future nomad

a new chapter.

[keylim3]

I don't understand this..

How did the world become like this? Run on power and greed. I want to be the first one there, when Mars becomes colonized. Love, Light, and Peace.

[vijara]

lately i’ve been replacing my “i’m sorry”s with “thank you”s, like instead of “sorry i’m late” i’ll say “thanks for waiting for me”, or instead of “sorry for being such a mess” i’ll say “thank you for loving me and caring about me unconditionally” and it’s not only shifted the way i think and feel about myself but also improved my relationships with others who now get to receive my gratitude instead of my negativity

[keylim3]

Wow thank you!

[mentalhealthexperiences-deactiv]

Resources for Psychotic Disorders

What is Psychosis?

What is Psychosis?

The Symptoms of Psychosis

Psychotic Experiences

What are Hallucinations?

What are Delusions?

What is Disorganized Speech?

Catatonic Schizophrenia 

Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Psychotic Disorders

Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders

What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia Fact Sheet

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

About Schizophrenia 

What is Schizoaffective Disorder?

Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder 

Schizophreniform Disorder

Delusional Disorder

Symptoms of Delusional Disorder

Brief Psychotic Disorder

Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Dealing with Psychosis

How Can I Help Myself?

Coping with Hallucinations and Delusions

Getting Help and Support (Hearing Voices Network)

Schizophrenics Anonymous

Schizophrenia Treatment

Dealing with Paranoia 

Self Help for Psychosis

CBT for Psychosis

[keylim3]

Very helpful and informative

[dissociationdays]

Dissociation and Traumas

Dissociation is a coping technique usually in its origins. It may come from trauma, equally however it may not, or may not come from severe trauma. Within psychiatry there are big T traumas and little t traumas. The differences are as follows –

Big T –  Big T traumas are a traumatic event that everyone would in general find traumatic for example an unexpected loss of a loved one or a plane crash.

Little t –  Little t traumas are what is difficult for someone on a more personal individual level, such as loss of a loved pet, bullying or something important to you as an individual.

There are two different forms of how dissociation may manifest itself to help you initially deal with the prompting event, these are as follows:

One person may experience something difficult and deal with it by having a very vivid recollection of the experience however having gaps in their memories or finding the event hard to describe.

On the other hand, a person may not recollect anything or only small parts of the experience or may not remember the sequence of events in exactly the correct order.

Dissociation is first and foremost a coping technique, for example a woman was involved in a car crash and she had severe injuries, however due to being in a dissociated state, was able to help three other individuals before she was unable to continue helping.  

There are two areas of the brain linked to difficult events that concern memory and emotion. The brain holds onto things that are important to your survival of the events.

Your brain may also keep sending signals that remind you of the event, long after it is over. Although this again is your brains way of trying to protect you from further harm. However, if this impacts on your life negatively such as feeling overwhelmed or feeling numb or any other difficult symptoms it is advisable to seek professional help.  

Therapy and talking or having counselling can help you fit your experiences into the bigger picture of your life, and not just focus on difficult times. It may not fill your memory bank full or rediscover memories but it might help you make sense of them.

[sheisrecovering]

[dissociationdays]

Mindfulness Techniques That Can Compliment Grounding

Listed below are a few simple techniques that are in line with mindfulness, that can help grounding techniques be more effective. Hope you find it helpful:

NB: if you have depersonalisation based dissociation body awareness mindfulness can be great, however if you have body memories/tactile hallucinations etc it can be unsettling/triggering. So please think carefully about what you as an individual or as a system can cope with.

1. Whenever sitting or standing take a few moments to focus on your posture, draw up tall, plant your feet on the floor and hold your head up. (This will also make you appear more confident and improve your posture!)

2. Choose an activity in your day to do in slow motion, taking time over every aspect. For example making a cup of tea, pay attention to how much you fill the kettle, notice the bubbling/boiling sounds, then make a cup of tea as you would normally, but focussing on doing everything slowly and deliberately. If you have judgements pop into your head like “I look silly” or “This is taking forever” just acknowledge them, but try to let them pass and not cloud your mind.

