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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Mentor
Jim, Volunteer Mentor | @jimhd | Apr 5, 2020
In reply to @tjprather "My sister is losing her hair from thyroid condition. I always compliment her. She bought a..." + (show)
@tjprather

My sister is losing her hair from thyroid condition. I always compliment her. She bought a wig and she look's 15 years younger. I keep myself clean and I have to look in the mirror to shave. You don't to be bi-polar to feel that way. Many people don't like aging. I do because I know when my life ends I know where I'm going. Our bodies will be healed and we all will look good. I watch my mom a d dad age to me they were beautiful. I worked hard for my lines in my face and took on any adventure that came my way. You are handsome Jim and always be. will be. Don't let that mirror work against you. Tom.

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@tjprather Thanks for your uplifting words, Tom.

Jim

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marjou | @marjou | May 13, 2020

When I can somehow push myself out I do try a bit of volunteering. Lately it's in the form of helping fill food bags which is done about every other week. It helps me to get out of house and do some good. Planting a few flowers outside my home seems to help as well plus it gives me something pretty to look at and care for. Hope this is helpful.

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marjou | @marjou | May 13, 2020
In reply to @tjprather "My sister is losing her hair from thyroid condition. I always compliment her. She bought a..." + (show)
@tjprather

My sister is losing her hair from thyroid condition. I always compliment her. She bought a wig and she look's 15 years younger. I keep myself clean and I have to look in the mirror to shave. You don't to be bi-polar to feel that way. Many people don't like aging. I do because I know when my life ends I know where I'm going. Our bodies will be healed and we all will look good. I watch my mom a d dad age to me they were beautiful. I worked hard for my lines in my face and took on any adventure that came my way. You are handsome Jim and always be. will be. Don't let that mirror work against you. Tom.

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Am jumping in this conversation about hair loss and aging. As a post menopausal woman along with thyroid condition hair loss has been devastating. Society has led us to believe that hair and youth is everything, but that's not true. We the aging population have a lot of wisdom to offer and that is also a charming, handsome trait. Jim you have the courage to express yourself. Thank you for your post.

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marjou | @marjou | May 13, 2020
In reply to @jimhd "@tjprather I don't like looking in the mirror. I only do so when I'm drying my..." + (show)
@jimhd

@tjprather I don't like looking in the mirror. I only do so when I'm drying my hair or to make sure my clothes are ok. My life has been on a rough patch of road for 20 years or so.

Jim

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Hey Jim,
I, too, dislike looking in the mirror at this stage of life. Trying to date at this stage is almost comical and rather limited given the current state of Covid-19. However, you honesty in your writing is very courageous and bravo!👏👏

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lauralouisenelson | @lauralouisenelson | Mar 10, 2023

Interesting that you mention coffee as something that is helpful against depression. While I haven't been "diagnosed" with depression, I reject these DSM labels, I do experience very low/depressive moods, usually after very poor sleep. On those days, coffee puts me right into a downward spiral, that's specifically how I know it's going to be a tough day. Not smart enough to stop drinking it though. Daily exercise in the form of running/walking and a strength/stretch/balance routine with some yoga pilates moves thrown in is as essential to my well being as water. Projects where I'm using my hands - drawing, painting, quilting, gardening, making - are anti depressants unto themselves, results/progress is tangible. I'm choosing the non medication route, I don't trust any of it, and have decided on talk therapy, only 2 months in, progress is slow, don't know if it will ultimately help, but I've been burned by (benzo) meds, so am super reluctant to fill any more pharma pockets at the expense of brain health. It's a complex issue, I may have to change my tune if current course doesn't help.
Best

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1 reply
heather9167 | @heather9167 | Jan 30 1:49pm
In reply to @healthytoday "Thanks, yeah, mine. The saguaro coke bottles was one of the bathroom walls in the earthship..." + (show)
@healthytoday

Thanks, yeah, mine. The saguaro coke bottles was one of the bathroom walls in the earthship house we built in Cibola County, NM. My point is to show my need to express myself artistically which I think is part of my bi-polar and ADHD make up.

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Hi. I have bipolar2 depression and adhd. Nice combo. I usually to Adderall. Do u know any new medications r worth trying for ADHD? Something that lasts longer. I love to sing. That's my artistic talent. Thanks
.

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evieinnz | @evieinnz | Jan 31 12:55pm
In reply to @lauralouisenelson "Interesting that you mention coffee as something that is helpful against depression. While I haven't been..." + (show)
@lauralouisenelson

Interesting that you mention coffee as something that is helpful against depression. While I haven't been "diagnosed" with depression, I reject these DSM labels, I do experience very low/depressive moods, usually after very poor sleep. On those days, coffee puts me right into a downward spiral, that's specifically how I know it's going to be a tough day. Not smart enough to stop drinking it though. Daily exercise in the form of running/walking and a strength/stretch/balance routine with some yoga pilates moves thrown in is as essential to my well being as water. Projects where I'm using my hands - drawing, painting, quilting, gardening, making - are anti depressants unto themselves, results/progress is tangible. I'm choosing the non medication route, I don't trust any of it, and have decided on talk therapy, only 2 months in, progress is slow, don't know if it will ultimately help, but I've been burned by (benzo) meds, so am super reluctant to fill any more pharma pockets at the expense of brain health. It's a complex issue, I may have to change my tune if current course doesn't help.
Best

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I’ve recently heard if your gut is right then it helps mental health. Might be worth a try.
Someone I knew was addicted to coffee which made him unstable, mentally.😕

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