught in a stagnant place.
Often people around me have grown to expect nothing from me, including any growth while learning how to live with Bipolar Disorder. When I'm weak I buy into this. Every thought, goal or passion I had can melt when there is a combination of others discouragement and my moments of weakness.
If your a loved one of some one who has Bipolar Disorder and they show a desire to move forward in life, my suggestion is to constantly be positive even though sometimes you know there ideas aren't that good. Don't be totally fake but find positive things to say and make them feel encouraged. I feel as if I'm alone in my battles, my family is looking out for my best interests but only pointing out why my ideas won't work. I need to do things when I have passion for them or else I won't do it.
It takes 10 positive words to counteract 1 negative one.
Often people around me have grown to expect nothing from me, including any growth while learning how to live with Bipolar Disorder. When I'm weak I buy into this. Every thought, goal or passion I had can melt when there is a combination of others discouragement and my moments of weakness.
If your a loved one of some one who has Bipolar Disorder and they show a desire to move forward in life, my suggestion is to constantly be positive even though sometimes you know there ideas aren't that good. Don't be totally fake but find positive things to say and make them feel encouraged. I feel as if I'm alone in my battles, my family is looking out for my best interests but only pointing out why my ideas won't work. I need to do things when I have passion for them or else I won't do it.
It takes 10 positive words to counteract 1 negative one.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Comments
I want to write a short note about how important it is for readers to comment on my blogs no matter how short or long it is. I like feed back from you answering questions or any comments you may have on how I can improve my blog. It's also good for readers and me to know if some one else out there relates to what ever I'm writing about. If you want to have a discussion or debate on any topic please feel free.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Buffer's
Buffers
A Buffer is a cushion that is used to help in situations that you may not feel comfortable or safe in. Most often they are people but can also be techniques. The most important thing about a buffer is that you put it in place before you need it.
My most used and simple buffer is the wash room. I have a hard time in public so I can get very agitated, emotional as well as all the other feelings that come with Bipolar Disorder. If I feel it's too much for me, I find a bathroom to hide in. I'm able to have 'alone time' and calm down while thinking of what I should do when I come out.
I have a large extended family. We come together a few times a year. This is one of the hardest things for me b/c of my fear of crowds and also b/c of emotional issues with family in my past. I've been able to cope with a little pre planning. I pre arrange a friend I can call during the event to blow off steam. As soon as I arrive, I look for places to escape like a bathroom or bedroom if I need to get away from the crowed. If it's possible I let at least one person I know what my difficulties are so they can help if need.
An escape plan is key. Pre plan a reason why you need to leave early before the event. Last year I went to my cousins wedding. For personal reasons I was having such a hard time with wedding stuff to the point that I saw a pic of her dress and it messed me up. The wedding was for my younger female cousin, all my cousins are older and boys, so I wanted to be there so bad.
For a year I worked on past emotions so I could come to her wedding. The ceremony was difficult for me but I kept it together until almost the end of the reception. This was like the perfect storm for me, a wedding and my family together.
My immediate family knew how hard this was going to be for me so they kept their eye on me. There was a point after dinner and before the cake when I couldn't hold it in any more. I was holding so much in that when the flood gates would open. I went to the wash room and never came back. Thankfully my Mom was thinking of me and got the rest of us together (immediate family) right away. She even physically sheltered me, my red face from sobbing, from other people. It really shocked me not only what my Mom did but how every one who knew, were so understanding.
Another little family gathering one of my Aunts was hitting on a nerve and all my emotions between wrath and sadness were about to blow. We were already starting to get into it but I pulled myself away. I grabbed another Aunt's arm, who was married into the family, and pulled her in the wash room with me. I bitched and balled until I was done. LOL
When I was done my eyes were red but didn't really care. There was a line for the wash room and I found enjoyment in that. My Aunt that went in with me are closer now and each time I go into a situation like this it becomes easier.
Use your Dr as a buffer. If you don't have a good Dr already, it's important to find one that you can talk to on a personal level as well. There is information available to them so they can help guide you to solutions.
The Internet is a well known buffer if your reading this. There is specialised support in the form of group therapy. You can be involved in a 24 hr community dealing with your mental illness.
A Buffer is a cushion that is used to help in situations that you may not feel comfortable or safe in. Most often they are people but can also be techniques. The most important thing about a buffer is that you put it in place before you need it.
