A Simple Blood Test That Could Save You Thousands of Dollars in Psychiatric Bills
By: Lauren R. Tharp – http://littlezotz.com
I do not have Bi-Polar Disorder.
But, for a while, doctors thought I did.
……………Let me explain…
In my teen years, I was acting, well, a little “mental” as my dad would say. So, of course, I was taken to the best “mental” doctors. Various psychiatrists and psychologists hmm’d at my situation, nodding their heads, and stroking their chins: “Bi-Polar Disorder!” “Depression!” “Borderline!”
They had all sorts of ideas about my situation.
But why did all of my symptoms virtually disappear sometimes, usually right after a good meal? And why weren’t any of these doctors addressing my physical symptoms—like my cold hands and feet, chronic headaches, or sensitivity to light?
Long story short, my parents took me to a general practitioner. He investigated my physical symptoms, performed a glucose tolerance test, and I finally had my answer: Hypoglycemia.
Once I was put on a proper diet, nearly all of my symptoms disappeared! No drugs needed!
All of those years in psychiatric offices could have been prevented with a simple blood test.
The sad thing is; my case is not unique. Roberta Ruggiero, founder of the Hypoglycemia Support Foundation, has a similar story. She went for over a decade thinking her problem was all in her head—and was even administered electroshock therapy!—before she was finally given a blood sugar test.
Do I blame the doctors? Begrudgingly, my answer is “no.”
Bi-Polar Disorder and Hypoglycemia are shockingly similar!
Do these symptoms sound familiar?
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Emotional Fragility or Sensitivity (Big emotional reactions to “little” things)
- Mental Confusion
- Brain Chatter
- Indecisiveness
- Irritability
- Exhaustion
- Forgetfulness
- Chatterbox (Talking more than normal—usually with a lack of “filters.”)
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Nightmares or Night Terrors
- Antisocial Behavior or Noticeable Withdrawal from Activities
- Temper Tantrums
- Suicidal Thoughts or Tendencies
That was a list of the side-effects of Hypoglycemia. They’re almost indistinguishable from Bi-Polar Disorder, aren’t they?
However, if you’re also experiencing any of these symptoms…
Bad Breath
- Muscle Pain (Usually backaches)
- Chronic Indigestion
- Internal Trembling
- Chronically Cold Hands and Feet
- Dizziness
- Fainting or Blackouts
- Chronic Headaches
- Light and Noise Sensitivity
- Blurry Vision
- Numbness
- Excessive Sweating
- PMS
- Heart Palpitations
…I would urge you to take a blood sugar test!
Even if you’re sure you have Bi-Polar Disorder, it wouldn’t hurt to get tested. Even the best prescription drugs won’t help you to feel better if you’re a Hypoglycemic and you’re not eating right for your condition.
On that note, I’d like to mention that Depression does go hand-in-hand with Hypoglycemia. Nearly all Hypoglycemics experience Depression—whether as an actual mental condition or simply as a gnarly “side-effect.”
It’s during these times that I like to keep a copy of Julie Fast’s Get It Done When You’re Depressed by my side. It’s helped me to continue working, even when I really, really didn’t feel like it. Whether you’re Bi-Polar, Hypoglycemic, or something in-between… Get that book!
We’d love to hear what you think, please share your comments below.
I was talking with a friend this morning and saying that I wish that all of my relationships could just be ‘consistent.’ The problem is that people really aren’t consistent. Things happen and to expect everyone to stay the same just because you want them to is not realistic.