3. (Similar to two but more fun) - Choose an activity that you enjoy or calms you, for this example I will choose what I have got into doing recently which is Decopatch. This is effectively covering cardboard figurines/boxes/letters in pretty paper, but you rip the paper up small and stick it on like patchwork. I will post a picture of some letters I did last week, so you know what I mean. It is calming and fun, and gets a good result! But the key here is to do it patiently and to focus on the task, not do it mindlessly, thinking about your last text/what’s on TV later/what’s for dinner etc. You could also substitute my example by making a recovery collage from ripped up magazines, crochet or knitting, writing poetry or reading.

4. (This ones weird …..Stay with me on this one!) SHOUT -if you live near a wood/forest/beach then go into a secluded place (safely) and yell (about anything you like!) if you have no where quiet or hidden just shout into your pillow. It can be validating and can focus you on what is really going on in your mind if you just effectively rant with no filter and no one hearing you. Warning: If you are having a tough time, this may not be great because you may focus largely on negatives that may become distressing, but equally could be a release.

5. Take a different route. Do you always go the same way to college/school/work etc? Or try a different method of transport - if you can safely. It will keep you focused on where you are going and you will pay conscious attention to your surroundings because they won’t be so familiar. (Avoid any triggering areas)

6. If you feel overwhelmed ….. Accept it. Use positive self talk and safety statements. For example “I have two assignments due tomorrow and I’m tired, I need to call my Grandma and make dinner” or “I have therapy tomorrow and the trains are all cancelled - how will I get there?” Acknowledge you are feeling overwhelmed and then use strong safety statements such as “I may be overwhelmed, but I am safe” or “I am feeling overwhelmed, but this will pass.” Using strong “I” statements helps to focus and ground you. This is not minimising how you are feeling, but trying to go with it and break things into chunks while reassuring yourself.

7. Go outside - may seem simple/obvious but if you are at school/uni/work all day you can lose your connection with natural things, especially with so much technology these days. Feed the ducks, listen to bird song, sit on the grass in the park, roll down big hills!! It’s grounding, mindful and fun! (Especially for DID systems with little parts!)

8. This next one can help combat loneliness and isolation. Meeting new people with shared interests or even just people who also suffer from similar problems to you, can validate and ground you to reality. There is a website called www.meetup.com where people all over who you can join in their meetings for different hobbies which you can search online on their website above or even on their app for smart phones meetup. This can help you build confidence, friendships and some people who can help you in crisis once you have got to know them. Also you can do the same for them when you are able, and that contribution will make you feel good too.

9. Show compassion to others in a mindful way, without getting caught up in judgements. Think of when someone showed you compassion last….what helped, what didn’t? Try to be compassionate at least once a day, as this can build self esteem and help turn your focus a little more outwards, so you are not snowed under with your own problems/struggles/pain, it will not make your suffering leave, but it may lessen it.

10. Write down 3 things a day you are grateful for. It could be as simple as “I’m grateful the sun shone” or “I’m thankful the train wasn’t crowded” but it can be deeper too. Try to keep these in a small memo book or diary, so you can refer back to them, and notice even the tiny positives in life. If there is something you are grateful for but there was a negativity attached to it, try not to judge that,accept it, then let it go and focus on the positive.

Some of the above are hard to do and will take work. But I hope someone finds something helpful here.

Next post will be a picture example of my “patience” activity.

Amy ❤️

[keylim3]

Bipolar Disorder

How to get rid of bipolar fixation? I’m on meds (Cymbalta and Zyprexa) now.

