Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

The Bipolar Disorder Coping List

Beer, food, meth, stimulants, energy drinks, sex, bad relationships, smoking, tattoos, spending, raves, ecstasy, opioids, hard drugs, new shoes, new relationships, have a baby, nachos, lottery, obsessive friendship, junk food, caffeine, new lipstick, new haircut, hard liquor, party, buffet, new roommate, new city, fantasy football, …. anything to feel…. alive, better… something! You are NOT alone if you have a similar bipolar disorder coping list. We use the above to feel better because bipolar disorder is NOT treated successfully for the majority of us who live with it daily. When bipolar disorder is raging, it’s physically and mentally painful. We simply want to feel better. This way of coping isn’t smart. It’s not exactly forward thinking. It’s not good for our futures. But when an illness makes you want to die, [ Read More ]

It helps to find something you love to do with people you like to talk to…….

When I was depressed for so many years I tried constantly to find people to hang out with and watch sports. American football was actually very hard as there was usually a ‘discussion’ regarding what game would be on what TV and which one would have sound. The bartender always controlled the remote in a way I found stressful. Now I have found what I was looking for- I’m glad I didn’t quit. I found a soccer community to watch my favorite sport: European football. There are many reasons to love this game. I love the camaraderie and the room filled with guys in soccer jerseys. There are other reasons to like soccer as well. It’s essential that those of us with bipolar disorder find a place to go when we are down and people to talk to when we are lonely.

Julie

Bipolar Disorder Medications: Kaiser sues Pfizer over Mis-representation of Gabapentine (Neurontin)

It amazes me that Gabepentin (neurontin) is still prescribed for bipolar disorder. It’s used in jails and by health care professionals who might not know the facts. I wrote the blog below in 2012. How is it possible that four years later, the drug is still being used for people with bipolar disorder? I’d like to hear your experiences.

Here is a very interesting article regarding the drug gabapentine. Known mostly by it’s brand name Neurontin, the drug was touted as a medication for bipolar disorder. In reality, it often caused suicidal episodes – even though it took doctors a while to catch onto this. I was given Neurontin in 1998- it was my 22nd drug and by that time I had so many drugs in my body, this one only made things worse. I became [ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder and Holiday Cheer

Get ready for the holidays- today! I know, it’s not even Halloween yet here in the States, but planning ahead really works.

I’m planning my winter holidays right now. I tend to get overly stressed when I don’t plan ahead for holidays. There is so much cheer around me! Holiday cheer! If only regular people knew what it’s like for us. Especially those of us who have some odd family dynamics.

What are you doing for Thanksgiving? Where will you go for the holidays in December? Do you have plans for New Year’s? No matter where you live, December and January are usually on a different schedule. Bipolar disorder doesn’t like schedule changes!

Loneliness and suicidal thoughts can peak during the holidays. If we plan now- In [ Read More ]

Celebrate

Did you know: Bipolar disorder is much more than mania and depression? We have psychosis, anxiety in all of its forms with a great emphasis on OCD behaviors, ADD problems, physical restlessness and an overall intellectual curiosity that causes us to continue seeking the truth in life even when bipolar slaps us in the face. We must celebrate what we are. Julie

Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder

What Partners, Family Members and Friends Need to Know

Partners and family members of a person with bipolar disorder face many of the same challenges. They often have intense loyalty towards the person they love, but at the same time there may be anger, frustration and fear. For partners, the main concerns are usually whether the relationship can survive the illness and how bipolar disorder will affect children. For family members, the main concerns are usually the safety of their loved one and worry over how the illness is affecting the family dynamics. If one of these describes you, or if you simply aren’t sure how the illness may affect your life, please know there is hope. This page addresses some of the issues you may find yourself in today and suggests ways you can help your loved one get better. There is a link at the end of the article that will lead you [ Read More ]