Taming Bipolar Disorder

[janbear]

What You Can Do

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Getting the rhythm of your life in synch with the rhythms of your body is one of the foundations of treating bipolar disorder-and one of the things you can actually control. Unlike the chemicals in your brain, you can reset your biological clock and retrain your body by using some simple behavioral tricks and adhering to a strict schedule. Here are some things you can do to get time on your side.

1. Maintain a very strict sleep schedule, seven days a week. It's not as important to got to bed early as it is to go to bed at the same time each night. The same goes for waking up in the morning. To keep the lid on your bipolar symptons, you likely have to forego sleeping in on the weekends.

2. Try some of these tricks to help yourself get to sleep on time. Try carbo-loading in the later part of the day by having pasta for dinner rather than lunch. Try the time-worn "glass of warm milk"remedy. Avoid caffeine after noon, and preferably forego it altogether. Exercise in the morning rather than later in the day. Meditate. And if all else fails, just lie in bed with your eyes closed.

To be continued.......

[janbear]

3. Although total sleep deprivation (TSD) does seem to work to counteract bipolar depression, its not something you should try to do on your own, especially because of its connection to the switch in mania. Talk to your psychiatrist or other mental health clinician if you think TSD might be something useful for you.

[janbear]

4. Light therapy can be extremely useful for treating your bipolar depression, but doing phototherapy without a physician's oversight means risking a relapse into mania. Talk to your clinician if you think this is something that might benefit you

[janbear]

5. Eat three meals a day, at a minimum, and eat them at the same time each and every day.

[janbear]

If you don't work a 9-to-5 job-something that's common among creative, impulsive people-you should still set a strict work schedule and stick to it, even if that means scheduling two hours in the late evening to work on your latest graphic design or write another section of your book. It's not the when that's important; it's the regularity.

[janbear]

Know the symptoms of both mania and depression, and see a physician if you're experiencing more than one or two of them or if they linger for some time. The sooner bipolar disorder is diagnosed, the easier it is to

[janbear]

-In the days or weeks before your appointment, keep an informal chart of your moods and symptoms and then offer the list to your physician

[janbear]

Be as truthful as possible when describing your symptoms. What you don't tell can hurt you

[janbear]

-Consider letting friends or family members talk to your clinician. Better yet, bring them along to your appointment. They may well have insights into your behavior that you couldn't possibly provide.

[janbear]

-Take notes when talking to your doctor so you can better recall what you were told later on, when the memory is less fresh. You can also use the pad and pencil to jot down questions as they occur to you during your appointment.

[janbear]

-Never leave your doctor's office without having asked all the questions you came in with. Be sure you understand all the answers you recieve.

[janbear]

If you're interested, ask your doctor for your precise diagnosis. It might relieve some of your worries.

[janbear]

Keep track of the length and frequency of your manic and depressive episodes, as well as of the symptom-free periods in between. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice your episode cycles are speeding up or growing more frequent.





-When you're trying to assess your behavior, focus not only on the symptoms of bipolar disorder, but also on the effect they're having-or not having-on your life. This might help you decide whether or not to seek help.



Spread the word: Educate people about the bipolar spectrum and about the various forms bipolar disorder can take.

[janbear]

If your child is showing signs of ADHD or conduct disorder, be sure he or she is also evaluated for bipolar disorder. These conditions share a lot of the same signs and symptoms but have radically different treatments.



Don't assume you're "too old" to have bipolar disorder. The disorder is more likely to show its face when you're younger, but there is no bipolar cut-off age.



If you're bipolar and over 50, be sure to discuss your medication regimen with your physician. The older you get, the harder it is for your body to metabolize the drugs you ingest. It might be time for your doctor to reconsider your dosages.



Accept the gifts of creativity and use them



Be proactive about getting enough sleep, staying on schedule, taking your medication, and going to therapy. Focus on all the things you can do to move forward, rather than on the things you used to be able to do.



At the same time, try not to let the disorder take over your life. If you have people keeping an eye on you, and you're taking your medication and keeping to a schedule, it's okay to let yourself just be sad sometimes rather than assuming you're depressed. And it's okay to let yourself just be happy sometimes, instead of wondering if it's mania.


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Trust your instincts. If a mood or emotion seems somehow off to you, talk to your therapist or physician. If everything seems within normal boundaries-and you have a solid support system in place, you can let go of the worry that evey fluctuation in emotion is a sign of impending doom.



Listen to the people around you when they tell you something seems off. Give someone you really trust the permission to "go over your head" if it seems as if you're too insight-impaired to recognize a problem yourself.



Remember knowledge is truly power. Read up on bipolar disorder

Know your family history. Did cousin Sue spend time in a hospital after a suicide attempt? Was Grandpa depressed? Did Mom have wild mood swings? Bipolar disorder has a strong genetic link, and knowing your family history will help your doctor make your diagnosis.


keep your stress levels low, because stress can definitely set off both manic and depressive episodes. Sometimes stress can be avoided, but for the times when it can't, try meditation, yoga, a job or brisk walk, or even a late-afternoon nap to take the edge off.

