Hey, y’all –
Well, I hope everyone had a Happy Easter! We just went over Bill’s Mom’s house and had sandwiches and stuff, and everything was real easy-going. The real surprise was that his daughter showed up and even stayed, which was a real blessing for us (long story), and one for which I am very, very grateful. God is so very good to us, especially when we least expect it.
Which leads me to today’s topic. At least part of it.
I want to talk about balance and bipolar disorder.
And one of the ways you need to be balanced is spiritually. Now, I’m not saying you have to go out and find the nearest church building and bend down at the altar and start pouring out all your sins (sorry if I’ve offended anyone) or anything.
I’m just saying that however you do it, whatever you do to stay spiritually balanced, you need to do on a continual basis — you cannot neglect it, because it is as much a part of your health as exercising or eating right.
Whether you pray or meditate or read devotionals (inspirational readings) or just sit quietly beside a pond or a beach, you do whatever you have to, because it will help you to keep your stress levels down to a minimum and keep you spiritually fit (spiritually balanced).
You also need to be physically balanced. You don’t have to work out at a gym, although it’s ok if you do. Not all of us can, though, so just walking is a good alternative. Just 1/2 hr three times a week is enough.
Being physically balanced also means sticking to a healthy diet, so that you are taking care of your body.
I know my diet isn’t always the best, and I can’t always help it, so I make sure I take a really good vitamin and some supplements as well. The main thing to remember about this is that you take these IN ADDITION TO your bipolar medication and NOT INSTEAD OF your medication!
You need to be balanced mentally as well. Always keep learning as much as you can about your bipolar disorder. Even though you may have read about it in the beginning, they are coming out with new material all the time. New books, new stuff on the Internet, new research in the journals at the library, etc. Your doctor may even have some new material for you. Stay informed!
Another way for you to be balanced mentally is to always be meeting new challenges. Don’t just stagnate in your life. Look for new things to do. Don’t let your mind stay idle. Learn new things. Meet new people. Go new places!
We especially need to stay balanced emotionally because of the mood swings of our bipolar disorder, which can get out of control if we don’t watch them. This includes our stress levels. Try to keep them to a manageable level. Stay our of stressful situations, watch your triggers and, if need be, practice stress reduction exercises.
We need to balance our responsibilities as well.
Work or school, church, financial, home, family, children, professional, relationship, and even personal responsibilities all have to be balanced as well which, if you have a busy life can be real tricky sometimes!
If you don’t have balance in your life, maybe one sign or symptom can get by you for a bit, but then it’s one more and then a couple, and before you know it, you’re in a full-blown bipolar episode, and you never saw it coming!
Balance is one of the most important ingredients for bipolar stability.
What do you think?
Wishing you peace and stability,
Remember God loves you and so do I,
Michele
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This article opened my eyes.
I have just discovered your website & I am so excited! You see, I was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder approximately two years ago. Over the years I have been treated by several different specialist: Endcrinologist, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Family Practioner and OB/GYN. I have been diagnosed with a harmone inbalance, PMS, PMDD,Chronic Depression and an anxiety. disoreder. Thank God for good insurance. However after I was fired from my last job for insubornation ( I have problems with authority figures, especially during a mania episode) I found myself in a deep hole that took months for me get through.
You see I have Bipolar which mean s I have more depressive episodes. My family history is eventful for Bipolar. There are four people in my immediate family. One of my greatest fears was that I would have the mental disorder. The ” blessing” is that I finally got the right diagnosis and am on medication cocktail that works well after having side affects with several drugs. Although I am relieved, I still have not told any of my friends ( those that’s left) because I am afraid of how they will respond to. Most of my friends are those that I have had for years; they accept me as I am: Difficult but loving, will give the shoes off my feet if I saw someone who needed them, creative, energetic, smart.
I live alone. I have two adult daughters in another state. My greatest fear is that my daughters may be afflicted with the awful disease or grandchildren. I am always observing them when I am aorund them “looking for signs”. I also feel guilty about the psychological harm I may inadvertantly caused them. I love them more than life. I know my family of orgin was affected by our father’s illness – the embrassment of repeat hospitalization and the way in which my mother withdrew from him at first. Then came the divorce.
I simply adored my father and I only witnessed angret explosions. In mid life, the disease just became to painful and he tried to commit sucide. Thank God he did not suceed but ruined his digestive track chnaging his phyical health.
My brother, diagnosed with Bipolar ,was found dead in his bed on Dec.21. I was devasted as I had spent the day with him just two days before; we talked about his depressive mood. His wife did not want an autopsy ( religious reason ) but I fear his death was a sucide. Do not get the wrong idea – I think sucide is selfish; it leaves those loved ones left behind to feel guilty that they “missed some sign(s)” So, I would never do that to my family.
Currently, I have several personal issues in my including finding work. I desparately need work. I have had a few part-time jobs over a six year period. My depressive states made it almost impossibe to function. Those experiences caused me further depression; My concentration and memory are so impaired that I am concerned that I might have some form of dementia ( my mother did). Recently, my psychiatrist told me the poor concentration was caused by ADHD.
However, I only recently began to have problems with cognitive functioning although my recent memory has gotten progressively worst. Some of the literature is beginning to speak of the cognitive problems assicted with Bipolar.
Those of you reading this blog probably noticed the hour. Its very early in the morning. I can not sleep. I am compliant with my medications although my weight has increased by 30 lbs. I always prided myself on my personal appearance and the ability to keep my weight down. Of course, I am not feeling too good about myself and go out of my way to avoid people that I know well. I do exercise but I am not dropping the pounds.
Finally, has anyone had any experience in applying for Social Security? I’d like to hear about your experiences.
Amy