I am going to court tomorrow, and I have been a mess, shaky, 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. I get snappy at people, even when they are trying to help and then I fell terrible!
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 [ Read More ]
Guess what guys. You can get better as you get older. I made it through my World Cup work without quitting or getting too sick! One more semi final and then the final on Sunday. Here’s the final result of the raffle I created a few weeks ago. We draw from this bucket of tickets on the 10th. The winner gets a RESERVED table for six. As good as gold! I’m excited to see Argentina play the Netherlands today and am glad I stuck this out. There were many moments when the bipolar said it was impossible for me to finish, but I used my Health Cards and worked it out! I will get back to the contest I talk about below once this work is [ Read More ]
As you may already know, Lamictal changed and saves my life. It’s the only drug I’ve been able to take since I was diagnosed in 1995. I am always singing the praises about the drug.
It comes with side effects for sure- the main one being a rash that can be serious. But it’s very, very rare. Many health care professionals are wary of Lamictal because of the rash, but I always remind people that a potential side effect is just that. If monitored correctly, the potential is small. Also, the rash is normally benign. Make sure your prescriber knows all of the history before saying no to prescribing Lamictal or Lamotrigine. A rash doesn’t mean you can’t take the drug. It often means you just need to start with a lower dose and increase is slowly.
When you’re a person who is depressed a great deal of the time, you have to really notice and appreciate the times when things go right. I have a phrase I use to remind myself that great things do happen in my life. I think it’s important to have a phrase to use each time you experience something great- a nice short phrase where you can say thanks for what happened.
When I have a good time with a friend- or someone helps me feel better, or I learn something or I get to go to karaoke and have fun!
I say, “Lucky me. Lucky me! ‘ to myself. This triggers the realization that good things happen to me.
BIPOLAR DISORDER: A genetic illness that makes it difficult for a person to regulate their moods. It’s not a personal failing, and though it can look like we’re a mess –we’re not!
SCHIZO AFFECTIVE DISORDER: Separate diagnosis of bipolar and psychotic disorder. When person has psychosis without a coexisting mood swing, it’s schizoaffective disorder. BP psychosis often comes with mania.
ABILIFY: Antipsychotic (neuroleptic) used for psychosis and mania. Side effects -agitation (akathesia). Possibly has less side effects than many anti psychotics.
LITHIUM: True mood stabilizer. Anti mania drug- possible anti depressant. First drug of choice in hospital. Can have little to very strong side effects. Very inexpensive. A salt.
People with insomnia count sheep. People with mania draw sheep and make a collage!
Manic sleeping problems are different from insomnia in many ways- with insomnia you’re tired, you want to sleep, you toss and turn, you worry about how worn out you will be in the morning and you often want medication relief.
I need a Tylenol PM!
With euphoric mania- Whew! You want to stay up, you’re wide awake and doing something creative. You have unlimited energy, a racing mind, and rapid body movements. You have no desire to get in bed and sleeping feels like a total waste of time. When the euphoria gets too high, it takes a lot of psychiatric medication to get to sleep (and you definitely don’t want to take them and wreck your [ Read More ]
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The health information contained herein is provided for general education purposes only. This site should not be seen as a substitute for an official diagnosis or for professional health care.
