Thanksgiving and Emotional Resilience

It’s the Thanksgiving holiday here in the USA this time of hear. It is my personal favorite holiday, because it is not terribly commercial, it is about family and food, and most of all because it is all about gratitude!! Being grateful for what you have– and that is good in our lives. It may seem simplistic, but really… maintaining a positive attitude concerning the events of your life is a good way to help maintain our mental health (as Mental Health Net’s Emotional Resilience topic center documents).

I want to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with some good articles. Here is one on gratitude.

“A persons ability to be grateful is quite independent of that persons possession of things to be grateful about.

And here is another excellent article on emotional resilience.

There is no escaping stress, but there are ways you can learn to handle stress better when it is present, and to ‘bounce back’ faster from its impact.

I wish you all a very peaceful and grateful Thanksgiving this year!

Substance dependence and bipolar

In many instances, these two things seem to go hand in hand. I have posted previously that this was an element that helped the Dr. narrow down my spouse’s diagnosis.

I am often interested in reading as much as I can on this topic. And so of course, I want to share it with you all as well.

According to the most recent literature on substance abuse and bipolar disorder, these two problems occur together so frequently that all young people with a bipolar diagnosis should also be assessed for drug and alcohol problems. Those who experience mixed states or rapid cycling have the highest rate of danger from substance abuse — the discomfort a person feels in these chaotic moods is so great that she may be willing to do or take almost anything to make it stop.

“Some drugs, including marijuana, downers, alcohol, and opiates, seem to temporarily blunt the effects of mood swings, only to cause ill effects later.”

As I conceptualize it, substance dependence is — in and of itself — a chronic disease. Meaning it is not a moral failing or a character flaw. So, if that is my presumption, then substance dependence is a co-morbid condition and therefore a dual diagnosis along side the bipolar.

Components of a chronic disease:

• A chronic disease is one that can be controlled, but not cured.
• In most cases, a chronic disease will require a lifetime of regular treatment.
• Some chronic illnesses cause permanent disability.
• Chronic diseases are usually characterized by acute episodes of illness followed by periods of time where symptoms may be reduced or absent.
• Chronic disease may be progressive.

There always seems to be many more questions than answers. However, I remain ever hopeful that the fields of neurophysiology, neuropsych, mental health will move ever closer to some of those much needed answers.

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Blame it on the mania

Remember in the “good old days” when a person in jeopardy would use this line as an excuse: “the devil made me do it.”

We are a long way from those days. Lately, so many folks want to blame it on bipolar. “They must have been in a manic state and were not sane enough to accept personal responsibility what they were doing.”

Bipolar is a complex and challenging mental disorder. However, it is not supposed to be a catch all or a scape goat.

It has been more than a week now since I saw a story on the Today show of a woman who reportedly faked her own abduction.

Prosecutors contend the strange case of 37-year-old Quinn Gray, who claims she was abducted and held for four days in hellish captivity, is a cleverly planned ruse. They claim her supposed abductor, a 25-year-old Bosnian immigrant, was actually her lover, and that the pair plotted to extort $50,000 from Quinn’s well-heeled husband, Reid.

As if that wasn’t strange enough… now (that she has been caught) this woman is blaming it all on a manic episode, because she reportedly suffers from bipolar disorder. I don’t even know what to say. If she does suffer from bipolar disorder that is one thing. But committing crimes and blaming it on her possible mental illness? I am not sure the jury is going to buy that.

Bipolar disorder, and bipolar mania are serious conditions. They can cause upheaval in the lives of those who suffer with the disease as well as the entire family. Here is the link to a good article on bipolar mania.

Ode to Bipolar

“As I wrestle with my demons

please give me another reason

to fight one more day

to walk the narrow way.

Oh the broad path calls my name,

but I know it’s just not sane.

So, in check may I remain.

My strength lies within,

and yet I want to escape my own skin!

Day by day the battle wages on.

I’m still here… don’t forget me when I’m gone.”

Mental Health Day

I am happy to report that my spouse has decided to take today as a mental health day. I am happy about this because work has been contributing to increased irritability and restlessness lately. Probably in addition to this Fall season of fewer hours of sunlight and cloudier skies.

At first, I will admit that I was a little apprehensive when my spouse told me last night that today would be a day off. Selfishly because today was an “at home day” for me before a long day at work tomorrow, and I didn’t want to lose the serenity of my own “mental health day” today (given that my spouse has been in a cycle of increased irritability and restlessness).  Gratefully, my spouse had planned an adventure to embark on today! I was so happy for both of us! Because, even though we love each other very much, sometimes we need a day to ourselves to relax and recharge in whatever individual ways we each may desire to. You may say “didn’t you just have a weekend?”… well, yes, but generally a lot of a weekend is filled with taking care of kids. Not the same as a “day off.”