[keylim3]

It’s easy to feel uncared for when people aren’t able to communicate and connect with you in the way you need. And it’s so hard not to internalize that silence as a reflection on your worth. But the truth is that the way other people operate is not about you. Most people are so caught up in their own responsibilities, struggles, and anxiety that the thought of asking someone else how they’re doing doesn’t even cross their mind. They aren’t inherently bad or uncaring — they’re just busy and self-focused. ... And that’s okay. It’s not evidence of some fundamental failing on your part. It doesn’t make you unlovable or invisible. It just means that those people aren’t very good at looking beyond their own world. But the fact that you are — that despite the darkness you feel, you have the ability to share your love and light with others — is a strength. Your work isn’t to change who you are; it’s to find people who are able to give you the connection you need. Because despite what you feel, you are not too much. You are not too sensitive or too needy. You are thoughtful and empathetic. You are compassionate and kind. And with or without anyone’s acknowledgment or affection, you are enough. – Daniell Koepke

[dissociationdays]

Here is a worksheet you can use to deal with self harm urges whilst you are dissociating. It has prompts which should help you stay on track. We will post a blank copy next so if you like you can print it off. Even if you aren’t dissociating you can use this sheet for self harm urges too <3

[dissociationdays]

❤️

[boykvngs]

Little things you can do to Love Yourself First

Here be some suggestions for self-care and self love. Keep in mind that we are all individuals and might need different things, not everything will work for you, you just have to keep trying. I know how difficult it is to love yourself, particularly if your lack of self-love comes from depression, anxiety, lack of body-confidence etc. And I admit to not doing everything I can to help myself, but I’ve made a list of suggestions for myself and for you also. I’m turning over a new leaf and learning to love myself.

Go for a walk. The worst thing I have ever done to myself is keep myself cooped up in my own house. Hiding yourself away from the world damages your confidence even further, believe me. The world seems a lot smaller when all you see is your own four walls. Getting out means getting out of your own head and away from your negative thoughts. Keep this up, be persistent and walk every day. Take someone with you, or go alone and listen to music. Fresh air really does you a lot of good.

For artists: Draw yourself. As an artist you can see the fine details and beauty in everything. Creating self-portraits makes you familiar with your own face (no one knows their own face as well as they think) and you can learn to look at your face in the same way you might look at someone else’s.

Camomile tea can help settle upset stomachs, give you a better night’s sleep, soothes menstrual craps, helps with anxiety. Peppermint tea helps with IBS symptoms and anxiety.

Take a bath now and then. It relaxes your muscles and should help you get a better nights sleep. Speaking of which…

Go to sleep earlier, if you can.

Take your medication. Remember to take your meds, a timer on your phone could help you remember, you could buy one of those plastic cases that separate the days.

Exercise. I know, exercising sucks. But when I took up jogging I felt so much better physically and mentally, I don’t know why I stopped or why I haven’t gone back to it.

Meditate. I’m not going to pretend I know much about this but I hear it really helps with anxiety and I’m going to give it a go.

Talk to someone. Personally, I think this is one of the hardest things to do. I don’t want to talk to my family because I don’t want them to be upset, I don’t talk to a doctor because I’m afraid. But not talking has made me more unhappy, and it’s harder to talk the longer you put it off.

Try again. If you tried medication or therapy and it didn’t work out the way you hoped you need to try again. There is a right fit for you.

Make an effort to be social. I know this is hard for those with anxiety disorders, I understand because I have the same issues. But remember you don’t have to do what you’re uncomfortable with. You can go to a quiet place like the park with your friends, or even stay in and watch a movie or just hang out. Just make sure you interact.

Express yourself. Draw, read, write, dance, act, do whatever you enjoy, make time for it.

Try something new. A new hairstyle, wear that shirt you’ve been afraid to wear, wear darker lipstick. You look great.

Write a list. Make a list of everything you want to accomplish that day, even if it’s just something like read a chapter of a book or go for a walk. Ticking it off when it’s done is incredibly satisfying.

I know these aren’t miracle cures. They’re just little things you can do to make your life a little more positive. I also know how hard it is to be persistent with these things, I know I won’t do all of them, but trying is the point. Loving yourself is hard and I don’t even know how to truly do it, I just know that a willingness to try is a wonderful start.

Take care of yourselves and always keep fighting.

