A Touch of Peace
Inspirational Poet and Author Tanya Merced
Book Reviews
What is bipolar?
Bipolar is a mental disorder that causes extreme mood swings. This disorder is also known as manic-depression. According to psychologists and neurologists, this illness appears to be a chemical imbalance in the brain. Bipolar is genetic. If one parent has it most likely their children will also show traces of it. Both men and women can have it. People of all ages can have bipolar. Although doctors claim that it is more severe in children and adolescents. People who have bipolar tend to go back and forth between mania and depression.
What are some signs of bipolar?
Let's see if I can give you some personal insight of some of the signs I experienced. I believe that all of us who do have this illness experience things differently, because we are all unique. Just like our thumbprints and DNA matter is unique I believe our behaviors are also unique.
* Signs of Mania
- Feeling extremely happy and having bursts of energy.
- When feeling extremely happy person does not rest nor sleep.
- Feeling extremely angry and irritable.
- Thinking about so many things at the same time and talking extremely fast. People may not understand your thoughts at all.
- Feeling very powerful~Like you can do anything~Superman or Superwoman comes to mind.
- Having difficulty concentrating.
- Spending too much money
*** Abusing drug or alcohol - haven't experience this one, but my psychiatrist told me that one of the signs is a person tries to self-medicate.
- Having unprotected sex.
* Signs of Depression
- No pleasure in things that use to give you joy. Example, sex.
- Feeling extremely sad or numb. You feel like your in a " dark den".
- Very sensitive, crying for no apparent reason.
- Having a heaviness about you, tired and restless, irritable.
- Feeling worthless and guilty for feeling this way.
- Change in appetite. I tend to eat very much. Others do not eat.
- Trouble recalling things, concentrating and making decisions.
- Headaches, backaches, and having digestive problems.
- Problems sleeping or sleeping all the time.
- Thoughts about death or suicide.
What are some signs of bipolar?
Let's see if I can give you some personal insight of some of the signs I experienced. I believe that all of us who do have this illness experience things differently, because we are all unique. Just like our thumbprints and DNA matter is unique I believe our behaviors are also unique.
* Signs of Mania
- Feeling extremely happy and having bursts of energy.
- When feeling extremely happy person does not rest nor sleep.
- Feeling extremely angry and irritable.
- Thinking about so many things at the same time and talking extremely fast. People may not understand your thoughts at all.
- Feeling very powerful~Like you can do anything~Superman or Superwoman comes to mind.
- Having difficulty concentrating.
- Spending too much money
*** Abusing drug or alcohol - haven't experience this one, but my psychiatrist told me that one of the signs is a person tries to self-medicate.
- Having unprotected sex.
* Signs of Depression
- No pleasure in things that use to give you joy. Example, sex.
- Feeling extremely sad or numb. You feel like your in a " dark den".
- Very sensitive, crying for no apparent reason.
- Having a heaviness about you, tired and restless, irritable.
- Feeling worthless and guilty for feeling this way.
- Change in appetite. I tend to eat very much. Others do not eat.
- Trouble recalling things, concentrating and making decisions.
- Headaches, backaches, and having digestive problems.
- Problems sleeping or sleeping all the time.
- Thoughts about death or suicide.
How is bipolar treated and what can we do?
Bipolar is usually treated by a doctor or psychologist. The method of choice is antidepressants or other mood stabilizers. Counseling may also be part of the treatment that is recommended.
I was given many different types of mood stabilizers and antidepressants the first couple of years. Some of the medicines did not work well with my body. I became physically sick or became more depressed or manic on these medications. Finally I was given Depakoe ER and Seroquel and together these medications have kept me in a balanced state. I am grateful that my psychiatrists listened to me and was able to help me through this difficult time in my life.
What can we do about bipolar?
*As an educator I recommend that we learn as much as we can by reading about bipolar and sharing this information with our family.
-Another thing that I suggest is prayer and finding healing scriptures.
-Setting up routines for yourself. Go to bed and wake up about the same time.
-Take your medications. ***This is a must.
-Avoid taking over the counter cold medications, pain relievers, allergy medicine.
- Hard one to do, but try to avoid stress.
- Learn the early sign of your illness and tell your doctor. **This is so hard for me, because I don't know when I am in a manic state of mind, depression is easier for me to detect.
- Join a support group.
I was given many different types of mood stabilizers and antidepressants the first couple of years. Some of the medicines did not work well with my body. I became physically sick or became more depressed or manic on these medications. Finally I was given Depakoe ER and Seroquel and together these medications have kept me in a balanced state. I am grateful that my psychiatrists listened to me and was able to help me through this difficult time in my life.
What can we do about bipolar?
*As an educator I recommend that we learn as much as we can by reading about bipolar and sharing this information with our family.
-Another thing that I suggest is prayer and finding healing scriptures.
-Setting up routines for yourself. Go to bed and wake up about the same time.
-Take your medications. ***This is a must.
-Avoid taking over the counter cold medications, pain relievers, allergy medicine.
- Hard one to do, but try to avoid stress.
- Learn the early sign of your illness and tell your doctor. **This is so hard for me, because I don't know when I am in a manic state of mind, depression is easier for me to detect.
- Join a support group.
Where can I find more information about bipolar?
The World Wide Web is a wonderful place to search for information, however, it is so big and we can sometimes get so overwhelmed and confused with the information out there. I have placed many resources here that I believe will help and guide you through this bipolar craze.
A Touch of Peace A personal website that I created that shares my personal testimony and has wonderful bipolar links.
Mental Health Net An excellent website full with valuable resources.
Patient Center Guides A website that contains supports and advocacy resources.
The Bipolar Child Tons of books, articles and newsletters to help parents with bipolar.
God's Little Acre A tribute to a sister who desperately struggled with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder Today People on this website are volunteers who help those with bipolar disorder.
Annie's Home Pages A personal site with wonderful encouraging words.
« Living Bipolar »A wonderful bipolar resource.
SiteRing by Bravenet.com
A Touch of Peace A personal website that I created that shares my personal testimony and has wonderful bipolar links.
Mental Health Net An excellent website full with valuable resources.
Patient Center Guides A website that contains supports and advocacy resources.
The Bipolar Child Tons of books, articles and newsletters to help parents with bipolar.
God's Little Acre A tribute to a sister who desperately struggled with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder Today People on this website are volunteers who help those with bipolar disorder.
Annie's Home Pages A personal site with wonderful encouraging words.
« Living Bipolar »A wonderful bipolar resource.
(This site in The Patriot Web Ring is owned by Tanya Merced)
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