==>>Help with ALL aspects of bipolar disorder<<==
Check out all my resources, programs and information
for all aspects of bipolar disorder by visiting:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/catalog.asp
Hi,
I’m really concerned about something,
and I think you need to know about it as
well.
You know I volunteer at several places
where there are people with bipolar
disorder, like support groups and such.
Well, sometimes I like what I hear, and
then I bring that information to you,
because I think you can benefit from it.
But what is really bothering me today,
and I think it’s been building up and
I’m surprised I haven’t brought it up
before now, is something that I’ve
noticed happens at some of these
meetings that is NOT a good thing.
I’ll tell you about it:
It’s when people who have NO clue
about bipolar disorder give advice on
it – even though the advice is sincere,
it is still sincerely wrong! Now people
can truly get hurt by this advice, and
that makes me mad!
For instance, one person at the support
group meeting said, “My friend told me
that since I seem to be doing so much
better, that I should stop taking my
medications.” Then other people
say, yeah, my friend said the same
thing… and before you know it, this
one comment is controlling the whole
meeting, and it is a totally FALSE
thing – a LIE!
Then, when I try to tell them that
that comment can’t be true, or that
it could hurt them, or at least that
they should check with their doctor
before going off their medications,
they ALL look at me like I’m some
crazy person!
Know what I mean?
Or they say their friend told them to
stop working and get on disability.
Another person said that their friend
said that another friend said that they
should take this supplement on the
market instead of their medications,
that it worked for their friend’s friend!
In my courses and systems, I teach
the difference between the truth and
myths that are out there about bipolar
disorder:
SUPPORTING AN ADULT WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/report11
SUPPORTING A CHILD/TEEN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarparenting.com
HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.survivebipolar.net
But I ask myself, where are these
people getting this stuff? And how
come people are believing it?
Really, sometimes I just want to walk
out of these meetings and just keep
going. But then I remember why I am
there – to help.
And sometimes that help is just to
tell them the truth about what their
“friends” have been telling them.
In my courses and in special reports,
I expose the myths behind the
supplements and supposed “cures”
for bipolar disorder. Unfortunately,
there is still no cure, no matter what
you may hear at a support group
meeting.
Even though these people are well
meaning, always check with your
doctor before you do anything like
taking a supplement instead of your
medications just because you heard
“a friend of a friend of a friend”
says it works.
Your friend,
Dave
–
P.S. Don’t forget to take a look through the
different programs I’ve put together… each one is designed
to help you with a different area of bipolar disorder whether
you have it or you are supporting someone with it.
You can see them all and get the details by visiting:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/catalog.asp
P.P.S. Check out my F.ree blog with copies of emails
that I have sent in the past and lots of great
information for you:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/supporterblog/
P.P.P.S Check out my F.ree podcast. Hear me give
mini seminars designed to teach you information
you can’t learn anywhere else.
http://bipolarcentral.libsyn.com
Yes, Sir:
Your EXCELLENT ADVICE Regardomg “Bad bipolar advice to avoid,” is absolutely te truth. I have experienced it during my caring giving! Take only your Doctor’s advice!!!
My 19 year old son was just diagnosed bipolar 4 months ago. He is still trying to get the right medications and the right doses. A long process it seems. Why do people think they don’t need medication? Well, after observing some of his irrational thinking that answer is easy! It’s really too bad because the person who quits his/her meds may feel fine for several months, which confirms in their minds that they were right. I believe that my son will be on medication for life and I hope he realizes that he needs to be. I think at this point he wishes it would all just go away. He doesn’t want to end up back in the hospital though so that might be enough incentive for him to keep taking his medication.
Perfect advice. I am so glad that I found your website. It has been so helpful for me.
With what I have learned, I wouldn’t even think of coming off of my medication. I can remember how I was acting and don’t want to go there again.
I was just diagnoised almost a year ago. I thought once I started the medication that everything would be smooth sailing. Not so. The symptoms of bipolar has been knocked down a few notches.
I have had some ups and downs over the last few months. My doctor has increased one of medications and just added another one.
