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.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
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.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
I.C.E. Card
It is very important to have an I.C.E card, 'in case of an emergency'. This is a card that will let a Dr. know important information during an emergency or a time when you can't remember important information.
Making this kind of card is easy. It should be the size of your driver's licence preferably laminated. Write or print your name, Dr.(s) information, emergency contact person, allergies, medication your on and any other medical information you think is relevant.
I know in Canada and the USA that Dr's will look for this information in your wallet behind your drivers licence. If you want to add information into your phone, check with your local advisors for that information. I have also found it helpful when I'm seeing another Dr or in a hospital when I have to give them my medical history, especially what RX's I'm taking and the amounts.
One other thing I would like to mention is having Bipolar Disorder or any other kind of mental disorder, we often self medicate our selves with street drugs. Being honest with Dr's is the best thing for every one. They can't tell any one (if your worried ask them first) and they will be able to help yo better. Some time RX drugs can have a bad reaction with other drugs.
Making this kind of card is easy. It should be the size of your driver's licence preferably laminated. Write or print your name, Dr.(s) information, emergency contact person, allergies, medication your on and any other medical information you think is relevant.
I know in Canada and the USA that Dr's will look for this information in your wallet behind your drivers licence. If you want to add information into your phone, check with your local advisors for that information. I have also found it helpful when I'm seeing another Dr or in a hospital when I have to give them my medical history, especially what RX's I'm taking and the amounts.
One other thing I would like to mention is having Bipolar Disorder or any other kind of mental disorder, we often self medicate our selves with street drugs. Being honest with Dr's is the best thing for every one. They can't tell any one (if your worried ask them first) and they will be able to help yo better. Some time RX drugs can have a bad reaction with other drugs.
Stress can depress
It's amazing that one small thing in life that's stressful, when not dealt with can cause so much pain in so many other areas of life.
I've been having back pains the past few months so bad that it wakes me up every few hours. If that doesn't wake me my night mares do. I've had so many other problems and had no idea what to do about it, I was going crazy again not being able to sleep.
Almost two yrs ago I had an accident in a store due to a faulty stool where I fractured my elbow and it took 1 1/2 yrs to heal. When this happened I said to myself that this is something I'm not going to let them get away with like I have with every one in the past. This ended up putting so much pressure on me. Since I couldn't do any thing with the claim at that point I buried my anger so I could get on with my life.
A long time has past and I finally forced myself to start dealing with it by filling the claim. As soon as I did this fog lifted off me. My back cracked with ever move I made and I was able to think so clearly. I couldn't believe how one thing caused all of my problems, some thing that I wouldn't even have thought of. I was making a bigger deal out of this than it really was.
Isn't it true that there are so many times that we procrastinate on doing some thing that it weighs on our head so heavy, it impairs us from doing other stuff in our lives.
I've been having back pains the past few months so bad that it wakes me up every few hours. If that doesn't wake me my night mares do. I've had so many other problems and had no idea what to do about it, I was going crazy again not being able to sleep.
Almost two yrs ago I had an accident in a store due to a faulty stool where I fractured my elbow and it took 1 1/2 yrs to heal. When this happened I said to myself that this is something I'm not going to let them get away with like I have with every one in the past. This ended up putting so much pressure on me. Since I couldn't do any thing with the claim at that point I buried my anger so I could get on with my life.
A long time has past and I finally forced myself to start dealing with it by filling the claim. As soon as I did this fog lifted off me. My back cracked with ever move I made and I was able to think so clearly. I couldn't believe how one thing caused all of my problems, some thing that I wouldn't even have thought of. I was making a bigger deal out of this than it really was.
Isn't it true that there are so many times that we procrastinate on doing some thing that it weighs on our head so heavy, it impairs us from doing other stuff in our lives.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Bipolar, is it a disorder?
This is a short continuation of my previous post. I got this title after hearing the very popular, 'Psychosis Sucks' and keep thinking that we should make an effort to look at some of the positive attributes this disorder may bring.
I know that we all face many challenges especially within this society but I would like to explore the doors that it may open for me and you. 'How do I use this for my advantage' and challenge you to do the same. It's hard to see out of this tornado of emotions and perspectives when it seems I'm usually stuck some where in that wind but I would like to take a step and push forward to find positivity in all of this.
What do you think?
I know that we all face many challenges especially within this society but I would like to explore the doors that it may open for me and you. 'How do I use this for my advantage' and challenge you to do the same. It's hard to see out of this tornado of emotions and perspectives when it seems I'm usually stuck some where in that wind but I would like to take a step and push forward to find positivity in all of this.
What do you think?
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