Some Important Messages

I'm sure most people are aware now of the "It Gets Better" PSA's that are going on, but here is one of my favorites:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GGAgtq_rQc

I think sharing a personal story is one of the most effective ways to reach out to people, especially kids.  Yes, there's still always going to be an element of "But you don't know how bad it is for me"and that's true.  No one can know but you -but once you start sharing and talking....it gets easier.  It's no longer so lonely.  Talking and sharing my struggles is one of my weakest points, I'll admit it, but it is so, so important.  For you and for the people in your life.

Second message:
http://www.signsofsuicide.org/
Please keep in mind, there is a very clear and pretty extreme bias here

I don't agree with everything in that message, but it brings up an important point - while I do depend on medication, I am not in agreement with the overprescription that abounds in the US and while these drugs are here to help, you've always got to keep in mind that they are not the only option and they are being delivered by companies who are out to make money.

Basically, the central message of the day:
It's really really important to think hard about all the choices you make for your life.

Have a great day.

Statistics Sunday

General Overview:

1. Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million adult Americans, or about 2.6% of the U.S. population age 18 and older every year. 
2. An equal number of men and women develop bipolar illness and it is found in all ages, races, ethnic groups and social classes.
3. Although bipolar disorder is equally common in women and men, research indicates that approximately three times as many women as men experience rapid cycling. 
4. Some 20% of adolescents with major depression develop bipolar disorder within five years of the onset of depression.
5. 54% of people believe depression and depressive disorders are a personal weakness.
6. Bipolar disorder is a recurrent condition. More than 90% of individuals who have a single manic episode go on to have future episodes.
7. About 60-70% of manic or hypomanic episodes occur before or after a major depressive episode.
8. Participation in a DBSA patient-to-patient support group improved treatment compliance by almost 86% and reduced in-patient hospitalization.
9. Consumers who report high levels of satisfaction with their treatment and treatment provider have a much more positive outlook about their illness and their ability to cope with it.

From:
http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_statistics_bipolar
NIMH

With a little research, the basics of bipolar can be easily discovered.  But statistics don't tell you everything - they don't tell you what it's like to live with it and while they tell you that you're not alone, they don't tell you how to handle your diagnosis on your own. I think being informed is essential and helpful, but I think our own experiences and emotions shape what we do with that information.

Crazy can be fun.  It doesn't have to own you.