With your info David, I have realized that my thoughs of it being “smooth sailing” is incorrect. I now try to be aware of my moods and changes.
Thanks for everything you do.
Excellent advice I know of one person who tried to sell me a suppliment and told me not to stop my meds. Well I looked the supplement up on line and to use it and the meds is life threatening. Schizandra Plus is the suppliment name.
Dave tells it like it is. I fell into the trap of feeling good and stopped taking meds.
I switched to a homeopathic “natural” supplement. The dose wasn’t high enough. It cost a lot. I tried to get by and quickly went into deep episodes.
Here’s what happened: I lost 2 jobs, went broke, remained unemployed, then homeless, no insurance and no way to get medication. The “county” took me in and restarted meds. It was a slow process but I began to get stable.
Today I take medications as directed. My life literally depends on it. I see and listen to a great doctor. I found a good therapist.I keep a FT job with insurance, a home, a relationship and a stable life.
If I had listened to the people who “mean well” I wouldn’t have any of the above. I might not even be here to write this.
For awhile I stopped meds and started taking Serenity. Base chemical is lithium orotate 120 mg.
Has anyone else had any experience with this? Did it work?
Hello David!
I Think is very complicate. Bipolar disorder has no cure. Medication is very important in this cases. Never should stop taking. Some days we feel better and others worse, but the disease is that.We have to accept and live one day at a time.
Kiss David.
Hey Dave well as you know I am bi-polar & I to have experienced & similar meeting’s where the meeting turn’s to a lie & you can’t say anything to please anyone & your sick & tired of listening at this point your ready to move on. Well I of course am feeling better on my medication (duh!) hello!, that is why we are better. If you stop taking your medication it takes awhile but you do end up where you started if not feeling worst than what you started. You do make a difference so keep going. Thanks Dave all4areason
Hi David:
Here is some advice for you: Do not get so upset when this person told this person that told this person that “since you are better you should go off your meds” and they believe it and then you get upset because you tell them to stay on their meds and they look at you like you are crazy. Get over it because it’s like kicking a dead horse to make it get up so you can ride it again. Anyone who has ever read an email or any kind of the news you deliver or has a good Psych knows that the meds they are taking is why they are doing so well. So quit kicking the dead horse because all you are going to do is get more frustrated. I say this with great concern and care for your mental and physical well being because I would certainly miss you and all your info you were no longer able to do this for all of us. And the blog alone is like a therapist for me. So stop letting the Nay sayers get to you, because every time you let someone upset you, your blood pressure rises and sooner or later you will be diagnosed with high blood pressure or one or more “stress related” health issues. So please take care of yourself for all of our sakes!
I want to figure out a way to go to sleep and not wake up. I am thinking I can go to a better place than this and I want to be there, in that better place. I am so miserable and I don’t want to continue in this way. I have tried the psychiatrist. I have tried the meds. i have tried the hospital. I just give up. I cannot continue this way.
The advice on bad advice is one I can relate to. I have bipolar and it is tempting at times to quit taking my meds because I miss my old manic self. I have had bipolar for 35 years and have only been on meds for 8 months, a constant struggle to find the right combo. It seems easier to go back to the old me because A. I miss her and B. it would be easier to leap tall buildings without any worries than stick around and try to repair the damage I have done. Its like a drug.. Mania.. invincible. I take my doctors advice and monitor my meds and take them every day, but I know where the “bad advice” seed comes from.
There are two things you have to remember, David:
1. Some people don’t believe their partner/child/friend has BP. Like my wife, they think the depression thing is just a psychological depression caused by stress of some kind, in my case she thinks its because I was in a job the she thinks I didn’t like, and that now I’m not working there, I should be abe to snap out of the depression and go back to work, to “do whatta man ought to do” and bring home the bacon for the family. And the high high spirits, or the aggressive behaviour? Oh, no – she doesn’t think these are BP hypos, or BP mixed episodes – these are either just me being “in a good mood” or me showing a dislike for her. SO… for someone like her it is easy to say “you don’t need the medication…” because they sincerely don’t think there is anything to treat. But of course,m they are too diplomatic to say that outright – usually. They just dress up the thoughts in slipping in the idea that the medication isn’t needed just at the first sign of stability.
