january 15, 2010

Today is another day. My younger daughter just started on psych medication and is going through the beginning phases. I kinda makes you feel high. It will for a while until your body gets used to taking it. I have my granddaughter for the weekend. hurray!! My older daughter is completely miserable being pregnant. Nothing seems to go right. She's bipolar big time. I just found out that I can get a 3 bedroom apartment but don't have the security deposit for it. So I'm totally bummed out about that. I'm scheduled to go for my hearing for disability soon, I'm a nervous wreck about that. So I have to take one day at a time. I've been kinda depressed but I can't let it kick my ass. Just be grateful for what I have.

Taking responsibility for you bipolar illness

You must take responsibility of your disorder, not meaning that it is your fault, because it is not, but in the sense that your recovery is ultimately your responsiblity. There is no doctor, medicine or treatment that can cure your bipolar disorder or mental illness. These can only help to treat your illness. Being complient with your treatment is the best way to manage your mood disorder. That lifelong commitment comes into play again. It is totally well worth the commitment. I have had bipolar all my life, I'm now 47. I made this commitment to myself approximately 15 years ago. I was 32 years old. My life has totally changed, my relationships have changed, everything has changed in my life. It's like i look at a different person when I reflect about my life before treatment. My life is good now. I have fulfilled relationships with family members and friends. I love my life now, and you can love yours too.

Tips on treatment

For the manic phase of bipolar disorder, typically used are antipsychotic medications, lithium, and mood stabilizers. For depression, antidepressants are suggested, with or without the manic phase treatment.
There's not alot of evidence suggesting that any medication is successful in the maintenance phase. However, in studies that followed patients for a number of years, lithium and some antipsychotics were found to be very successful.
Antipsychotic drugs can help a person who has lost touch with reality.
Anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines, may also help. The patient may need to stay in a hospital until their mood has stabilized and symptoms are controllable.
Getting enough sleep is important keep a stable mood in alot of patients.
Psychotherapy is helpful during the depressive phase. Joining a support group may be particularly helpful for bipolar disorder patients and their loved ones.

Risks for not seeking treatment:

Untreated or undertreated bipolar bring all types of devastating consequences. Because bipolar distort self-concept, attitute, thinking, behaviors, relationships, perception, judgment and reactions to every situation you encounter, they change the very essence of what makes you "you."

Not only educating yourself about your need for treatment it's important to educated other's about your treatment plan. I know this from experience. I lost a long-term job from hiding the fact that I am bipolar. If I had made it clear to the union of my illness I would never had the right to be fired. So covering all of your bases is a proven fact. Being clear to the people around you and not being ashamed of your illness is best.

My feelings on depression

Everyone has there down times and occasionally gets the blues. If you suffer from bipolar illness than you have experienced depression, to the fullest. I've had my share of depression.
From my experiences with depression, I found the following to be common syptoms of depression: Substance abuse is one big sign, being angry is another, becoming aggressive, not caring about yourself and other's, being self destructive, sleeping all the time, physical body aches that are unexplainable. These symptoms are classic for depression.
A person who experiences a great deal of depressive episodes can suffer from "Unipolor disorder". It the same as bipolar symptoms without the Mania.

If your feeling like Suicide

Having Bipolar Disorder is a very difficult disease to live with. At given times a person can feel suicidal, Lord knows I have. I had become very discouraged about alot of things throughout my journey and you probably have as well.




Life is precious, so if your feeling like no one cares or you want to end your life, give the following number a call.

1(800) SUICIDE
1(888) SUICIDE
People are available at anytime to help you.