[a-dormant-blog]

My List of Coping Skills / Self Care:

+ Read a book. + Talk to a friend. + Color. + Take a shower/bath. + Clean up your desk. + Clean up your room. + Watch a lighthearted TV show. + Wake up in time to see the sunrise. + Do yoga in the morning sunlight. + Take the cats out to play in the backyard. + Go to Barnes & Noble. + Go for a walk in the prairies. + Update bullet journal. + Vacuum the family room. + Do some sweeping. + Read recovery tags. + Write about your worries. + Talk to dad. + Watercolors. + Throw in a load of laundry. + Eat a nourishing meal. + Put on scented lotion. + Make a list of what you want to let go of, then rip it/burn it/etc. + Go for a hike. + Drink a fruit smoothie or glass of water. + List positive things about yourself. + Light incense. + Call therapist if necessary to schedule earlier appointment. + Call crisis line if things are exceptionally bad. They WILL help you. + Listen to a guided meditation or affirmation video. + Take a survey. + Get a snack from the gas station. + Curl up in bed with my cats. + Take some time to cry it out full force. + Look up new recipes to try. + Visit the animal shelter. + Learn a new Swedish word. + Work in the garden. + Play vocabulary games on Freerice.com. + Light a candle. + Make a list of things you’re thankful for. + Pros and Cons list. + Radical acceptance. + Opposite to emotion action. + Compliment someone sincerely. + Eat a comfort food. + Just get outside for a little while. + Wash comforter and sheets so they smell really nice. + Make bed super comfy. + Listen to uplifting music/sing along. + Watch childhood cartoons. + Set small daily/weekly/monthly goals. + Take meds with food. + Remember to stop and stretch every now and then. + Think about your own Harry Potter patronus memory. + Watch Harry Potter. + Make a wishlist on Amazon. + Look up new books to read on Goodreads. + Read a poem. + Press flowers. + Doodle. + Take selfies. + Edit photos. + Watch backpacking videos. + Read hiking/trail journals. + Paint your emotions abstractly. + Create a pleasant bedtime routine. + Brush teeth/wash face/wash hands/clip nails. + Put on nail polish. + Collage. + Take your vitamins. + Play games on phone. + Write pen pal letters. + Go out to eat/for a snack. + Update recovery apps. + Make a fancy breakfast with lots of foods you love. + Watch a documentary on something you want to learn about. + Visit a thrift store. + Watch recovery videos. …And I’ll keep adding to this as I come up with more things!

[quoted-books]

I must say a word about fear. It is life’s only true opponent. Only fear can defeat life. It is a clever, treacherous adversary, how well I know. It has no decency, respects no law or convention, shows no mercy. It goes for your weakest spot, which it finds with unnerving ease. It begins in your mind, always … so you must fight hard to express it. You must fight hard to shine the light of words upon it. Because if you don’t, if your fear becomes a wordless darkness that you avoid, perhaps even manage to forget, you open yourself to further attacks of fear because you never truly fought the opponent who defeated you.

Yann Martel, Life of Pi (via quoted-books)

[quoted-books]

Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in face of certain defeat.

Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man  (via quoted-books)

[caffeineboost]

shout out to mentally ill students who are still trying their hardest to get amazing grades despite dealing with symptoms

shout out to mentally ill students are are just going through the motions and even though they know they want good grades they can’t bring themselves to care

shout out to mentally ill students who take time off and skip homework because they need to put their mental health first

shout out to mentally ill students who don’t want to get a diagnosis because they’re afraid it will impact their future careers

shout out to mentally ill students who have to juggle homework with therapy sessions and any other extracurriculars they do

shout out to mentally ill students. you rock my world.

[solarcitrus]

You just go for it!  Take it at your own pace and try your best to not be impatient with yourself!  Your level and speed of growth might be faster/slower than someone else’s, so focus on your own path and let the journey take you to amazing places and opportunities!  There’s obvs going to be obstacles in the way of what you want to do, but the greater the accomplishment requires even greater challenges, though the real question is if you’re willing to take the plunge and try anyways?

