» Bipolar

Psychological Tests

Nicole — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 21:32:04 +0000

So after much thought and reading you think you might be a little “crazy” ;p don’t worry you’re in the right place. Check out this website to see a list of Psychological Tests to help you decide, but you should ALWAYS contact your Doctor ASAP!

www.healthyplace.com/psychological-tests/

Breaking Through the Stigma

Nicole — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:56:49 +0000

Breaking through the stigma associated with mental illness is something that we need to bring to light. Spreading the word and talking about it is the first step. People are afraid of what they don’t know and, in most cases, people have not taken the time to understand such a complex issue. Lets face it, if it doesn’t affect you directly you’re not to concerned about researching it. Every day people continue to live in their small world, their box of life, not venturing out into the unknown unless forced too. What can you personally do to contribute, spread the word? We can only control our own actions so it’s up to you to do something!!! Check out www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=fight_stigma to see how you can help. If you know of any additonal websites or organizations that people can visit to help please let me know! – XOXO CrazyInHeels

Happy Friday

Nicole — Sat, 29 May 2010 00:02:10 +0000

Fridays are always fabulous, especially when they lead to a three day weekend! I’m staying focused on the positive and continuously doing things that make me happy and healthy. I truly believe that your mind is much more powerful than you can ever imagine: if you want something bad enough, it will happen! I know what my goals are, I have daily affirmations, and I have purpose… this all leads to happiness. Do you know what you’re doing here, what’s your purpose? Have you thought about it lately? If you haven’t you better start, I promise it will make a world of difference. I’m bipolar (I mean crazy) and I love life, there’s not one single person in this world that would make me feel any different about me, I am who I am… and that’s motivated, driven, intelligent, honest, and most importantly… happy!!! (no one can take that away from me!!!) – XOXO CrazyInHeels

Great TV Shows-Discovery Health

Nicole — Fri, 07 May 2010 04:42:46 +0000

This week is Psych Week on Discovery Health and there are some VERY interesting shows on Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Anxiety, Rage, D.I.D. It’s definitely worth checking out, very informative! They are replaying everything throughout the day and night for the next few weeks. – XOXO CrazyInHeels

Only Worry About Yourself!

Nicole — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:02:51 +0000

I’ve learned that I can only control my thoughts and my actions, minus some of my crazy thoughts due to being crazy… some control. Anyways, I shouldn’t worry about what everyone else is doing and saying because I can’t control them. If I want to be happy… I can be happy (w/meds of course). Do you constantly worry about what others are thinking or doing? Why? It’s none of your business, too much to worry about! Some people will love you some people will hate you, fact of life. If you live your life the best way that you can and you’re happy with the person you are than that’s all that matters. Who cares if someone thinks you’re crazy, fat, short, skinny, medicated, bipolar, depressed, or have anxiety. You are what you are. Embrace every “crazy” aspect of who you are and make the most of it! If you don’t like something, change it. If you’re sad do something about it. See a doctor, review your meds, make an adjustment to your meds, exercise, eat healthier. Whatever it is that will make you happier… DO IT. For today I’m happy with me and happy to be right where I’m at… and that’s having enough confidence to let go of what others think of me because I know I’m happy & healthy – XOXO CrazyInHeels

Grieving

Nicole — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:23:20 +0000

Honest opinion about how I’m feeling today… sad!!!I miss my Grandma!!! I had a breakdown last night and finally had a good emotional cry, six months later. I’ve now realized that everyone has their own grieving process and there is no right or wrong way to do it or or when to do it. I’m allowing myself to feel the emotions, no matter how painful, and cry when it comes. I can’t always be strong and I need to learn how to lean on others when I need support. I think that being Bipolar has numbed me to allowing myself to feel some emotions because I try to keep some of them at bay so that I don’t lose it. For the most part I’m full of such extreme emotions on a day to day basis that it’s hard to determine what is real and what is the disease creeping in??? I miss her and that’s normal, crying is normal, sadness is normal, regret is normal, “what if” is normal, questioning is normal. So my conclusion for now… I’m sad today but it’s not a “crazy” sad it’s a healthy sad. – XOXO CrazyInHeels

