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.
Showing posts with label meds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label meds. Show all posts
Friday, October 8, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Gray
Where to start, where to start??
Well, sorry for the long absence, but I'm finally back from Europe! I went to Ireland and Amsterdam and revelry most certainly ensued. It was a great time and I am, quite frankly, not thrilled to be back. Travelling is one of my most favorite things. I get extrememly restless if I am in one place too long.
But back I am. Back to cold, gray, rainy weather. I feel pretty gray. I've got a lot going on this month and am feeling like I don't have the time to do any of it.
Also had a dr.'s appointment today. My most recent blood test came back all fine, all meds are within theraputic levels, and no big nasty side effects as of yet. Doc and I discussed cutting down my sleeping meds to a lower dosage, so we're going to try that and see how it goes. I don't take the pills every day, but when I do, they seem to work ok - I don't wake up as often, so hopefully that will be maintained with the lower dosage. We shall see.
Well, sorry for the long absence, but I'm finally back from Europe! I went to Ireland and Amsterdam and revelry most certainly ensued. It was a great time and I am, quite frankly, not thrilled to be back. Travelling is one of my most favorite things. I get extrememly restless if I am in one place too long.
But back I am. Back to cold, gray, rainy weather. I feel pretty gray. I've got a lot going on this month and am feeling like I don't have the time to do any of it.
Also had a dr.'s appointment today. My most recent blood test came back all fine, all meds are within theraputic levels, and no big nasty side effects as of yet. Doc and I discussed cutting down my sleeping meds to a lower dosage, so we're going to try that and see how it goes. I don't take the pills every day, but when I do, they seem to work ok - I don't wake up as often, so hopefully that will be maintained with the lower dosage. We shall see.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
The Formal Introduction
Greetings, All!
So, after a little bit of an accidental mini-break, I am back on my meds and RIP-RARIN' TO GO!
Well, sort of. Close enough anyway.
Let's start this journey!
This is the first day of my blog, and I must admit, I am pretty excited about it. I figured with the restarting of all my meds and whatnot, as well as generally trying to bring a little more structure into my life, this could be a really good thing for me and hopefully, not just for me. There's a lot that can be read about Bipolar Disorder(s) and information on meds, therapies, etc., but it's a little harder to get the personal perspective and to me, that feeling of connection, of recognition of someone else's words has always been beyond reassuring. They've been straws to grasp at.
Melodrama aside and speaking of medication, here's the nitty-gritty:
I'm diagnosed as Bipolar II - meaning instead of full-blown mania, I tend to cycle into hypomania which is similar, but generally less intense and usually doesn't tip over into full delusion - more along the lines of lots of energy and desire for chaos. I'm sure this will get discussed more in-depth as I go along.
I'm also considered to be rapid-cycling. Basically, I go back and forth from hypomania and depression very quickly - sometimes in a matter of days, even hours. For those who are unfamiliar, that doesn't mean that I'm bouncing back and forth all the time, 365 days a year. I have periods of non-extremes as well. Those just aren't as worth talking about :)
The medications I'm currently on are Lithium, Lamictal, Wellbutrin, Klonopin and Restoril. For me, the Klonopin and Restoril, while generally taken every day, don't need to be and are kind of on an as-needed basis to deal with anxiety and insomnia, respectively. The rest are musts every day. This is just my personal medicinal schedule and what has been prescribed to me. Please don't assume this will also work for you. Also, please don't come find me and rob me for my pills. I need them.
So anyway, those are the basics of my disorder. Good to know, but really just the background to what this is about - the day to day life of a Bipolar. It's pretty crazy.
So, after a little bit of an accidental mini-break, I am back on my meds and RIP-RARIN' TO GO!
Well, sort of. Close enough anyway.
Let's start this journey!
This is the first day of my blog, and I must admit, I am pretty excited about it. I figured with the restarting of all my meds and whatnot, as well as generally trying to bring a little more structure into my life, this could be a really good thing for me and hopefully, not just for me. There's a lot that can be read about Bipolar Disorder(s) and information on meds, therapies, etc., but it's a little harder to get the personal perspective and to me, that feeling of connection, of recognition of someone else's words has always been beyond reassuring. They've been straws to grasp at.
Melodrama aside and speaking of medication, here's the nitty-gritty:
I'm diagnosed as Bipolar II - meaning instead of full-blown mania, I tend to cycle into hypomania which is similar, but generally less intense and usually doesn't tip over into full delusion - more along the lines of lots of energy and desire for chaos. I'm sure this will get discussed more in-depth as I go along.
I'm also considered to be rapid-cycling. Basically, I go back and forth from hypomania and depression very quickly - sometimes in a matter of days, even hours. For those who are unfamiliar, that doesn't mean that I'm bouncing back and forth all the time, 365 days a year. I have periods of non-extremes as well. Those just aren't as worth talking about :)
The medications I'm currently on are Lithium, Lamictal, Wellbutrin, Klonopin and Restoril. For me, the Klonopin and Restoril, while generally taken every day, don't need to be and are kind of on an as-needed basis to deal with anxiety and insomnia, respectively. The rest are musts every day. This is just my personal medicinal schedule and what has been prescribed to me. Please don't assume this will also work for you. Also, please don't come find me and rob me for my pills. I need them.
So anyway, those are the basics of my disorder. Good to know, but really just the background to what this is about - the day to day life of a Bipolar. It's pretty crazy.
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