Second: The folk with BP, why do they listen to the others who tell them they don’t need the meds (anymore)? Well, I’m sure they will have been told by their pDoc not to stop taking the meds! So, why do they ignore those instructions? My educated guess is it’s the following, or a combination of, these issues:
– Cost of the meds
– Mistrust of the drug companies (and pDoc) – “they tell me to keep taking this stuff so they can make more money…”
– They don’t like the side effects and see no reason to bear them when they are feeling okay
– They don’t want to be labelled as BP/mentally ill, and by stopping taking the meds gives them a few weeks of the illusion of NOT having BP/being mentally ill.
I’d love to research this qualitatively, to find out if there are other reasons, and to quantify them all. But whatever they are, my guess is that no layman is going to persuade them otherwise. So, say your piece to them and leave it at that. If they are then compus mentis and don;t heed your correct advice then what happens next is down to them, not you. Lose no sleep over it.
thank god for meds. imagine all the lives ruined by bipolar in the past. no there’s HOPE.
Thanks for the wonderful advice. For years I have struggled with staying on my meds. I’d feel I was “cured” and go off of them only to have to go back on an restabalize me illness. It’s hard to stay on meds because of the side effects etc…. but i know now they are a life line if I want to have any kind a stability with my illness and life. Thanks so much for your e mails every day i get so much out of them. Keep up the good work!
Sometimes, people say what makes THEM feel comfortable…not because they know but because FOR THEM it makes sense. Information from a source who has both clinical knowledge AND practical experience is helpful. Noticing the patterns of behavior common to all families is useful in raising awareness of other families. With bipolar, there is no “quick fix” . Learning the triggers of someone with bipolar requires much raising of awareness without judgment. I calmly point out the connection when I am able. However, the judgment of being “broken” and somehow less leads people to want to “be fixed” rather than accept a life path of learning balance. David, the patterns you share have been helpful in so many ways. Sharing in this way gives people hope, courage and a goal. Triggers are unique to each individual but the response pattern is quite similar. Like any other disorder, this is psychobiosocial. Some behaviors are learned responses to inner dis-order, some is learned from other undiagnosed family members–for better or for worse–and some are a response to shame. So many times, well meaning individuals want to “fix” and instead of listening for the real obstacle, make a judgment that leads them to feel they are better or superior. Make sense? If someone had diabetes or asthma, and went for a time episode free, would they stop their insulin or albuterol? Met some people who would tell you to do this because they live out of their own reality instead of awareness that others may be facing different obstacles. Each of us has different body chemistry which results in different outcomes. All about learning our own internal balance and our relationship in balance with the group or community. The best part about your advice, David, is that you communicate the pattern so clearly but not in a way that judges–rather just it is what it is. In my experience of your newsletter, you seem careful to list the obstacle and possible solutions. Rather than the person feeling inadequate, you work with–and you acknowledge when professional help is needed. Being honest with ourselves about what we don’t know and really listening to what is for the other….maybe then, mental healthcare would be just as common and unstigmatized as physical healthcare–all about wholeness and wellness–isn’t it?
To Graham N:
Your article is very eloquently written.
This is for “heaven”. Please don’t give up trying. It is not worth it to give up.
I don’t know what your situation is like but there is someone there to help you. People on this blog for one. I know that this is easier said than done.
If you are seeing a doctor and you are medication, have you told the doctor that things are not right? There are times that I know something is not right and have to tell myself that I have got to get some help. Just recently my medication had to be increased.
My thoughts are with you.
Seems to me that people willingly accept the advice they want to hear, while the advice they need is more easily dismissed. Whatever ‘normal’ is, most of us want/need to feel we are. While on meds it’s harder to believe we’re normal. The ‘freedom’ of living without meds may offer the illusion of being normal, but the reality is that it just isn’t for those who need meds to live a normal life.
I think my thought is…God made the earth. I would like to think there has to be some natural way to manage you illness. In fact I know there is. Medication is easy but also so harmful in so many ways.