[shelbys-advice-blog]

Hey, I was wondering if you could give me some info on bipolar disorder? I know that tou can't diagnose anything obviously but I'm just really sad for a few days and I can literally feel like ending everything and the next day I feel happy and like I should start up new hobbies and can achieve really great things. I also find myself being very irritable without realising it and getting frustrated really quickly, love your blog honey xx

Hi darling, xx

I can totally give you some information on bipolar disorder, and I appreciate you understanding that I cannot diagnose you with anything. I’m urging you to speak to your doctor about your concerns about possibly having bipolar disorder because your doctor knows best!

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression, is a mood disorder characterized by exaggerated mood swings. Bipolar means two poles—or extremes—and if you have bipolar disorder you are likely to have intense ups and downs. You might experience varying extremes of mania—or “up” periods—and depression— or “down” periods.

Mood episodes

Everyone has ups and downs (including those related to hormonal changes in adolescence and to the menstrual cycle in women). However, bipolar disorder is a medical condition where you have extreme mood swings, or “mood episodes,” widely out of proportion, or totally unrelated to what’s happening in your life. These swings affect your thoughts, feelings, physical health, emotional health, behavior and day-to-day functioning. These symptoms can be extremely disruptive to your life, and distressing to your friends and family.

Every time you experience symptoms at one extreme for at least one week, it is called an episode. People with bipolar disorder experience four main mood episodes—mania, hypo mania, depression and mixed mood.

Manic episode (or “Mania”)

A manic episode happens when you experience an unusual and constantly elevated or bad-tempered mood, lasting at least one week.

During times of mania, you might experience:

Elevated or euphoric mood. This can include being full of energy and being happy. Euphoria is often described as being on a high or “on top of the world;”

Changes in activity levels. You might notice changes in your sleeping and eating patterns;

Faster thinking and speaking patterns. Thoughts can be quicker than usual, which might lead you to speak faster and jump from subject to subject;

Lack of inhibitions. You might find it more difficult to see what the consequences of your actions could be;

Irritability. You might be more likely to be angry or annoyed with others, particularly if they seem to reject your plans or ideas;

Unrealistic, or grandiose, plans and beliefs. You might have unrealistic beliefs about your talents. For example, you might believe that you’re a king, queen, film star or religious figure;

Risk taking behavior. You might take unnecessary and unsafe risk;

Hyper sexuality. You might experience increased sexual thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, or use explicit sexual language;

Measuring behavior. You might find it hard to decide what behavior is appropriate in a particular situation.

A “hypo manic episode” is similar to a manic episode, with less extreme symptoms.

Depressive episode

A depressive episode is when you have either a depressed mood or the loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities. This episode typically lasts for at least two weeks.

When you are experiencing a depressed mood you might:

Lose interest in day-to-day activities;

Feel unusually tired and exhausted;

Have no appetite or an increased appetite, and experience changes in body weight;

Feel worthless or guilty;

Have difficulty concentrating.

Check out the fact sheet on Depression for more information about the characteristics of depression.

Mixed episode

A mixed episode is when you experience both manic and major depressive symptoms nearly every day for at least one week. Your mood might vary with the time of the day.

Types of bipolar disorder

Diagnoses of different bipolar disorders are based on your experience of mood changes, what relatives and friends tell mental health professionals about what they’ve witnessed, professional observation, and an assessment by a psychiatrist or other mental health professional who is licensed to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. Understanding the different classifications of bipolar disorder can help you identifying the best way of managing it.

Bipolar I

Bipolar I is a type of disorder where you experience one or more manic episode or mixed episode, and often one or more major depressive episode. Each depressive episode can last for several weeks or months, alternating with intense symptoms of mania that can last just as long. Between these extremes, you might have periods where life continues normally. Your symptoms can also be affected by changes in season or life situations that come up, like school exams.

