Posts Tagged ‘Support’

I’m quite proud of myself for not losing it this weekend. I threw a big surprise Birthday bash for my fiancé in the midst of a mental breakdown and I pulled it off. To see all the people that came to surprise him showed me just how lucky I am to be with someone that has touched so many different lives. It’s nice to be surrounded by good people that love us. These people have seen us grow into the couple that we are today, crazy and all. They’ve seen us go through ups and downs (my ups and downs) and they still love us, they love Brian, and they love me. It makes me so happy to know that people admire and respect that I’ve put my crazy life out there. I was having a rough couple of weeks but last night seemed to wash away all those sad moment, all of the tears. I feel blessed and loved. I’m on a road that leads to happiness. I can be happy and crazy at the same time. – XOXO CrazyInHeels

It’s extremely important that you see a doctor, take your meds, and educate yourself about being bipolar. The more you know the better off you’ll be. It’s much easier for me to deal with being “crazy” when I know what’s going on with my body and my emotions. I can watch for my triggers so I can prepare myself for whatever mood my brain decides to put me in. Talking to and reading about others that are “crazy” has also been extremely beneficial for me. It’s so very nice to know that I’m not the only one that’s “crazy”. It’s fabulous to hear about the same feelings you have, coming from someone else. Reading about others is quite entertaining and hilarious at times because you can totally relate to them no matter how crazy the situation is because you’ve done or felt the same way. You’ve got to laugh at all the “crazy” things you do, say, and think.

Here are a few tips that I’ve found helpful:

• Recognize the signs that your mood is swinging out of control so you can get help early.
• Find out as much as you can about bipolar disorder
• Find a doctor that you trust and feel comfortable with
• Avoid particularly stressful situations
• Have at least one person that you can rely on and confide in. When you are well, make sure that they understand about bipolar disorder
• Balance your life and work, leisure, and relationships
• Spend time with friends
• Take time for yourself
• Exercise for 20 minutes or so, three times a week, as this seems to improve mood
• Do things that you enjoy and that give your life meaning
• Don’t stop medication suddenly – this can trigger another mood swing.

Here are some helpful links:

Support Hotline: http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=Helpline

Bipolar Support:  http://helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_self_help.htm

Telling loved ones: http://www.bipolar.com.au/living/lovedones.cfm

Bipolar Support: http://www.bipolarsupport.org/

Get involved: http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=involved_getinvolved

Immediate Help Line Thoughts of Suicide and depression:  http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=empower_professional_referral