Therapy, honesty, firm resolve, religion, healthy balanced diet, nutrirional suppliments. There is more wrong with my body than BP and I am going to figure it out, with out using my body as a chemestry lab.
Hi David,
I know my 17 year old daughter Trina has recently changed, within the last two months, she was taken over, threatened suicide twice over grades and papers. I have had her in for crises. A few weeks ago her therapist told me to get her evaluated for meds, I so did not want to have to do that, the suicide thing, They gave her my med doctor, he put her on two milligrams of abilify a day for three days, then only if she needs to increase, do it. She goes back on the 18th. She has been taking it, she has always been straight edge, high school term for no drugs, at all. When I noticed the beast coming out, she started drinking , pot, sex/ with paranioa. You are probably thinking all teenagers do that, not Trina she was on her way to college, been accepted to quite a few good colleges, from everything you have taught me, and my WTF am I doing crap I do, I was able to catch it. Today she told me that she is taking the med., it is working, she just does not like the fact that she will be on it for the rest of her life. I will get her through that part. She mentioned she wanted to stop taking it after she graduated. Thanks to you I was armed with the knowledge that if she did that and went into an episode, that medication might not work if she stops, then she would have to play guinni pig again. I have no problem talking about it to anyone, like I am in school for med asst. now and one teacher came into our lab class, I mentioned it to her, she said you do not have to tell them that, I looked at her and said that was the first thing my concilir and myself talked about, she looked at me kinda funny. Whatever??? My teacher wa talk about, she actually asked if ahe could read one of my lil booklets, Everything you wanted to know about bipo, but were afraid to ask or too angry. I said go ahead and keep it, she said thanks. My daughter is at the beginning when all the feelings are rampid in her mind about it. I am not ashamed, I love me, and now with your help I will be able to nip Trina’s beast, no kick that beast’s ass. I owe you so much David there are really no words to express how much you have done for myself and my family. It is all about repairing the damage it caused, before I knew what to look out for and how slick it is. Thank you David Oliver!
Karen
I must add that I am taking medications before anyone jumps to conclusions.
I have also become very good at recognizing my episodes and taking appropriate action.
I think my husbad has BP too. Odd but I am a rapid cycler with more major episodes at least every 3 months. After reading information here I think he may. Every other year or so he becomes impossible, he can’t stand his friends, family, and me. I’ve known him for 10 years and finally I think I’ve figured it out a little. Like Dave I used to just think he was going through his phase again and I would just walk on egg shells for the next month or so till he got better. I brought it up to him and he thought it may be the case as well.
Hi, Dave:
I can understand why you would get upset when dangerous misinformation is being spread at these meetings. I worked as a psych nurse for many years, and I know that the single worst mistake bipolar patients make (or schizophrenics, or people who are depressed) is to stop taking their meds; it’s a recipe for disaster. The thinking goes, as you said, “Oh, now I’m better, so I don’t need my meds anymore.” That behavior always leads to a relapse/episode. These people haven’t been properly educated; they are doing better BECAUSE they are taking their meds. It would be like a diabetic saying, “Oh, I’ve been on my insulin for a while now, and now my blood sugars are normal, so I don’t need my insulin anymore.” I think that people also may want to stop their meds because they may have some unpleasant side effects – but these side effects can be worked through with a doctor, and they are much less painful than what the person will go through if they stop taking their meds. The fact is that bipolar disorder is a chronic disease – unfortunately it doesn’t “go away”. I think that it’s up to the Dr.’s and nurses to better educate the patients, and it doesn’t help when people make such comments in support groups or other meetings. But Dr.’s and nurses should be telling the patients that they will need to take their meds forever in order to stay well (and, unfortunately, even then people can go into episodes).
Patients that stop taking their meds WILL get sick again, and it probably won’t take too long. Some of them learn from experience and become compliant with their medications. Others repeat the samee mistakes over and over, and suffer the consequence of repeatedly getting sick… In the long run, the patient is responsible for his/her own care.
