This blog is an option and that option is based upon personal experiences. I am not a license Doctor or healthcare professional. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self harm call 911 or Suicide Prevention Hotline (800) 273-8255 immediately. Should you have any questions or concerns please contact your local hospital, health clinic, Church, healthcare provider or research online for more information.

Introduction

Hello all you rock n’ rollers of words, today blog post is addressing those misconception that comes with having Bipolar Disorder. Where to start this blog? Hello my name is Sunny Larue blogger, Martini admirer, music lover and I am diagnosed bipolar disorder. I think this post will be my third time going into detail about my condition. I know with this blog it will be more technical than personal. A good starting point is I get asked many questions about my condition but the common four questions are:

What Is Bipolar?

What Type Do I Have?

Why Do I Call My Bipolar My “Chum”?

How Do I Manage Episodes?

September is National Suicide Prevention month.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm seek help immediately
by dialing 911 or local emergency service
or calling National Suicide Prevention Lifeline hotline 800-273-8255.

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What Exactly Is Bipolar?

There are three types of bipolar disorder. These types range from moderate to extreme. If at any point you feel your have these symptoms seek help. Contact health care professional for testing. There isn’t any known clues to point to that causes Bipolar. Doctors and scientists confirm that bipolar disorder has a genetic component. In my family there’s six of us and all six of us struggle with some form of mental illness. Over ten million people nation wide struggle with some form of bipolar. Another known fact is bipolar doesn’t discriminate or have any gender preference. The only difference between men, women and bipolar is varies emotional experiences of each episodes.

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Bipolar Type I

This type of bipolar is common diagnosed. Displays manic episodes that typically last anywhere from one to seven days. More serve symptoms of this type can require hospitalization. Common symptoms of this type of bipolar are;

• lots of energy
• feeling jumpy or wired
• trouble sleeping
• agitated or irritable state
• lack of concentration or loss of thoughts
• engaging in reckless or risky behavior

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Bipolar Type II

Is a pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes that are mild in compassion to bipolar type I. Common symptoms of this type of bipolar are;

• elevated mood swings
• exaggerated self confidence
• decrease of sleep
• increased energy

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Cyclothymic Disorder

Prolong periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that last two years or less. Symptoms of this type is a combination of type I and II of bipolar but not as extreme.

• emotional highs and lows
• unpredictable nature of mood swings

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What Type Do I Have?

I am diagnosed with Type I Bipolar. I document my dealings with my Chum and his bandmates in a series of blogs title “Confessions Of A Depressive Mind”.

If you are experiencing Suicidal Thoughts or Self Harm
Call 911
Or
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
(800) 273-8255

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Why Do I Call My Bipolar My “Chum”?

I have encounter many people who really don’t understand what having a mental disorders diagnosis means. I have listened and learned that in coversating, most folks get their information or definition about mental health online through sites like WebMD etc. or watch those commercials that advertise mental health medication with a whole jaw dropping side effects which can be confusing. Strangely most people have this idea of what mental illness look like as well. In other words having a mental disorder means you are “crazy”. Therefore as a crazy person you act out the symptoms becoming that disorder or what’s displayed in those awful commercials. The reality is a person struggling with mental disorder isn’t define by their diagnosis or symptoms. I don’t walk around acting out my symptoms nor putting them on display just as people don’t walk around pooping on themselves then displaying a dirty diaper.

I call my bipolar my “Chum” because its a humorous way of deflating an intense moment. If I was to say in casual conversation at a dinner table, I’m a manic depressive the response would be guard up. Everyone’s defense is up, standoff and close to having a healthy conversation. I just became the crazy person at the table. If I was to say I have bipolar type I, the conversation would turn defensive. Lacking understanding, compassion loaded up with misinformation telling the crazy person just how crazy they are. If I introduce my bipolar as a person “hey everybody meet my Chum” pointing to empty seat, yes I still be the crazy person at the table but now I have your attention guard down with smiles. By deflating intense moment we can have a few chuckles as we have a healthy conversation about what life is like dealing with bipolar aka my Chum.

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How Do I Manage Episodes?

Managing my symptoms have gotten easier as time have pass. Through therapy I learned techniques and helpful tools to use to ease the stress of a full blown episode. My good friend and champion Missy T (Tesha) once told me not to focus on the negativity to an episode. I should focus my energy on what I enjoy doing and go for it. These are the tools I use in my dealings with my Chum.

• Writing (keeping a journal cataloging my episodes)
• Blogging (being creative gives me a feeling of joy)
• Music (playlist consists of music that is positive & good vibes)
• Crafting (good to keep hands, mind focused)
• Cooking (finding healthier choices away to feel better)
• Family/Friends (talking to family/friends is a good outlet)

If you are experiencing Suicidal Thoughts or Self Harm call 911
Or
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
(800) 273-8255

Your Not Alone

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Final Note

I find that having inspiration is that last positive vibe needed to get over the hump. Having something to look forward to is important. Focusing engery on a project then finishing no matter what is a huge accomplishment. Inspiration can be found everywhere even in the unlikely places or person. Inspiring to be productive and to move forward not allowing whatever illment take control. It’s all baby steps the key is to continue taking those baby steps. What a sense of accomplishment focusing on something that is important. It’s the best way to kick the devil in the pants.

Until next time…..

Reference Articles from;
WebMD
Mayo Clinic
National Institute For Mental Health