» Relationship

Mending Relationships

Nicole — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:28:03 +0000

I’m trying to bring my relationship with my fiance back to normal. When I slip into my crazy world of depression for a few months it definately takes a toll on our relationship. It’s hard for someone who isn’t sad to be around someone who is for a few months. If you really think about it who in their right mind would want to come home to that every day?! Not only can it bring that person down but frustrate them and make them feel pressured to get us back to normal only to be let down when they don’t. After a few weeks into the depression your relationship takes on a new routine. This routine probably isn’t the healthiest it should be. You become stuck in your routine and as you begin to feel better it’s almost as if you have to direct all of you energy and focus on getting your relationship back to a good spot, you have to fall in love again. It’s easy to do if your with the right person. I know it’ll take a little time but I’m already starting to feel we’re on the right track again. The happier I become the happier our relationship becomes. I’m happy today because I’m with someone that I love with all of my heart and so does he, we are determined to get through this… together!!! – XOXO CrazyInHeels

Notes From The Fiance

Nicole — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:48:54 +0000

I joked with my fiance that I should have a section that is dedicated to the thoughts and progress reports from my fiance. My perception of our life can sometimes be completely different than his. Somedays when we have conversations I beleive that I’m completely raional and understanding when I’m in fact irrational and emotional. As the years pass in our relationship and my emotions have cycled we’ve come to better understand how to deal with these crazy times but no matter what you do things will not alwasy run smoothly. There will be times when you want to give up, walk away, slap some sense into the other person, etc you get what I’m saying, life is hard living with a crazy girl. Hang in during the tough times because I promise… they will pass. Let the love that brought you together keep you together. – XOXO CrazyInHeels

Questions For Your Doctor

Nicole — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:02:15 +0000

If you think you have a mental illness you need to contact your doctor right away. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to write down what your symptoms are so that you don’t forget while you’re there. I’ve done this many times. I usually get to the appointmen and get side tracked and forget what I wanted to say or ask. If you have it written down you won’t leave anything out.

Below are some things you can provide at your initial visit to help the doctor that are taken from www.oflikeminds.com :

A description of your symptoms-when they started, what makes them better, how often you’ve experienced them, if you know, tell what seems to set them off.
A list of family members who have had mental health problems. Family history provides important clues in diagnosing mood disorders.
An overview of your past psychiatric treatment, including medications and psychotherapy. Which meds worked, which didn’t, and what side effects were troublesome.
Medical history and any medical conditions you are currently being treated for. Tell your doctor or nurse if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
A list of your medications: prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and other supplements you’re taking. Don’t forget to include contraceptives. And tell the doctor if you have any allergies.
Honest information about your diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol or drug use, and sexual history. Withholding this information can be harmful.
Relevant life factors, such as past or current abuse or stressful lifestyle.
If you don’t understand something ask the doctor to explain it again.

It’s good to development a relationship with your doctor. I’ve been seeing my doctor for over 15 years and she is obviously very familair with what’s going on with me emotionally. She’s seen me at my worst and best. I laugh inside when I see that huge thick file she pulls out on me. I wonder what it says? I’m sure it has “CRAZY” written all over it. Don’t you wish you could just take a peek into all of those notes! Anyways, if you build a relationship with one doctor they will be become very familair with your moods and your personality. This will help them determine the right medication and plan of treatment for you. If you’re bouncing around from doctor to doctor you’re going to miss out on the realtionship that could potentially get you on the right track. You also need to be able to trust your doctor and talk openly. If you do not feel like you have this connection that it’s probably best if you see someone else (these are only my opinions).

Once you’ve received your diagnosis you should be prepared to ask a few questions to help you understand what’s going on with you. The best thing you can do is ask, ask, ask! The more you know about being “crazy” the better off you’ll be! Your doctor should be more than willing to help you understand and answer every question you have.

Below are some questions you can start off with taken from www.myoptumhealth.com

What is my actual diagnosis? Can you explain it in simple language that I can understand?
What are the possible causes of my condition?
What is the prescribed treatment: What are the benefits and risks?
Is this the most successful treatment available? Are there other treatments available?
How soon should treatment start? How long will it last?
What are my options if this treatment fails?
Do I need a follow-up visit?