Hello champions of words, today blog is quite unique in the guides that I followed advice from a dear friend who told me to write down your thoughts no matter what then when ready come back and visit. This is that blog. When I started the few sentences, I was coming out of an episode trying to connect back to familiar surroundings. At this point it has been eight days since I had a visit from my Chum. Its a strange thing what inspired me to write this down. Someone asked me specifically how is my mental health. The conversation started off innocently but I realized there’s so many misconception of bipolar.
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No introduction needed because today blog is an answer to the million dollar question “how is your mental health?” Oddly, its the question I get asked the most. Not about my hair in which I change often. Not about my writing or any other intriguing venue I’m working on, nope with this group is always about the current status of my mental health. Most of the time I’m not offended because people like that fact I present my mental disorder as if it’s a movie or story about my Chum and not come straight out and throw my bipolar episodes on the table like some piece a meat. With this crowd, you have to soften the blow. It’s like tasting food you never tasted before. The chef fix it up so you won’t know exactly what you’re eating until after you swallow. That’s my approach with telling someone about my bipolar diagnosis.
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👉 *Disclosure: I am not a licensed health care provider. This blog is based on personal opinion and experience. The researched information is provided by WebMD “Bipolar Disorder Myths and Facts” article and Wikipedia. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm contact your healthcare provider, licensed Doctor, local hospital or call 911*👈
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Here’s a few things most people don’t know about bipolar.
There are three types to this disorder.
BIPOLAR I – this type is when a person experiences elevated moods swings (highs and or lows) that last a long time. A episode usually last one to several days and in more severe cases the feeling of depression can lasts weeks. This type is most common.
BIPOLAR II – this type is when a person experiences periods of depression along with elevated mood swings. The highs and or lows aren’t as severe as Bipolar I. Most episodes last anywhere from hours to one or two days.
CYCLOTHYMIC DISORDER – is when a person experiences a episodes (highs and lows) that are mild in comparison to the other two. Most people who experience bouts sadness are misdiagnosed with type of bipolar disorder.
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Knowing the different types what’s the symptoms? Symptoms can vary from mild case of depression which falls under cyclothymic to the most severe cases in which self-harm and thoughts of suicides comes into play in any case if you think you might have mental illness disorder contact your health care provider or go to the nearest hospital for help.
👉 If you having thoughts of suicide or self-harm contact 911 for assistance. 👈
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255
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There’s no cure for bipolar, only ways to manage the symptoms. In the most severe cases medication and therapy is required. Mood Stabilizers Antidepressants Anti-mania drugs are commonly used, but the best to manage symptoms is by following a few simple logic
TRIGGERS – knowing your triggers is the first step in managing with bipolar. If you know the things that make you sad, or mad or even toxic relationships you can clean house rid yourself of these things and avoid triggering manic episodes.
DIET & EXERCISE – adopting a healthier diet and a daily workout routine can also help manage symptoms. Eating healthy cleanse the body rid of toxin such as caffeine and sugar which affects the brain. Exercising helps gives focus and you just feel better.
SUPPORT SYSTEM – it’s always a great idea to have a support system in place. People you trust that you can lean on if and when dealing with a full on episode.
EARLY DETECTION – early detection is always a good thing. You can feel when symptoms are coming on just like you feel a cold coming on. When you feel symptoms getting worse direct your focus to positive things like writing, painting, hiking or even listening to favorite uplifting music. Don’t let the train derail before getting to the station.
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Education is always the best way to better understand a person position. Its always great to have plans in the arsenal to help manage the symptoms. Sometimes that isn’t enough. When in the mist of an episode my advice would be to work through the symptoms. Turn to your support, focus on setting goals and meeting them. Allowing help in is a healthy way dealing verse struggling alone. Don’t feel like you have to go at it alone or please everyone or do everything. Struggling with bipolar or any mental illness or disorder can get overwhelming but keep in mind by following the four simple steps the life you may save can be your own.
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How’s my mental health? It varies, however, today my mental health is good. Taking all this one day at a time.
Until next time….
Images provide by:
Vector Cartoon Illustration
For more reads in my Confessions of a Depressive Mind Series try these…..
Repair My Armor
Crying In The Shadows
My Beloved
My Big Brother
Big Lips
My Chum
Confessions of a Depressed Mind
Over The Hump
Something Interesting
Welcome to the Dance
In the Trenches
Diary of a Manic Depressive
Uncontrollable Chaos
Bite Your Lips
Chicken Soup for the Soul
The High Card
#likeoneanother
Closed for Business
Lemons
Until next time…..