Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Depression, Suicide and Laughing

I am sure that seems like an odd blog title- but I find the whole thing odd that a person can be extremely depressed and be able to really laugh at something funny, like a silly dog video and then when the laughing is done, the depression is right there.

One of the dangerous realities of suicide is that people who are often very suicidal can actually seem normal. They can go about their lives, laugh a bit and even talk about the future- and inside all they think about is how they want their life to end. It’s very common.

If you are a family member of someone with bipolar disorder this can all be extremely confusing. How is it possible that we can act one way and think another way? How can we go to a birthday party, have fun and then go home and not be able to stop crying?

It’s part [ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder and Travel Time Changes …. sort of

I am having a good time in Michigan. It is a bit odd to be here as I have never visited my dad in his home. We were not in contact for a long time. It is nice to see where he lives. He is very happy and I love how calm his life is. I think we all want our relatives to be happy and calm. It’s not always like that is it! I know that my desire for a balanced, happy, financially secure and emotionally stable family is normal. I also know it’s up to me to create that in my life if others around me are not sable. What others do is up to them- how I interact with them is up to me!

I am here with my nephew David. I don’t have children- so he is my connection with the future! He is who I think of when my depression [ Read More ]

On My Way to Michigan

Yes, I am flying again. It’s quite a miracle. I was not able to fly for years- then I came up with my system that seems to work pretty well. I am with my 8 year old nephew this time, so that will be fine.

Flying is not the problem- it’s the getting ready. It is such a simple thing and yet such a stressful thing. I just stop every extraneous behavior in my life and prepare for the trip. I am visiting my dad and that is a long story!

My main tip for traveling is to get yourself on the time change time before you go. I got up at 5 this morning. I went to sleep at 10. That makes it easier. I also just deal with the anxiety because it’s DUMB to get anxious over such a simple one week trip. But this is my third flight in a year- and [ Read More ]

Baseball Inspiration

If you have been reading this blog for very long- you know I love to use sports analogies to teach about bipolar disorder management. A huge part of my treatment plan rests on a get it done philosophy. I have taught myself to get things done even when my brain tells me I should just kill myself or quit. My brain is very mean sometimes. I am sure you understand. If you love someone with bipolar- you don’t want to understand! It’s not pleasant. Athletes have to go out and get things done no matter how they are feeling as well. I admire that.

The following article from Yahoo Sports is an example of someone who made a decision and stuck to it. It inspires me.

Baseball Pitcher Finishes High School and Makes it Big in the Majors!

You don’t have to like sports to learn from the world’s greatest athletes. [ Read More ]

How are You Today?

I find that a really loaded question these days. Do I tell the truth? Part of the truth? Do I side step the question or do I lie?

When a person is depressed, it can be hard to answer the typical how are you question with an honest reply.

How am I? Thank you for asking. I have been suicidal for months and fear for my life, but I just keep going on and on and on.

How am I? I’m fine, thanks. How about that basketball game last night!

How am I? I had a manic episode last summer that ruined my marriage. Other than that, things are great!

How am I? I am so anxious I feel I am going to implode, but I have to get out in life to make money so that I can have enough money to buy my meds. My life is a mess.

Hmmmm. I don’t think [ Read More ]

Sleepy vs. Side Effect Drugged Sleepy

Oh wow. At age 46 I started having a very different reaction to my medications. I take brand Lamictal. I said in an earlier blog that I would write out the whole story in a newsletter and I will do that soon! If you are not on the newsletter list, you can sign up on the right.

I upped my meds a few weeks ago and am now having the sleepiness side effect I have not experienced for years. I often get blog questions asking about tiredness and if it means they are not getting enough sleep or good enough sleep. or if it is directly related to the medications. Here are some differences between the two:

Not Enough Sleep

1. It’s obvious that sleep the night before was not refreshing. You wake up tired and a bit cranky and worry that you will be tired in the afternoon, but you eventually wake up.

2. [ Read More ]