I agree with what the other person said, though… You’ve got to calm down, Dave. You are doing a great service with this website, your e-mails (and your courses, I’m sure – wish I could afford them). You just have to accept that there is and always has been this dangerous “myth” about stopping to take meds. You’re doing all you can; you can’t change the world. Don’t let yourself get so upset. You spoke up; that’s all you can do. Maybe you can back it up with statistics. But getting yourself into an emotional turmoil will not help you (or us). Save your mental energy to keep doing what you are doing. You’re changing many lives, but you can’t change everyone, and you can’t change misconceptions that have existed forever. Think positive – think of all the good that you do. In a situation like you had in that meeting, you told the truth, and people will accept it or not. This particular “lie” about stopping meds has existed for as long as the disorder itself. You’re doing a GREAT service, but you’re only one person. Be satisfied with all the good that you’re doing. Keep trying, but don’t get upset. Stay calm. Keep up the good work.
Dear HEAVEN: (Kerrie):
I’ve been reading your comments for a long time, and I’m worried about you. I know exactly what you mean about wanting to go to sleep and never wake up. Depression is VERY painful, and it also makes you feel hopeless. You are NOT hopeless!! You just have to hang in there. Do you have a therapist? Maybe you’re on the wrong meds and need a change. Do you have friends or family who are supportive? PLEASE make a post and leave your e-mail address; I’d like to talk with you.
I’m so sorry you’re feeling so bad (I went through a period like that recently myself). Don’t give up, and DON’T do anything stupid!
PLEASE reach out to me, at least.
With love, and God Bless, Sue
I know first-hand about going off medications when you begin to feel better – it ain’t gonna work.
I stopped my Lithium after I was released from a private psychiatric hospital because I didn’t want to get my blood tested, or worry about the possible side effects – and I went into a MAJOR clinical depression. I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy – I literally couldn’t FUNCTION. Although I went to work every day; I was NOT living a REAL life.
Also – in our Lithium Group, there was “talk” about going off meds when you feel better – but – our group leader – who was a psychiatrist – warned us EMPHATICALLY that it could be a “death sentence.”
Of course, the “high” or “rush” you feel when you first go off your meds FEELS like it’s real. But – the “CRASH” afterward is NOT worth it. And there ALWAYS is a crash. It can’t be avoided – that’s the cyclical nature of bipolar disorder.
My advice is – don’t listen to someone who’s friend of a friend who’s cousin’s co-worker said it was OK to go off your meds when you feel better; it could be the LAST advice you ever get!
BIG HUGS to all bipolar survivors and those who love us. Please pray for me as I go through this bad time. And – good news! Susan is doing much better. Thank you.
Hi, Everybody!
My Server’s been down. I’m glad to note that Graham N’s back on the Blog, but worried that Helen M and Kerriannnnn with her dog haven’t posted for a while. Love to Nightlady as well – I cried when ‘Sex And The City’ finished!
(Martin made me laugh for ages yesterday when a Clip came on TV advertising a future Documentary that apparently MEN think about Sex EVERY 7 Seconds!? I asked him if this was true in his case and he replied, “No! I only think of it TWICE a day… ALL MORNING and ALL AFTERNOON!” I chipped back, “Cheers, Mate!” and we both nearly choked on our food sniggering.)
Heaven, PLEASE don’t harm yourself. I’ve been where you are and know how we just want to sleep away the bad feelings, but hang in there. I nearly lost my Sister last week, so please be very careful. I wish that I could physically be there, but my thoughts are with you. Take care.
Love to you all,
Sue and all the animals. x
I attend AA meetings and get annoyed when people say that taking psychiatric meds is “relapsing.” I choose not to share this information about myself to avoid the frustration.
I am lucky enough to have supporters who 100% know the importance of medication. Sometimes I have to accept on a daily basis that taking meds will be a part of my day for the rest of my life. It was much harder to accept in the beginning, but non-acceptance still creeps in sometimes.
David:
I have a question about diability for caregiver who supports a person in their family member with mental illness. Are you saying we
could get some kind of help with their finances?