Bipolar II

Bipolar II is a type of disorder where you experience one or more major depressive episode, along with at least one hypo manic episode. Between episodes, there might be periods of normal life functioning. Symptoms might also be related to seasonal changes and life situations.

Cyclothymic disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is a chronic, or long-lasting, fluctuating mood pattern that involves periods of hypo-mania and periods of depression. It is a milder form of bipolar disorder. The duration of the symptoms is shorter, less severe and not as regular.

Bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (NOS)

When symptoms don’t fit any other type of bipolar disorder; it is called bipolar disorder not otherwise specified. Although the experiences of this form of bipolar disorder vary from person to person, someone with bipolar disorder NOS will still experience some variation of manic and depressive episodes. Just like the other types of bipolar disorder, bipolar disorder NOS is a treatable disorder.

Causes of bipolar disorder

Men and women have equal chances of developing bipolar disorder, although men are often diagnosed at an earlier age. Bipolar disorder might be associated with a combination of factors, including genetics, biochemistry, stress and in some cases the seasons. Approximately 1% to 5% of people suffer from bipolar disorder.

Getting help for bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a treatable illness, and usually requires long-term management. Many people with bipolar disorder are creative and intelligent, and with proper management of this condition, can lead full and productive lives. Treatment options are available for managing both mania and depression. It is a good idea to speak to your doctor about which options might be best for you.

Medication. Your local doctor should be able to tell you about what medications are available for bipolar disorder. Most people are referred to a psychiatrist for diagnosis and medical treatment.  Mood stabilizers, anti-psychotics and antidepressants can all be used to control bipolar disorder.

Seeing a counselor or psychologist. If you’re experiencing bipolar disorder, you might also find it helpful to talk with someone like a psychologist, counselor, social worker or other mental health professional. By doing this, you can gain a better understanding of what you’re experiencing. It can also be helpful just to talk about how you feel, and these professionals should help you work out why you feel this way. In most situations, a psychiatrist will manage any medication and monitor your situation, while another mental health professional can assist you to manage your life better. For more information on what kind of professional can help, check out the Get Help section.

Family/friend support network. Family members and friends can help with the day-to-day management of bipolar disorder by providing feedback on mood states, as well as by giving support, friendship, understanding and a non-judgmental listening ear.

Support groups. Bipolar disorder support groups offer valuable first-hand information from others who live with the disorder. You can find support both locally and on the Internet.

Lifestyle. Regulating your eating and sleeping patterns can help you manage bipolar disorder, and can help prevent manic, hypomanic, depressive or mixed episodes.  You should also consider drinking less or no alcohol and not taking drugs.

Stress management and relaxation.  Decreasing stress levels, planning ahead and learning relaxation techniques are also important strategies that can help control bipolar disorder.

Hotlines. When things get tough and you want to talk to someone anonymously about your emotions, or if you’re worried about a friend whom you suspect might be bipolar, you can call youth helpline Your Life Your Voice at 1-800 448-3000, run by Boys Town for everyone. The hotline is free and staffed 24 hours a day with trained volunteers. If you are feeling suicidal, or worried about a friend who might be suicidal or in crisis, you can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Psychiatric hospital. To keep safe and get the best support, it might be necessary to be admitted to hospital during more extreme episodes of mania or depression. Check out the Psychiatric hospitals or wards fact sheet for more info.

Helping someone with bipolar disorder

If you have a friend or a family member who has bipolar disorder, you might want to check out the Supporting someone with a mental illness fact sheet.

Depression and Bipolar Disorder Support Alliance

National Institute of Mental Health

U.S. Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

(source)

Help Guide Resources:

Bipolar Disorder Signs and Symptoms                    

Bipolar Disorder Treatment                    

Bipolar Support and Self-Help                                        

Helping a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder                    

Bipolar Medication Guide

General information:

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Causes

Signs & Symptoms

Who Is At Risk?

Diagnosis

Treatments

Living With

Clinical Trials

What is bipolar disorder?                        