Paranoid Thoughts

Nicole — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 23:38:48 +0000

A tree has politely decided to grow right over the pipe that provides cable and Internet for us so I’m disconnected from the world for another 2 weeks My anxiety is still high from all of the stress over the last month. I’m getting settled into the new home but I’m still scared. Where does this paranoia come from? I had a glass of wine to help calm me down but my nerves were so rattled that it made my stomach hurt. My thoughts are consumed of being attacked. I’m not exactly sure of how to get rid of them?? I was having a lovely conversation with my fiance about my crazy thoughts, stress, anxiety, and now… my new found paranoia. He looked at me and said “Great something else you have wrong!” What the hell kind of answer is that, I was thinking the same thing but only I’m aloud to say something like that. I’m a CrazyInHeels Bipolar Chick with Anxiety and Paranoia. I wonder if there is a new med I can add to my already full pill case?! Hopefully no one breaks into the house before I check in again :p – XOXO CrazyInHeels

Interesting Facts & Statistics

Nicole — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:58:12 +0000

It is estimated that about 1 per cent of the population suffer from bipolar affective disorder at some point in their lives. Some people will experience just one or two episodes, whereas others will have many episodes of depression or mania. It occurs in both sexes and often first appears in the age group 18 -24 (stats from Royal College of Psychiatrists) http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/manicdepressivepsychosis.htm
For those who come from families with a history of the disease, the likelihood that future generations will be diagnosed with the disease increase by more than half. Researchers have been seeking a genetic link to the prevalence of the disease in families, and some progress has been made in studies of gene and myelin development within the central nervous system. Other studies have shown that over one half of patients diagnosed with a bipolar disorder have a history of past substance abuse, especially the use of cocaine. http://ezinearticles.com/?More-Interesting-Facts-About-Bipolar&id=559372
According to the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the age of onset for bipolar disorder is 18 with the median onset age being 25. However, the medical community is now reconsidering this as more and more incidents of childhood and infant onset are diagnosed.
Both men and women experience equal incidence of bipolar disorder, however, women tend to experience rapid cycling bipolar disorder more often while men tend most commonly to experience traditional bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million American adults, or about 2.6 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year.
The origins of bipolar disorder are not fully understood. Most agree that a variety of chemical, genetic, and environmental issues combine to trigger the disorder. Bipolar disorder also often coexists with substance abuse, although it isn’t clear whether the link is genetic or not www.associatedcontent.com
Bipolar disorder is more common than most people know – it is estimated that one percent of the adult population suffers from bipolar disorder. This means that out of every 100 people you know, one has bipolar disorder. www.associatedcontent.com
Bipolar disorder is not a phase. You (or your loved one) will not snap out of it. Natural or homeopathic treatments will not cure bipolar disorder. If you suspect that you have bipolar disorder, it is imperative that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Bipolar disorder is not curable, but proper treatment can make the difference between an unbearable existence and leading an active, productive life. www.associatedcontent.com
More than two-thirds of people with bipolar disorder have at least one close relative with the illness or with unipolar major depression, indicating that the disease has a heritable component. (National Institute of Mental Health)
Bipolar disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability in the world. (World Health Organization)
Consumers with bipolar disorder face up to ten years of coping with symptoms before getting an accurate diagnosis, with only one in four receiving an accurate diagnosis in less than three years. (DBSA, 2000)
Nearly 9 out of 10 consumers with bipolar disorder are satisfied with their current medication(s), although side effects remain a problem. (DBSA, 1999)
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. (DBSA, 1999)
Manic depression is likely to run in families and, in some cases, is believed to be hereditary. Researchers are still undergoing intense research to identify a gene that may be responsible for this disorder. http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/mental_health/mental_health_about/mood/bipolar_disorder/Pages/index.aspx