Before I wrote the Health Cards to help manage my bipolar disorder- my friends had no idea what was going on with me. Actually, I had no idea what was going on with me!
I have taught my friends how to use the cards. They know my symptoms now- because I showed them my symptoms from the third column in the cards. This isn’t an intuitive thing to do. Many people with bipolar disorder keep silent about their symptoms. I couldn’t. They affected my friendships too much. I have a friend- a guy friend – who always asks me, ”Julie, when you say ‘I’m sick today’- what does that mean?” I am so impressed and thankful that he truly wants to know what bipolar does to me.” So, I tell him what it means and now he knows when I say ‘I’m sick today’ that I’m depressed and having a tough time functioning. He can then remember what my Health Cards say about depression and how he can help me. Instead of being freaked out, he asked questions. That is what the Health Cards are all about.
Archive for March, 2008
Friends and the Health Cards
Monday, March 10th, 2008Hope – If You’re in a Severe Depression
Saturday, March 8th, 2008Hope
I just thought I would write and say that I know how you feel if you’re in a severe depression. I was in one last week. There is hope- every day when you wake up, get out of bed and say to yourself- I have bipolar disorder, this is why I’m depressed. It’s an illness. I can treat this illness successfully. I will not let depression ruin my life. I will keep going. I did this last week and I got out of bed. I drove to my friends and even had some fun. I wasn’t able to work or function in a normal way- but I knew I had to get out and do things. The depression lasted three days. I felt like death inside- I hate it. But it’s a reality isn’t it. Keep going and do all that you have to do to get better- if this means going into the hospital then do it- if it means changing medications, then do it. Just do something no matter how depressed you feel.
Bipolar Disorder and Anticonvulsant Drugs
Thursday, March 6th, 2008Here’s an amazing story. A long, long time ago there was a princess..
Just joking. A long time ago, drug companies created drugs to treat epilepsy – when they gave them to people with the illness, an amazing thing happened- their moods got better. The makers of these drugs had NO idea this would happen. They then tested them on people with bipolar disorder and they worked. Thus, the drugs that were created to treat epilepsy became drugs to help people with bipolar disorder. You probably know these drugs – known as anticonvulsants:
Depakote (Divalproex)
Tegretol (Carbamazepine)
Lamictal (Lamotrigine)
Topamax (Topiramate)
Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine)
Neurontin (Gabapentin)
If you have bipolar disorder, you certainly know about Tegretol and Depakote. They are often used to treat mania. I take Lamictal. I call it my miracle drug. I wrote a lot about it last year when I stupidly reduced my dose and got really sick.
Gabapentin is not considered a treatment for bipolar disorder any more- though some people still take it. It’s often used for nerve pain.
Tegretol and Depakote can cause a lot of weight gain. Lamictal can cause neck pain. Gabapentin made me suicidal. Yes, these side effects are rotten. But I know that I’m willing to have a stiff neck for the rest of my life so that I can keep taking Lamictal. The side effects often end once you’ve been on the drug for awhile.
Are you on an anticonvulsant? Do you know why you’re taking it? It’s important to know why certain drugs are prescribed and how they are supposed to help you.
My Mother and Bipolar Disorder
Sunday, March 2nd, 2008My Mother
I am the luckiest person in the world when I get sick. My mother is always there for me. I can only imagine what it’s like for her. I don’t ask her about it much as it would make me cry. She does what she has to do. When I’m suicidal, she reminds me to use my Health Cards. When I’m manic she gets out my cards to remind herself what to do. Actually, she has them memorized now, so she doesn’t have to read them anymore.
I can remember being so depressed one day I rolled around on the floor sobbing. Imagine being a mother and having to see your child go through that! It breaks my heart- so I just do what I can to be the best daughter possible.
Are you a mother with a child who has bipolar disorder? I take my hat off to you, that’s for sure!
Julie
Depression Euphemisms
Saturday, March 1st, 2008I’m not doing my best.
I’m happy to be here- that is what I say when someone says- hey Julie! How are you?
I’m having a tough day.
It’s not a great day, but I’m happy to see you!
I’m using my treatment plan!
It’s chasing me today.
It’s lurking.
There are many more. Usually, I just say- “I’m really depressed today.” or, “Yesterday was really tough.”
Since I wrote Get it Done When You’re Depressed I feel better- I can visualize the list of tips in the front of the book and pick one when the days are tough.
Bla. Dumb depression. Terrible depression! But I will not let it ruin my life. The days may be difficult, but I will keep going- always.