So, instead of being irritable and restless together today… we will each come back together this evening (hopefully) refreshed with stories from our individual days to share. Here’s to a mental health day!

Bipolar Disorder- Often Misunderstood

I know that I misunderstood what bipolar was (and was not) for many years. When I was told as an adult that my father had bipolar when we were kids, I scoffed! Why? Because I never saw the typical publicized (by celebrities) or even romanticized (in movies) faces of bipolar in him. It wasn’t until I was in grad school taking a course on the DSM-IV that I began to identify a face of bipolar disorder that I did recognize from my father– and frankly in other friends and family.

How can we all better understand bipolar disorder? Well, I am grateful that there is a wealth of easy to digest information on the web on this subject. I want to share some more information. I don’t think we could ever educate ourselves enough concerning mental health issues. We are our own best advocates… and the experts of our own lives!

Here are some myths and facts regarding bipolar:

Myth: People with bipolar disorder can’t get better or lead a normal life.

Fact: Many people with bipolar disorder have successful careers, happy family lives, and satisfying relationships. Living with bipolar disorder is challenging. But with treatment, healthy coping skills, and a solid support system, you can live fully while managing your symptoms.

Myth: People with bipolar disorder swing back and forth between mania and depression.

Fact: Some people alternate between extreme episodes of mania and depression, but most are depressed more often than they are manic. Mania may also be so mild that it goes unrecognized. People with bipolar disorder can also go for long stretches without symptoms.

MYTH: Bipolar disorder only affects mood.

Fact: Bipolar disorder also affects your energy level, judgment, memory, concentration, appetite, sleep patterns, sex drive, and self-esteem. Additionally, bipolar disorder has been linked to anxiety, substance abuse, and health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, migraines, and high blood pressure.

MYTH: Aside from taking medication, there is nothing you can do to control bipolar disorder.

Fact: While medication is the foundation of bipolar disorder treatment, therapy and self-help strategies also play important roles. You can help control your symptoms by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating right, monitoring your moods, keeping stress to a minimum, and surrounding yourself with supportive people.

Bipolar disorder can look very different in different people. That is why I believe it is crucial to absorb as much information on the condition as possible.

Here is some information on the different faces of bipolar disorder:

Bipolar I Disorder (mania or a mixed episode) – The classic manic-depressive form of the illness, characterized by at least one manic episode or mixed episode. Usually—but not always—Bipolar I Disorder also involves at least one episode of depression.

Bipolar II Disorder (hypomania and depression) – In Bipolar II disorder, the person doesn’t experience full-blown manic episodes. Instead, the illness involves episodes of hypomania and severe depression.

Cyclothymia (hypomania and mild depression) – Cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disorder. It consists of cyclical mood swings. However, the symptoms are less severe than full-blown mania or depression.

The more we know, the more we can live life in healthy ways and also support our loved one’s who struggle with these mental health challenges and dis-eases. There is so much more excellent content at this website. Please check it out and keep it handy!

Bipolar Disorder and Heredity

Is there a gene which causes Bipolar Disorder? Yes. And no.

“The genetic basis of Bipolar Disorder probably involves multiple genes interacting with each other and with external stimuli in ways which we have not figured out yet. Bipolar disorder frequently occurs within families, although genetic factors account for only about 60% of cases” (source)

Bipolar disorder is seen as a gift and a curse among people who suffer with it. Although many incredibly creative people claim they have been helped by the manic phase, the inevitable depressive phase can be so bad that many need to exert a great deal of extra energy in order to lead as normal a life as possible. Proper medical care can help many who suffer with Bipolar disorder. The best combination would be a person doing their work as well as being under thoughtful and educated care for their disease.

Bipolar depression is defined by cyclical disturbances in mood, thoughts, and behavior. Bipolar disorder affects both sexes equally. It seems to affect about 1% of the general population. It seems to be that if one parent is diagnosed with Bipolar a child may have about a 25% chance of also having Bipolar. If both parents have Bipolar disorder the percentage could be as high as 65% for a child of those parents.

Bipolar disorder runs in families. More than two-thirds of those diagnosed with bipolar disorder have at least one close relative with bipolar disorder or clinical depression.

Research has failed to pinpoint a single gene or chromosome as the precise cause of Bipolar disorder. Ken Kendlar (psychiatrist at the Medical College of VA in Richmond) believes that it is a 50 – 50 split between genetics and environment when it comes to developing a mental disorder. (source) Other sources report that the ratio is more of an 80 (genetic) – 20 (environmental) split.

While we wait for science to attribute the genetic piece of Bipolar disorder, what are some of the environmental factors that may play into the mix?

Environmental influences can be obvious such as:

• family relations,
• abuse (physical & mental),
• physical illnesses,
• possible head trauma in childhood or other medical events,
• stress and traumatic experiences.

