Julie,<\/p>\n
I love your book on Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder.\u00a0 I am bipolar and my partner and I have been working with it for HOURS since I got out of the hospital (a true hellhole) a few days ago.\u00a0 I see that you work with a naturopath, but I see no mention of natural remedies that I have found VERY useful, such as Rescue Remedy and other floral remedies, essential oils, homeopathy, and special vitamin and mineral supplements.\u00a0 Any reason why?<\/p>\n
Hi Satina, Thank you for your kind comments.<\/p>\n
I’m so glad the book is helping your relationship. That book was born from a lot of pain, but it has helped so many people.I mention natural remedies in all of my other books- Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder was meant more for the partner than the person with the illness, so direct bipolar disorder treatment was not explored fully.<\/p>\n
I mention Rescue Remedy in a lot of my work, especially in Bipolar Happens, as well as herbs and other naturally based supplements. But… I do have to stress that they are best used with medications and a solid treatment plan – and that we have to be really careful as certain supplements can interact with meds or even exacerbate symptoms. I have to be\u00a0super careful with all supplements, especially those that affect serotonin!<\/p>\n
I also feel that yoga and especially yoga breathing is a great tool for bipolar disorder management. I have a yoga mat in my office and do a short session when the anxiety gets bad. I listen to the yoga classes straight from Itunes.<\/p>\n
I remember when my former partner Ivan came home from the hospital. He had been through SO much. He was manic and psychotic for over a month. I’m sorry your experience in the hosptial was a bad one- Ivan had a better experience as he really was too ill to manage the illness on his own. It was much easier for me that he was there. I was very scared and had no idea how to help him. I was so happy to have him home, but it certainly took time for him to acclimate back to his old life. He has always used his diet as a way to stay healthy and tried a lot of nasty tasting Chinese herbs!<\/p>\n
I often use massage in combination with acupuncture for stress- and see my naturopathic nurse practitioner for my medication needs.\u00a0 Massage is also a great way to relax.I believe in a combination of western and naturopathic health care. There is a place for both. And I certainly believe that books are an important part of any plan.\u00a0 (And don’t forget the love of pets!)<\/p>\n
One issue is the expense of natural treatments- more insurance plans are waking up and letting people explore their options, but there is still a long way to go. I often trade my skills such as working with an acupuncturist who wants to write a book.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It helps to get creative. I am so glad your partner is there to help and that you are working together!<\/p>\n
Julie<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Julie,<\/p>\n
I love your book on Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder. I am bipolar and my partner and I have been working with it for HOURS since I got out of the hospital (a true hellhole) a few days ago. I see that you work with a naturopath, but I see no mention of natural remedies that I have found VERY useful, such as Rescue Remedy and other floral remedies, essential oils, homeopathy, and special vitamin and mineral supplements. Any reason why?<\/p>\n
Hi Satina, Thank you for your kind comments.<\/p>\n
I’m so glad the book is helping your relationship. That book was born from a lot of pain, but it has helped so many people.I mention natural remedies in all of my other books- Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder was meant more for the partner than the person with the illness, so direct bipolar disorder treatment was not explored fully.<\/p>\n