I’m on a cortisone awareness crusade. There is so much ignorance surrounding its use and how it can affect bipolar disorder symptoms.  I’ve had two cortisone shots in the past few years and both times they caused profound depression and a spike in hypomanic episodes. On both occasions my doctors assured me that the dose was very small and localized- thus it should not affect my moods. This was unfortunately not true.  Here is some information on the drug:  Cortisone is a corticosteroid hormone (glucocorticoid). It decreases your body’s natural defensive response and reduces symptoms such as swelling and allergic-type reactions. This medication is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood/hormone/immune system disorders, allergic reactions, certain skin and eye conditions, breathing problems, and certain cancers. ** 

I used the cortisone for a serious hand injury I couldn’t get to heal. I talked about the side effects pretty thoroughly with my doctor- he was understanding, but still felt it would stay localized in my hand. It was my choice to give it a try and I regret that I did.  After three months of mood swings, including one that included a lot of aggression, I know that I don’t want to take cortisone again- no matter how small the dose. Not everyone responds in this way of course, but all people with bipolar disorder need to be educated on its use. If you or someone you care about is faced with a decision to use cortisone, think carefully about how it may affect moods.  I tend to be very reactive to medications, so people like myself have to be extra careful.  It’s also up to us to educate doctors on how to use it correctly with people who have mood disorders.  No matter how small the dose or how localized, it can and often does cause mood swings.    Join my cortisone awareness crusade!  Julie

Here are the facts.

Pot and alcohol seem to help bipolar disorder symptoms for some people. They can be perceived as calming and harmless, but there is one significant way that pot and alcohol negatively impact bipolar disorder: they affect deep sleep. As you have probably figured out on your own, structured sleep is essential for mood management. Pot and alcohol may put you to sleep to the point of passing out, but it’s not deep sleep. Anyone who uses these substances in this way knows that no amount of pot or alcohol can actually end or even greatly improve bipolar disorder symptoms. Alcohol is ultimately a depressant and pot can numb a person out to a point that they cannot participate fully in life. In a perfect world, simply stopping alcohol and drugs is of course the optimum way to help manage bipolar disorder. There are also the relationship and work problems that can be caused by alcohol and pot use. This then leads to more bipolar disorder symptoms and a vicious circle begins.

Up to 40% of people with bipolar disorder have a dual diagnosis. This means a drug or alcohol problem along with bipolar disorder. This is not pretty.

I was a very heavy drinker before I was diagnosed. I drank to feel better. I had absolutely no idea it was a serious depressant. I also didn’t know that it affects sleep to the point that it can cause even more mood swings.

I stopped drinking completely for a few years after my diagnosis. Once I realized why I was drinking, it was easy for me to quit. I have found that this is true for many people with bipolar disorder. When you’re diagnosed, the need for self medicating can often go away. I’ve found that I can drink without a problem now. I rarely have more than one drink and the only time I have to be careful is when I start to get hypomanic.

This is obviously not the case for everyone. If you’re reading this and you have a drug or alcohol problem, first of all, you’re far, far ahead of many people with a dual diagnosis. Many don’t go to web sites for help.

Those who love someone with the illness are often just devastated to see the person drink and do drugs instead of getting help for the illness.

I truly wish I had answers here- I don’t. But I can give some hope. Many, many people who start to get effective help for the illness can stop alcohol and drugs completely. I know that people have written and said the Health Cards have helped in this situation. These are usually people who have milder problems.

People with dual diagnosis have a long road ahead- they have to decide to quit. They have a choice- and getting help has to be the first choice. Remember, we all have free will. There are times we are not drunk or high. That is when the decision has to be made. People do it all of the time. So if you’re in a tough situation and are straight enough to read this right now, this is the time to make a decision to get better. You absolutely know what to do.

Julie

I suggest the book Rational Recovery . It’s very radical and may not work for everyone, but it worked for me regarding a serious food addiction. I can write more on this later.

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