David is my 8 year old nephew. We are very close. I have told him about my bipolar since he was old enough to talk! Today we made a recording about what it’s like to have an Auntie Wee who has bipolar disorder. I will post it soon! I just asked him what advice he has for people with bipolar disorder:
Well, try to do happy things and not like sad things when you’re extra sick. Happy things like – for me, two days full of getting my legos organized and then I want all of things for the right sets in order so that I know where the pieces are – they are in all giant bin and I’m sorting them now so that’s easier.
Here is a question about the antipsychotic Seroquel and weight gain.
Hi Julie,
I have been on Seroquel for over 5 years now. I have Bipolar with psychosis. I am tired of the weight gain fight. Seroquel has been very affective in controlling the psychosis which I have frequently. Is there anything that can replace the Seroquel in controlling the psychosis without the weight gain?
Stinker
Hi There Stinker,
Here is a short answer to your question:
Maybe.
Here is a longer one:
Everyone responds differently to antipsychotics. Many gain wait on them, but some don’t. It’s very, very well documented for example that Zyprexa has an average 20 lb weight gain. Seroquel, Risperdal, and the other atypical antipsychotics are known for weight gain around the stomach. This leads to a complication called Metabolic Syndrome- I wrote quite a great article on [ Read More ]
– Turn off your computer and put it in a computer bag in the other room! – Turn off the internet. – Turn off the cell phone – Put a sign on your door that says do not disturb. – Find a CD that you play each time you work.
I am turning off my computer right now as I need to get some papers in order. This means I can’t check my darn OCD inducing, time sucking email.
I am going to court tomorrow, and I have been a mess, shakey, anxious, and frustrated at everybody around me. I feel like everything someone says is just irritating and worthless to me. I don’t’ want to around anybody, but I know that is not healthy for me. I have been getting worse all week leading up to this stressful situation. I am worried that I am going to have a full blown depression episode. I cannot concentrate and am having trouble sleeping.
Hi Colby,
Isn’t it amazing what stress can do to our bodies and minds… I would be stressed too. It hits us harder- that’s for sure. It’s amazing that you are aware of your anger and frustration- this means you can keep it from ruining relationships and getting you into trouble. I was majorly irritated yesterday and even yelled at a friend- I felt terrible and then realized that is [ Read More ]
Lamictal (Lamotrigine): Anti-convulsant used as a mood stabilizer in Bipolar Disorder. Lamictal is a great drug for depression and rapid cycling. It’s not an anti-mania drug.
I have been on Lamictal for five years- with very few side effects. When I raised my dose I had an odd reaction. My eyes became dry and the area under my eyes became very puffy. I actually just did a few videos for my blog and I look ill! It’s a weird side effect. As I write this, I feel like I have been lightly punched in the eyes. I will have to put the videos here just so you can see what I mean.
Lithium: The only true ‘mood stabilizer.’ What many don’t know is that lithium is used to treat bipolar mania and not bipolar depression. It’s the same with Tegretol. Tegretol is an anticonvulsant like Lamictal, but it’s used to treat bipolar mania.
I just received the following comment from Judi. Believe me, I understand her worries and frustrations, as I am sure many of you do as well.
Hi Julie,
I find it very hard to tell my son that I can’t take the mood swings that go with him. He has been unstable for years. Right now I am the only person he can talk to. If I turn my back on him now I’m sure he will commit suicide. There seems to be no way out for me. He needs to be hospitalized but that will NEVER happen. He told me that if I call 911 he will either kill himself or the person that shows up at his door. LOST
Judi
Hello Judi, ( I posted your comment on the blog as well- it’s such an important topic.)
It’s quite a coincidence I received your comment this morning. I recently wrote down [ Read More ]
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Mom Brain Podcast
Listen to Julie’s latest interview on bipolar disorder and mental health in children, teens and adults on the Mom Brain Podcast with Hilaria Baldwin and Daphne Oz.
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