Signs and symptoms                        

Treatment                        

Self-Help                        

Bipolar disorder and suicide                      

Causes and triggers                      

More help for bipolar disorder                      

Resources and references

Treatment, Diagnostic & more:

Bipolar Disorder Guide                        

Overview & Facts                

Symptoms & Types                

Diagnosis & Tests                  

Treatment & Care                  

Home Remedies                  

Finding Help   

Once you’ve looked over those links. I have some general advice and a few more links on what you could do here plus I have some coping skills for you:

Finding Therapy, Doctors, & Medication

NeedyMeds.org

Something Fishy - How will I pay?

Mental Health America - How do I find treatment?

Free/Cheap Medication

The Medicine Program

Find a Therapist

Good Therapy.org

Insurance Issues

Qualities and Skills of a Good Counselor

The Difference Between a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Therapist & Counselor

Preparing for Appointments

how to plan ahead

what to take to a hospital/doctors appointment: the 7 essentials you’ll be glad you packed

7 ways to rock your hospital appointments

download some symptom tracking apps

Navigating the Appointment

a doctor’s view of patients with chronic disease

diagnosis - at the doctor’s office

“can we talk?” - communicating with your doctor

NIH - talking to your doctor about specific conditions

communicating with your doctor(UCSF medical center)

communicating with your doctor(canceradvocacy.org)

questions to ask your doctor

Getting a Diagnosis

diagnosis - a how-to of how to get one

diagnosis, what diagnosis?

6 secrets to getting the right medical diagnosis

how to get the right diagnosis - why doctors goof

Other tips for successful bipolar disorder treatment:

Be patient. Don’t expect an immediate and total cure. Have patience with the treatment process. It can take time to find the right program that works for you.

Communicate with your treatment provider. Your treatment program will change over time, so keep in close contact with your doctor or therapist. Talk to your provider if your condition or needs change and be honest about your symptoms and any medication side effects.

Take your medication as instructed. If you’re taking medication, follow all instructions and take it faithfully. Don’t skip or change your dose without first talking with your doctor.

Get therapy. While medication may be able to manage some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder, therapy teaches you skills you can use in all areas of your life. Therapy can help you learn how to deal with your disorder, cope with problems, regulate your mood, change the way you think, and improve your relationships.

Develop a wellness toolbox

If you spot any warning signs of mania or depression, it’s important to act swiftly. In such times, it’s helpful to have a wellness toolbox to draw from. A wellness toolbox consists of coping skills and activities you can do to maintain a stable mood or to get better when you’re feeling “off.”

The coping techniques that work best will be unique to your situation, symptoms, and preferences. It takes experimentation and time to find a winning strategy. However, many people with bipolar disorder have found the following tools to be helpful in reducing symptoms and maintaining wellness:

talk to a supportive person

get a full eight hours of sleep

cut back on your activities

attend a support group

call your doctor or therapist

do something fun or creative

take time for yourself to relax and unwind

write in your journal

exercise

ask for extra help from loved ones

cut back on sugar, alcohol, and caffeine

increase your exposure to light

increase or decrease the stimulation in your environment

Create an emergency action plan

Despite your best efforts, there may be times when you experience a relapse into full-blown mania or severe depression. In crisis situations where your safety is at stake, your loved ones or doctor may have to take charge of your care. Such times can leave you feeling helpless and out of control, but having a crisis plan in place allows you to maintain some degree of maintain some degree of responsibility for your own treatment.

More help for bipolar support

Bipolar Disorder Treatment:Treatment and Therapy for Bipolar Mania and Bipolar Depression

Bipolar Disorder Signs and Symptoms: Recognizing Mania, Hypomania and Bipolar Depression

Bipolar Support and Self-Help:Living and Coping with Bipolar Disorder

Helping Loved Ones with Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar Disorder in Children, Teens, and Family Members

Bipolar Medication Guide:Medications and Drugs for Bipolar Disorder Treatment

(more here.)

Please let me know if you ever need some more help or advice. I’m always here xoxo

[keylim3]