Talk to you psychiatrist or psychologist about the prognosis for your disorder. Come up with a plan for how to handle possibile relapses or recurrences of the disorder.


keep track of the ebb and flow of your disorder, which episodes come when, how long they tend to last, and what happens next. Once you've experienced your own personal bipolar biorhythm for a while, you can make an educated guess as to what's coming and try to prepare for it, if not prevent it.


Stop blaming yourself for having bipolar disorder. It's not your fault. Nor is it your mother's or your father's. None of us gets to pick and choose our genes. Use the energy you're expending on guilt to get yourself better and get yourself to a better place in your life.


On the other hand, don't take the biological basis of the disorder as permission to take no responsibility for yourself and your actions. You can't change your biology, but you can try to stop it from destroying your life and lives of those around you. You are not responsible for your disease, but you are responsible for yourself.

[janbear]

If your child is showing signs of ADHD or conduct disorder, be sure he or she is also evaluated for bipolar disorder. These conditions share a lot of the same signs and symptoms but have radically different treatments.




Don't assume you're "too old" to have bipolar disorder. The disorder is more likely to show its face when you're younger, but there is no bipolar cut-off age.




If you're bipolar and over 50, be sure to discuss your medication regimen with your physician. The older you get, the harder it is for your body to metabolize the drugs you ingest. It might be time for your doctor to reconsider your dosages.

Accept the gifts of creativity and use them



Be proactive about getting enough sleep, staying on schedule, taking your medication, and going to therapy. Focus on all the things you can do to move forward, rather than on the things you used to be able to do.

At the same time, try not to let the disorder take over your life. If you have people keeping an eye on you, and you're taking your medication and keeping to a schedule, it's okay to let yourself just be sad sometimes rather than assuming you're depressed. And it's okay to let yourself just be happy sometimes, instead of wondering if it's mania.




Trust your instincts. If a mood or emotion seems somehow off to you, talk to your therapist or physician. If everything seems within normal boundaries-and you have a solid support system in place, you can let go of the worry that evey fluctuation in emotion is a sign of impending doom.

Listen to the people around you when they tell you something seems off. Give someone you really trust the permission to "go over your head" if it seems as if you're too insight-impaired to recognize a problem yourself.


Remember knowledge is truly power. Read up on bipolar disorder


Know your family history. Did cousin Sue spend time in a hospital after a suicide attempt? Was Grandpa depressed? Did Mom have wild mood swings? Bipolar disorder has a strong genetic link, and knowing your family history will help your doctor make your diagnosis.

keep your stress levels low, because stress can definitely set off both manic and depressive episodes. Sometimes stress can be avoided, but for the times when it can't, try meditation, yoga, a job or brisk walk, or even a late-afternoon nap to take the edge off.


Talk to you psychiatrist or psychologist about the prognosis for your disorder. Come up with a plan for how to handle possibile relapses or recurrences of the disorder.



Keep track of the ebb and flow of your disorder, which episodes come when, how long they tend to last, and what happens next. Once you've experienced your own personal bipolar biorhythm for a while, you can make an educated guess as to what's coming and try to prepare for it, if not prevent it.


Stop blaming yourself for having bipolar disorder. It's not your fault. Nor is it your mother's or your father's. None of us gets to pick and choose our genes. Use the energy you're expending on guilt to get yourself better and get yourself to a better place in your life.


On the other hand, don't take the biological basis of the disorder as permission to take no responsibility for yourself and your actions. You can't change your biology, but you can try to stop it from destroying your life and lives of those around you. You are not responsible for your disease, but you are responsible for yourself.

[janbear]

First and foremost, know the names and dosages of all your medications. Write them down on an index card if you need to, and carry it with you at all times. This is your protection against the mistakes that are made all to often in pharmacies and physicians' offices, and it's your passport to appropriate treatment in the event of an emergency



A complicated drug regimen can be made much simpler by getting a 7-day pill box and putting a week's worth of pills together at one time. Also consider making a list of your meds, doses, and timing and post it on your refrigerator, on your bathroom mirror, or in your date book.



Ask your doctor if there's an extended-release or sustained-release form of your medication. This will mean fewer pills to take fewer times during the day and might make it easier for you to remember to take your medications.





Don't just suffer through side effects in silence. Often you can try other treatment options that might reduce your suffering. Talk to your doctor.

[janbear]

As you would in family-focused therapy, try to educate your family about bipolar disorder so they can begin to understand what you're dealing with as well as what they're up against. Then sit down as a team and try to brainstorm ways to make your interactions more positive.

[janbear]

If you're having trouble finding the right medication to beat back your disorder, or if you're reacting badly to your medications, or you're pregnant, or you're simply so ill you don't have time to let the meds. do their job, you need to seriously consider electroconvulsive therapy. Let go of your preconceived notions, and learn about it. Discuss it with your doctor. Then make your decision-and remember it is yours to make.