The influences may also be self-imposed, including:

• the abuse of drugs, both illegal, prescription, and over the counter,
• a poor diet– which affects brain and body chemistry in a negative way.
• There are other possible contributors, which include allergens, exposure to toxic chemicals, heavy metals, noise, carbon monoxide and non-specified pollution. (source)

The brain at risk for bipolar disorder may experience certain events as stressful that a brain without bipolar genes might perceive as minor. So it could be that it doesn’t take a really big stress to turn on the gene. It depends on the genes and the severity of the vulnerability–the degree of predisposition a particular individual may have to Bipolar disorder.

Remember: Even if you do everything “right,” you can’t control everything in anyone else’s life let alone your own, and even if you could, there’s no guarantee that it would prevent the onset of bipolar disorder. It is crucial to avoid the “blame game” at all costs. Establishing an atmosphere of mutual respect and kindness is most important.

anti-depression video

If this doesn’t make you laugh… or at least crack a smile… I don’t know what will.

The hardest thing and the right are the same

Why is it that the things I need to do the most are so often also the hardest things for me to actually do? There I go asking “why?” again.

“We’d never know what’s wrong without the pain…
Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same” (source)

Sometimes I also find that the things I want to do also seem challenging for me to make movement on. I won’t even ask “why?” on that one.

Today, I did a small thing for me. Although it was gorgeous weather outside (after a week of cold and rain) I just didn’t feel like going anywhere. But, I compromised with myself. I couldn’t think of where to go, but I did end up going outside and sitting in the sun. The Autumn sun is so warm without being too much. I so enjoyed talking time to breathe in the fresh air and feel the warm sun. So, I didn’t get out for a walk, but I did get out.

I like this little picture. This has a lot of truth in it. Although, I have spent years (at various times in life) planting good things in (and for) myself… my well-being. Still I wait for all the growth I hoped for. I think I am too hard on myself. I need to look for and recognize any signs of growth.

For instance, if I were to plant tomatoes, it would be weeks before I saw anything rise above the dirt. And when something actually did break ground–it sure wasn’t going to look like a tomato at first. If that happened would I yank the little green sprout out of the ground and lament “That doesn’t look like tomatoes! It’s no use!”? No, of course not. So why do I do that to myself? Hmm…

More questions. Back to the drawing board!

Reconstructing refinement

In other words, changing the way I approach change in my life.

I tweeted a simple line today… “pondering change.” And a reply to that made me smile. “That’s a big pond to cross! But worth every bit of resistance “

I loved that. And that simple reply also spoke to a mighty big word… RESISTANCE.

What is resistance? Why resistance? Is it rational? Or is it just me rationalizing why I don’t feel like making a move… making a much needed change. When I find ways to overcome my own inertia and push back against resistance and actually scale the mountain in front of me, I agree… it is worth every bit of resistance (overcome).

If I see all the benefits of change, if I ponder what has worked for me before, if…

…then why isn’t change an open and shut case? It all sounds so simple! There must be a payoff–for not changing. (Of course there is a payoff.)

[I love the humor in this de-motivational poster...]

So when the difficulties associated with not changing outweigh the payoffs, perhaps that is when the mysterious internal shift begins to break loose the holds of resistance. Then clearing the way to move from contemplation to preparation to ACTION!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I’ve been there before. I have stood on top of the mountain. And I was blindsided by relapse. I saw relapse as failure–rather than what it is–simply a part of the change cycle. I hope and believe it will all be coming around again. As I make my way through contemplation to preparation and overcome my own resistance on the road to action.

~*~*~*~*~*~*

Here is a quote I am thinking on today:

“The best things of mankind are as useless as Amelia Earhart’s adventure. They are the things that are undertaken not for some definite, measurable result, but because someone, not counting the costs or calculating the consequences, is moved by curiosity, the love of excellence, a point of honor, the compulsion to invent or to make or to understand. In such persons mankind overcomes the inertia which would keep it earthbound forever in its habitual ways. They have in them the free and useless energy with which alone men surpass themselves.

Such energy cannot be planned and managed and made purposeful, or weighed by the standards of utility or judged by its social consequences. It is wild and it is free. But all the heroes, the saints and the seers, the explorers and the creators partake of it. They do not know what they discover. They do not know where their impulse is taking them. They can give no account in advance of where they are going or explain completely where they have been. They have been possessed for a time with an extraordinary passion which is unintelligible in ordinary terms.

No preconceived theory fits them. No material purpose actuates them. They do the useless, brave, noble, the divinely foolish and the very wisest things that are done by man. And what they prove to themselves and to others is that man is no mere creature of his habits, no mere automaton in his routine, no mere cog in the collective machine, but that in the dust of which he is made there is also fire, lighted now and then by great winds from the sky.”

(Walter Lippmann’s eulogy for Amelia Earhart)