Hi, all, I too have been thru almost all of what all of you have talked about
. I am 65 and have been diagnosed bi polar since 1965, over 46 years ago. I was diagnosed when they 1st discovered the bi polar condition, so I've been told. Lucky me, I got to go thru all the lousy drugs that didn't work. Well several years later now, and many lost years, lost marriages, lost children, lost family, lost health (in many ways), lost income & money, lost property, lost friendships, lost carreer, lost...so much...but the upside is I'm now much much better. This much I can tell you, it takes lots of "internal fortitude" to get to the "other side" of the storm, even if it is still just a few yards behind me, sometimes times nipping at my heels, but it can be done. You just have to keep the bi polar raincoat and bp umbrella handy and the bp rain boots close at hand for when it floods. For me, years back, it used to be like the old saying..."I'm so low I could look up at a snake's belly"...I'll bet some, if not all of you have been there. I have. The trick is learning what works for you to keep you out of that place. It's not always exactly the same for everyone, usually similar, but not always identical. Each of us is unique. That may not make you happy just yet, but with work, eventually you will be proud that you are a unique special individual and that you've managed to come thru the storm and that you know enough to keep your bp raincoat and bp umbrella and bp boots close by, for emergencies. But there are things I do so I don't have to
open up my bi polar umbrella and put on my bp rain coat or get out the bp rain boots. I really work at keeping the rain away from my door step. 1st on my list, to "keep dry, so to speak", on my daily to do list, is my diet. I watch my diet carefully, no sugar, no junk food, no caffeine, low fat, nothing fired or smoked, (& for my unique health issue, no dairy....but most people can have that, I can't). I do eat lot's of fresh fruits and low carb veggies (very little potatoes), & low fat white turkey breast, water to drink (& some herbal teas) and lots of vitamins and some herbs specific for my needs. (Yes, I'm human and mess up every once in a while and forget to take my vitamins or eat junk food,but I always regret it!) I always take my meds, on time, every day. I lay out all my vitamins and my meds on the kitchen counter, in little plastic cups, every morning, so when ever I go into the kitchen, I see what I need to take next...it's an easy visual cue. Next is general personal grooming Have you ever noticed how depressed people don't take care of their cloths, hair, ect? One way to keep depression away is to take pride in how you look. Trust me, wash, get dressed in clean cloths, put on lipstick or shave and comb your hair and see if you don't feel better, You will, I know that for sure. Next is a little harder, but it works, but you may need to start with just doing a few min. at at time.... clean up where you live.Last, socialize, even over the internet, like on here. It really helps to have people to share with. There are other things, but those are the basics for me, your's may be more or different depending upon your circumstances. Now for my heavy gear protection, when Hell strikes out of the abyss and it does at times which I least expect it. Lets start with the umbrella...mine is the telephone. I call someone to talk, about
anything. I just need human contact and at those times, going out i most of the time, is too hard, so I phone someone and talk. If I can't phone someone, I turn on a funny TV program or funny movie...no tear jerkers...that I don't need. As for my raincoat...well for all of you know how to sew, you know a garment is made up of parts....so is my raincoat for my bi polar. 1st my bi polar rain coat is more exercise. (there's good research that shows exercise will release endorphins and they will raise your mood). Next for my boots is an herbal remedy....for me, it's GABA, which is OTC and I can easily get at any health food store. for me 15 min. after I take one, I feel better and I can again face the world and my problems. As for the boots, well that's when I have to face that it's beyond my ability to handle and I have to call in some heavy duty help. I've not had this happen in many years, but none the less, I still keep the option
open if I need it...that option being, I call someone who know's I'm BP who will drop everything and come and stay with me or take me to the Dr. if needed or at very worst, to the hospital (that has not happened to me in over 40 years...but I always know that option is available). Well that's what's in my BP Tool Kit...and they work for me...So what is in your "tool kit"...what is your umbrella and what is your raincoat and what are your boots? If you don't have a "tool Kit" start right this second and begin working one up for your self. Start simple....like with exercise. Everyone can do some type of exercise. Try getting out and taking a walk every day. You can always add to it or change it, but you must have one. Use mine if you like. I got mine from many other people who taught me to add this or that to my BP tool kit. You can survive this...it just takes a little planning. BTW that planning also includes your work and your home. Those things may change over time, so make sure you keep your "tool Kit" updated often...and really ...it's not that hard once you start. It just sounds like it might be, but really it's not. Just start with a little bit of a "tool Kit" and when you see it works for you, add in tools as you come across something that will work for you.
Post Edited (2Hawaii) : 5/22/2011 6:27:43 PM (GMT-6)