[Doraine]

Not only am I an alcoholic I have Bipolar disorder. I was diagnosed in early sobriety. My symptoms are under control with medication. I haven't been manic or depressed in a long time. I go to group twice a week.:72:

[janbear]

I am bi-polar as well, Doraine. Glad the meds. help you. I am on meds. as well, i still have slight periodic episodes, but i am tons better, for that i am very grateful

[janbear]

Keep an ongoing mood chart or mood journal.

[janbear]

Create a list of your symptoms, both for mania and for depression. Give a copy to at least one other person who can watch for outward signs of your disorder while you patrol your internal corridors.

[janbear]

Talk with your clinician or physician about an emergency plan for when you begin to notice the signs of oncoming mania or depressi Keep one copy for yourself, give another to your doctor, and give one or more copies to people close to you-family members, friends, your partner-who can help you if you're not able to help yourself.

[janbear]

Talk to your clinician about providing you with either a prescription or a small supply of rescue medication for emergencies.

[janbear]

Be sure you have 24-hour emergency contact information for more than one clinician so you can implement your emergency plan whenever or wherever necessary.

[zoomie]

Good thread jan, I'v learned a lot!

[janbear]

Be aware that using recreational drugs or alcohol is going to predispose you to relapse-and that substance use is going to make bipolar relapses harder to stop or treat when they do occur.

[janbear]

You're better off crying wolf a few times than ignoring potentially meaningful signals of an upcoming change of mood. After all, wouldn't you rather have your doctor pat you on the back and tell you that you're fine than visit you in the hospital and up your medications?

[janbear]

If you're prone to sudden suicidal thoughts or feelings, keep yourself out of temptation's way. For instance, keep only a small amount of your medications around, and don't keep weapons in your house.

[Doraine]

I haven't made a suicide attempt since I got sober. We had a group member commit suicide this year in spite of his years of sobriety so it can happen.

[janbear]

yes, i have seen it happen also, Doraine.

[janbear]

Abstain from drug and alcohol use. If you are bipolar, do not drink or use drugs, no matter how casually. It's an invitation to disaster.

[janbear]

If you already have a real drug or alcohol problem, do something about it. Join a 12-step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, and start taking steps toward sobriety. You'll likely find these programs help you take steps toward mood stability as well.

[janbear]

You can also help yourself avoid using or abusing substances simply by being aware of the circumstances that lead to the abuse. Do you have certain friends with whom you often drink? Find something else to do together. Are there certain social situations that lead inevitably to drug use/ Try to avoid those events. Are you trying to self-medicate? Talk to your doctor about adjusting your medication to better relieve your symptoms.

[janbear]

If you're experiencing symptoms of sexual addiction or compulsiveness, talk to your doctor. Or if you'd prefer, seek out a 12-step or other self-help group for strategies on how to get a handle on the situation before it gets a handle on you.

[janbear]

Take responsiblity for your actions without making excuses for yourself.

[mellotripp]

When I was still diagnosed Bipolar, now that they say that I am schizo affective, the ups and downs of my mood swings were unbearable. Yesterday instead of being intolerable, I chose to go for a walk. Up, down, in, out, One Way... the Other. Here we go, keep up with me now...

[janbear]

Get support. You might want to join a 12-step or some other type group if any of your burned bridges are the result of alcohol, narcotics, or sexual addiction. The things you'll learn there can be applied to other aspects of you life too, including your bipolar disorder.

[janbear]

Write letters, make phone calls, repay debts. Apologize

[janbear]

Accept the consequences of your actions, but live in the here and now. There's a huge difference between taking full responsibility for what you've done and beating yourself up for your past mistakes.

[janbear]

If you've gotten yourself into money trouble, talk with a financial counselor about your options. It's easy to get angry at the credit card companies and collection agencies, but they didn't spend all that money. You did. Now you have to figure out how to pay at least some of it back.

[janbear]

Consider giving someone you trust a durable power of attorney so he or she can make financial decisions on your behalf should you no longer be capable of doing so. This keeps you in the driver's seat, because you, rather than a court, are the one selecing who will be in charge.

[mellotripp]

Taming Bipolar disorder is alot like recovery. We must surrender to the fact that we have it, and instead of trying to control it, surrender again to the fact that it is beyond our control. Never forget to take your medication, don't let the appeal of those manic highs draw you into wanting to feel a legal high. For I have always fallen for that dangerous symptom, I can never control it, once I'm there. Now the depressive side of the disease can also be an on going downer that reqiures quick medical attention.

[janbear]

Reach out to people around you. Ask for help. Ask for support. Ask for them to simply keep an eye out to let you know if you seem to be acting in a unusal manner.
From: Lori Oliwenstein

[barita_lola]

Hi friend, do you know bipolar disorder can run in families. It usually starts in late adolescence or early adulthood. If you think you may have it, tell your health care provider. A medical checkup can rule out other illnesses that might cause your mood changes. Untreated, bipolar disorder can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide