2009 June « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder and the economy: A great reader comment

Here is a comment from J. on my blog about the economic climate in this country- it’s a good one!

thank u for this. I needed some cheering up. financially we are at out wits’ end. I function only due to my meds. without them i’d be dead now. bipolar is no joke, and having financial problems on top of it…well, it’s hard to stay sane. I CAN choose to enjoy as much of my life THIS MOMENT as I can, no matter what is going on around me. so I try. I fight depression. my meds keep me from mania which is good or we’d be in worse trouble. I thank god I still have left things to be thankful for RIGHT NOW. tomorrow will be dealt with tomorrow. that’s how I cope with money problems I can’t fix. one day at a time. if I live in the present I can cope [ Read More ]

A Wonderful Weekend Retreat

Well, isn’t it nice to read that I had a great weekend! It was great to experience it, believe me. This past few months have been such a challenge (euphemism!), so feeling better is wonderful. And no, I’m not manic. (Thank goodness.)

I went to an interfaith retreat for people with disabilities who work with people who have disabilities! – brain disorders and physical disabilities. Yes, some people have trouble with the word disability, but I believe it’s an honest word that honors the struggles those of us who are not able to work, run, talk, etc go through. Does that make sense? It was a joyful experience of shared stories and a lot of learning.

I will post some pictures because it was a happy time. So yes, even if you have chronic, relentless and debhiliting depression, the episode can end and things can get better.

And [ Read More ]

bipolar disorder and going to the hospital

Just out of the Hospital?

Here are some tips:

– Try to recreate the hospital environment at home so that you can ease back into life. Hospitals can be traumatic, but they can also be comforting. There is a routine with set meal times and doctor rounds. Structure helps so much when you get out of the hospital.

– Forget the guilt. Just let it go. I mean this. You went to the hospital because you were sick. If anyone is telling you otherwise, tell them they have to mess with me! People who are seriously physically ill go to the hospital and their loved ones feel relief that the person is safe. A person goes to a psych ward and everyone gets freaky scared! You went to the hospital because you have a physical illness called bipolar disorder and it got a bit too strong for you to take care of it on your [ Read More ]