Original Post Date: May 14, 2019

D I S C L A I M E R! I am not a licensed healthcare professional. This blog is based on my own personal opinion and experience and not to be used as a self diagnosis guide. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, self harm or showing any symptoms of depression; SEEK MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FROM A LICENSE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL or contact your local {Police Department}, {Fire Department}, {Hospital} or contact one of these facilities listed below or dial 9 1 1;

Vantage Point
National Institute of Mental Health
Substance Abused and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) 

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For the past week and half my Chum is enjoying his vacation. He’s been on extended stay turning my reality up-side-down into a three ring circus. I don’t know why I tend to focus on things that are so tiny on the grand scale that I end up making a mountain out of a molehill. I find myself feeling to emotions that are on the opposite of the spectrum aggressively angry or overly sensitive with no in between. I feel that there’s a bigger force at play.  A real dear friend of my a “champion” mentioned to me that she notice that during the last three episode I experienced lack of sleep and lack of eating properly.  She thinks that these issues are a huge factor in the intensity of my episodes. She brought up that when I am eating healthier getting the right amount of sleep my triggers are less in other words things that normally would be a trigger aren’t.  She brings up valid points let’s explore.

(Foods and Nutrients for Mania and Depression)
article posted on
Healthline.com

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Exploring A Better Diet

My Momma use to say “health isn’t only about taking medication, it’s about eating right, drinking plenty of water and having the right attitude.  Let’s face it Sanyo (Momma nickname for me) no one wants to be around a sour Betty” this was Mom way of saying get your act together and of course Mom is right.  It’s one thing to allow you mental disorder or any illness take control and it’s another to take back control. When I was diagnosed in my teens I went from a diet of M&M peanuts and Coke a day to eating fruits and vegetables. My mother incorporated more healthier, at one point I was pretty much on a vegetarian diet. Once I became an adult I went buck-wild partying, drinking, smoking cigarettes and eating crap.  Needless to say my life was in shambles and so was my mental state.  Depending on my mood my episodes were more aggressive angry or emotional overly sensitive.  Thanks to my Momma intervening along with the help of my Doctor I was back on track with a diet this time more tailored to my lifestyle.

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Avoid The Avoidable

According to “Everyday Health” here are five foods people with mental disorder should avoid; 
1. Caffeine 
2. Alcohol 
3. Sugar 
4. Salt
also avoiding foods that are high in cholesterol, carbs and saturated fat.

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Life As A Vegetarian

My life as a vegetarian was short lived.  True to form once I started to feel better I slipped back into bad habits. It’s like taking antibiotics. Your Doctor require you to finish the medication but once you start to feel better your stop. When I adopted a lifestyle of plant base food, I stopped smoking, drinking and of course eating bad. I also stopped with the sugary drinks such as soda, lemonade, sweet tea. Feeling healthier is more than just dieting it’s exercising as well.  I found articles that referred to certain foods such as red meat (beef), processed foods (sandwich meat), foods that are rich in carbs and added sugars are bad for people struggling with mental disorders. I also found that foods such as turkey, beans, whole grains and foods that are rich with Omega 3 such as fish are known as good foods. According to “WebMD” these foods are healthier alternatives; Fresh fruits, Vegetables, Lean meats and Fish (foods that have higher Omega 3 as mentioned above), foods that have higher fiber content like nuts, seeds and soy products (coconut milk and almond milk use as alternatives to whole milk).

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Research

In my researched I dug up tons of articles and sub-articles on this very subject.  I found the task overwhelming confusing. With so much information out there I was on overload.  I decide to wade through the waters focus on articles that focused on bipolar, breaking those articles down into twenty questions. Sigh okay breathe. Once I was armed with my questions, I sought the advice from my Doctor who then put me in touch with a nutritionist. Together the three of us came up with a game plan.  My Doctor pointed out it’s important to know your symptoms. Before breaking down which foods are good for your disorder, one must understand the difference between bipolar, Dysthymia and sadness.  Bipolar is often confused with sadness, although sadness does plays a big part in most mental disorders, being sad is quite different from having depression.

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D I S C L A I M E R! I am not a licensed healthcare professional. This blog is based on my own personal opinion and experience and not to be used as a self diagnosis guide. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, self harm or showing any symptoms of depression; SEEK MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FROM A LICENSE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL or contact your local {Police Department}, {Fire Department}, {Hospital} or contact one of these facilities listed below or dial 9 1 1;

Common Disorders Most People Struggle With;

Bipolar Disorder

Formally known as “manic depression” is a condition that causes extreme elevated mood swings. A bipolar episode can last anywhere from one to two days to several months depending on the person.  Some symptoms are; dramatic mood swings, sense of distraction or boredom, racing uncontrollable thoughts and aggressive behavior. Estimated 2.9% of Americans struggle with bipolar disorder and that percentage is growing.

Dysthymia

Is a condition of feeling extremely depressed that last over a two year period. Some symptoms are; feeling depressed, loss of interest in daily activity, low self-esteem, feeling inadequate and lack of energy.  Because this disorder is prolonged, someone who shows symptoms can take time getting the proper diagnosed. Estimated 1.5% of Americans are diagnosed with Dysthymia with a high percentage in adults.

Other common mental disorders; Psychotic Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Psychosis Disorder, Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety.

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With any mental illness or disorder the cause is unknown. Realizing the symptoms and seeking out professional medical advice from a licensed healthcare professional is important.  One you gain the knowledge and understand of your illness/disorder the rest is really simple. 

Here are some helpful tips;

Do Your Homework: There’s a lot of articles / material on this subject.  Some can be misleading.  Don’t just settle on one form of information.  It’s important to research I mean really research cross reference if you have to.  The more knowledge gain the better armed you are.

Ask Questions:  If you aren’t sure write down your questions.  Don’t be afraid to reach out. Some Doctors appointments aren’t necessary. Depending on the Doctor they will return your call within 24 to 48 hours.  You can also contact your healthcare provide (insurance company). PeopleKeep list of top 25 US Healthcare Providers.

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
The High Card
#likeoneanother
Closed for Business
Lemons
Stranger Things

Until next time…..