My most used and simple buffer is the wash room. I have a hard time in public so I can get very agitated, emotional as well as all the other feelings that come with Bipolar Disorder. If I feel it's too much for me, I find a bathroom to hide in. I'm able to have 'alone time' and calm down while thinking of what I should do when I come out.
I have a large extended family. We come together a few times a year. This is one of the hardest things for me b/c of my fear of crowds and also b/c of emotional issues with family in my past. I've been able to cope with a little pre planning. I pre arrange a friend I can call during the event to blow off steam. As soon as I arrive, I look for places to escape like a bathroom or bedroom if I need to get away from the crowed. If it's possible I let at least one person I know what my difficulties are so they can help if need.
An escape plan is key. Pre plan a reason why you need to leave early before the event. Last year I went to my cousins wedding. For personal reasons I was having such a hard time with wedding stuff to the point that I saw a pic of her dress and it messed me up. The wedding was for my younger female cousin, all my cousins are older and boys, so I wanted to be there so bad.
For a year I worked on past emotions so I could come to her wedding. The ceremony was difficult for me but I kept it together until almost the end of the reception. This was like the perfect storm for me, a wedding and my family together.
My immediate family knew how hard this was going to be for me so they kept their eye on me. There was a point after dinner and before the cake when I couldn't hold it in any more. I was holding so much in that when the flood gates would open. I went to the wash room and never came back. Thankfully my Mom was thinking of me and got the rest of us together (immediate family) right away. She even physically sheltered me, my red face from sobbing, from other people. It really shocked me not only what my Mom did but how every one who knew, were so understanding.
Another little family gathering one of my Aunts was hitting on a nerve and all my emotions between wrath and sadness were about to blow. We were already starting to get into it but I pulled myself away. I grabbed another Aunt's arm, who was married into the family, and pulled her in the wash room with me. I bitched and balled until I was done. LOL
When I was done my eyes were red but didn't really care. There was a line for the wash room and I found enjoyment in that. My Aunt that went in with me are closer now and each time I go into a situation like this it becomes easier.
Use your Dr as a buffer. If you don't have a good Dr already, it's important to find one that you can talk to on a personal level as well. There is information available to them so they can help guide you to solutions.
The Internet is a well known buffer if your reading this. There is specialised support in the form of group therapy. You can be involved in a 24 hr community dealing with your mental illness.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Journal
A whole lot of people suggest journaling especially when you are going through a difficult emotional period in your life. With some people it comes easy and others very difficult. Starting one is easy but to keep it up for more than a few entries can be difficult if it doesn't come naturally but to find the benefits it's important to find a way to keep it up. Let me know if you need some advice
I have always been able to write down my feelings on paper whether it be a letter to some one that I'm mad at, poems, a journal of some sort. I used to keep a diary until when I had trust in the world that no one would read it, and before I was old enough to have a locked safe to put those things in. One night I found my mom reading my diary. Later in life we talked about it and she said, 'How else was I supposed to know what was going on in your life?'
Now my writing is vague. There is no detail of my life that any one but me can decipher. I write the feeling I'm going through or questions I have. I may note a lesson learnt or recipe I like. I write like it's to a person like a best friend that never goes away, doesn't judge and takes nothing from me.
Over time I saw another benefit I got and now don't primarily look at my journal to let my emotions and thoughts out, instead a mark of where I've come from. When I read back the pages, through the years or even months, I laugh and cry about things I've written, but am always astonished to see the progress I've made especially when I feal I've made none.
In the worst of times, when felling as if in that sticky muck not seeing change, when others bring us down, this is a tool that can change that all around.
I have always been able to write down my feelings on paper whether it be a letter to some one that I'm mad at, poems, a journal of some sort. I used to keep a diary until when I had trust in the world that no one would read it, and before I was old enough to have a locked safe to put those things in. One night I found my mom reading my diary. Later in life we talked about it and she said, 'How else was I supposed to know what was going on in your life?'
Now my writing is vague. There is no detail of my life that any one but me can decipher. I write the feeling I'm going through or questions I have. I may note a lesson learnt or recipe I like. I write like it's to a person like a best friend that never goes away, doesn't judge and takes nothing from me.
Over time I saw another benefit I got and now don't primarily look at my journal to let my emotions and thoughts out, instead a mark of where I've come from. When I read back the pages, through the years or even months, I laugh and cry about things I've written, but am always astonished to see the progress I've made especially when I feal I've made none.
In the worst of times, when felling as if in that sticky muck not seeing change, when others bring us down, this is a tool that can change that all around.
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