2009 July « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder Dysphoric Mania: Just work through it Julie!

I’m here in my office using all the ideas I can think of from my books! I have an article due- it’s going well- but getting the work done is literally physically painful! My brain feels like it’s going to explode and my body is very uncomfortable- it’s a mild form of dysphoric mania where my mood is mildly down but my energy is agitated. I’m definitely having trouble concentrating. Dysphoric mania is the opposite of euphoric mania (where things feels good!) – psychosis is often a part of dysphoric mania, though I’m not feeling any psychotic symptoms. When I start seeing things- then I’ll worry about psychosis. This all has to make me laugh a bit. I’m so used to these mood swings- and so used to writing about bipolar disorder that I am no longer even scared of the odd symptoms-

How I will get my work done:

Set an extremely specific goal [ Read More ]

Working through bipolar anxiety

Bipolar anxiety is really common when you’re depressed- and a large part of dysphoric mania where depression and mania are combined.

But there is also just plain old anxiety that visits on its own. I call this free form anxiety as it just sort of floats around and comes in and out in waves. When this happens, as it is today- I have to remind myself that….

You can work through anxiety. Your body will still function and work can still get done. It’s just not comfortable. After over two weeks of solid mood swings, I’m feeling better, but the anxiety is floating around! I’m working on an article on psychosis. I love this topic and am excited to get it done- so I have to work through this anxiety that wants me to stop. It makes my body feel so tense and uncomfortable !

I made a promise to myself a long time [ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder Medication Side Effects: Dry mouth

Try BreathRx Fresh Breath System- this company provides a mint and gum that increases saliva. There are so many drugs that cause a dry mouth, so this is a life saver! (Get it!) SSRIs such as Prozac, Zoloft, Welbutrin and Celexa are known to cause dry mouth.

Dry mouth from bipolar drugs can make your teeth brittle- which means they can crack more easily! So, keeping your mouth moist helps. A night guard is a good idea as well.

Have you been to the dentist lately?

Julie

Here is a link to the Breath RX products:

https://store.breathrx.com/refresh.php

[ Read More ]