1. < Mental Health

Bipolar and ideas of how to help ourselves beyond medication

Posted by healthytoday @healthytoday, Dec 10, 2018

Bipolar, I decided no matter what, I could study it, and get to know it. From there, I added vitamins (especially B and omega3. I felt better. Also, activity and funny movies helped. There are so many things I could do besides medication. I do have the milder form of it and have seem family members with a more severe illness. Meds are a life saver at certain times, and I was put on prozac back in the 1990's for 7 years that helped me get through my teaching career. At that time I needed "the big boys" to help with the heavy lifting, but being retired I rely on life style and not on any psy. agents. What a struggle. Anyone have simple ideas that help? Oh, I did find good coffee a boost against depression, but since my heart abif no more caffeine....: (...but dark chocolate is okay. I do miss coffee. I love beautiful music really can raise my mood. Once a therapist suggested a sad movie once a week to bring on a good cry. Tears release toxins. What else can we do for ourselves?

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catcatanzaro60 | @catcatanzaro60 | Jan 30, 2019

@petangelkat1 Welcome to the Group
Having Bipolar / Adhd/ any mental illness can be put on the shelf in many cubicles to help assist with Mental help to all of us. but it is not real until
we do therapy -massages- doctor visits -etc I am convinced by the medical field and myself that I have ADHD. I have always been on the go -Getting in trouble as a kid.
I had a genuine love for animals and people though.
I was close to my father who was a very mean abused Bipolar man up till his dying day this year. I don't remember anything about my mom except, my dad abusing her constantly. I felt at a young age to protect her. I have always loved her but when I sinned as Adult I was a disgrace to her. I still honor and love her like no other. She lived a life of hell too. But my father taught me about God. My Mom lets me know I may go to Hell for my sins today. Anyway, I stay confused about my mental issues. I knew my ADHD was real. I could not focus. I daydreamed a lot. I was never organized but kept my room spotless.
I have learned to try to be on time. I put a chalkboard on my front inside door This way I would read it daily to not forget appointments etc. I have also been told I might have a mild Bipolar. I have symptoms like going shopping all the time, higher sex drive than others, talking too much. But I had one partner for 30 years, no credit cards. I learned to listen. My main focus is Jesus Christ. And I know he will see me thru anything. God Bless Just thoughts

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Moderator
Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Jan 31, 2019
In reply to @oprah "Yes, I am bipolar and have tried lamotrigine. It had no effect on me whatsoever. I..." + (show)
@oprah

Yes, I am bipolar and have tried lamotrigine. It had no effect on me whatsoever. I have never experienced symptoms such as you describe, however. Good luck.

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Hi, @oprah - what are the main symptoms you experience from your bipolar disorder?

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1 reply
Oprah | @oprah | Jan 31, 2019

The absolute worst problem I have is anger. I just can't handle the great fluctuation in moods. People don't understand and it makes life very lonely. Have been told be several psychiatrists that I can't be helped. Most days it is unbearable. Sometimes I get confused about what the real problem is. I wouldn't wish this on anyone!

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2 replies
healthytoday | @healthytoday | Jan 31, 2019
In reply to @oprah "The absolute worst problem I have is anger. I just can't handle the great fluctuation in..." + (show)
@oprah

The absolute worst problem I have is anger. I just can't handle the great fluctuation in moods. People don't understand and it makes life very lonely. Have been told be several psychiatrists that I can't be helped. Most days it is unbearable. Sometimes I get confused about what the real problem is. I wouldn't wish this on anyone!

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Have you tried a spiritual practice? Things beyond our control are best surrendered to the divine. I wonder what your life style is like?

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catcatanzaro60 | @catcatanzaro60 | Feb 1, 2019

@oprah Surround yourself around happy kind people at all times Turn to your higher power Forgive yourself everyday EVERYDAY Replace your anger in your mind with POSITIVE things. Maybe you need to go to the woods alone and throw rocks at a target and each time Say to yourself why you are so angry all the time as you hit the rocks on the target. Then as time goes on Forgive yourself and others Live and Let Go Dont believe there is no hope for you. It is a lie unless you are Psychopathic. Then I don't know.

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Oprah | @oprah | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @lisalucier "Hi, @oprah - what are the main symptoms you experience from your bipolar disorder?" + (show)
@lisalucier

Hi, @oprah - what are the main symptoms you experience from your bipolar disorder?

Jump to this post

I need help. Is there any way I can connect to you by phone? Thanks.

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1 reply
Oprah | @oprah | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @lisalucier "Hi, @healthytoday and @gingerw - you've mentioned that medication can help with bipolar disorder, but that..." + (show)
@lisalucier

Hi, @healthytoday and @gingerw - you've mentioned that medication can help with bipolar disorder, but that many other lifestyle and self-care tactics can also be useful for managing this condition, such as funny movies, vitamins, activity, coffee, music, dark chocolate, journaling, meditation, volunteering, laughter, and understanding friends.

I'd like to invite other Connect members who have talked about bipolar disorder into this conversation to share some of the strategies that have helped them or a loved one with this diagnosis. Please meet @oprah @jp37019 @catcatanzaro60 @mizmaui444 @nodepression @kimmy @eva @teri15 @amberpep @hoffman @miss2sassy @lingram @jgl15 @trouse @put @mamaw @carl777 @kennethdbass @brenbren @hoagie6 @jaburrill @livedriftwood @randi1966 @ryan4250 @kelliedenise @jillnielsen @hussah @halhilde @tiffanyvillier @renwald @1lundboat @carlysmith011 @cathy615 @aesmayo01 @calypso @mblbirch @lauralee88 @121314 @pony @amelia42 @pinktart @redhedplus @sandytoes14 @windwalker.

I also wanted to share this Mayo Clinic information on bipolar disorder: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955

@healthytoday - you mentioned that with your bipolar disorder, you decided no matter what that you could study it and get to know it. It sounds as though this type of study may have been part of helping you with your condition? Any recommendations on information on bipolar disorder you found that was helpful?

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I need help. Can I reach u by phone?

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cyndy76 | @cyndy76 | Feb 1, 2019

Yoga help an some kind of artistic piece

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Moderator
Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @oprah "I need help. Is there any way I can connect to you by phone? Thanks." + (show)
@oprah

I need help. Is there any way I can connect to you by phone? Thanks.

Jump to this post

Hi, @oprah, I hear that you are needing help. What I'd suggest is to fill out this form, and someone from our moderation team will get back to you https://connect.mayoclinic.org/contact-a-community-moderator/.

Is there anything you'd like to discuss right now?

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Moderator
Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Feb 4, 2019
In reply to @oprah "The absolute worst problem I have is anger. I just can't handle the great fluctuation in..." + (show)
@oprah

The absolute worst problem I have is anger. I just can't handle the great fluctuation in moods. People don't understand and it makes life very lonely. Have been told be several psychiatrists that I can't be helped. Most days it is unbearable. Sometimes I get confused about what the real problem is. I wouldn't wish this on anyone!

Jump to this post

@oprah - just wanted to check in and see how things are going?

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