Thank you,
BarbH
I hate it when people, like my Mom, tell me I’m on too many medications for a person my age. I try to tell her that these medications are necessary to keep my Bipolar under control. And, as I understand it, I will need to be on some regimen of medications for the rest of my life. If I go to a support group that says, “Go off your meds,” I don’t go back. If I go to a church that does not believe in meds, I don’t go back. I believe in my meds because they have given me my life back. Sure I’m doing well – it’s because of the meds! Would I like to be taking less? Yes. But I trust my docor to know what’s right. Not my family, friends, or people I just met. My advice is to TRUST YOR DOCTOR! If you don’t, get another doctore that you do trust.
Hi Everyone:
I have a daughter wholistens to angry people on the internet who tell her how to handle her mood swings with steroids and other hormones instead of trusting a good doc who will tell her the truth.+She hates my husband and I because we tell her the truth about her illness and that she needs help. We don’t know what to do. We feel meds can bring her back to what she was and not these angry people who donnot trust doctors.
BarbH
SUSIE, thanks for your concern. I have been busy with all sorts of things. Today has been the first rainfree day in ages, so I spent some time digging the garden. My boyfriend is ok, though still in an episode and making some really bad decisions lately. e.g. His car insurance is up for renewal and he hasn’t got the money, so he thinks he can do without a car and wants to sell it. He wouldn’t get tuppence for it, as it needs a few things fixing and the other night some thug (his ex?) broke the mirror off it. I don’t drive (never have) and often need heavy stuff picking up, etc. Also I’m hoping to see more of this country in the summer and he said he was going to show me. Public transport is too awkward for that. He says he wants to hire a campervan, as we couldn’t take the dog to a guest house anyway. That sounds quite exciting and adventurous, but he will probably change his mind 16 times before summer.
He may need the car again soon anyway, as he injured his leg last night and can’t walk well. He has to go to the doctor to have it looked at and probably get some pain killers that don’t interfere with his bipolar meds.
I was sad, too when “Sex and the City” finished, though it was a happy ending. I have cable tv and watch endless repeats of the series. I also love “Desperate Housewives.” Talking of tv, please let us know in time when your programme will be on.
Good Morning, Everybody!
Well, after a busy weekend, as it was Martin’s 49th Birthday, I’ve finally ‘got rid’ of him earlier, when he set off to drive an HGV Lorry and I’ve got to soon get ready to begin my first lesson out of a three-month D.I.Y. Course for Women.
I’ve been feeling irritated and ‘mixed-up’ because Martin asked me Saturday night if he could invite his Family over for his Birthday meal at my place last night and although I initially told him “No!”, as I’m trying to get things nice for the TV Crew, he pressured me enough into agreeing WITHOUT me checking my Diary and Calendar first. The “Adam’s Family” were due at 7pm, but I happened to glance at my Calendar on the kitchen door at 5.30pm, just before I headed into the Shower and saw that I was due at an Annual General Meeting where I’m a Committee Member at 7.30pm, which I’ve known about for months!
I felt torn, but left a message with the Chairman to explain that I’d accidentally ‘double-booked’ myself and was annoyed that everybody’s going to think that I’m SO disorganised, when I’ve been making a real effort not to be.
We made an ‘understanding’ that because I’ve got to start new lessons today, that he’d kick his Family out by 9.30pm, but they didn’t leave until 11.30pm, after getting drunk and one in particular, eating EVERYTHING in sight (he’s got such disgusting eating manners that I can’t abide sitting next to him as his open mouth and loud masticating sounds make me feel sick, but he kept trying to plonk himself by me and it was with extreme cunning and effort that I got away from him!) and Martin sleeping over, when he was supposed to go home, so I’m knackered now. (I don’t wish to appear like a hypocrite, as I used to be able to drink anybody ‘under the table’, but it’s no fun watching others getting increasingly drunk, whilst you remain sober.)
Another thing that’s upset me is the death of the much loved Children’s TV Presenter, ‘Mark Speight’, who went missing last week. He’s been described as “vulnerable” ever since his Fiancee was found dead in their bath last January, after they’d both been partying really hard with Cocktails of Drugs and Alcohol. His body was found yesterday in London’s ‘Paddington’ Railway Station. He was only 42 – my age. He was so much fun to watch, but I’m wondering if he had Bipolar.
Nightlady, thanks for your message. I did some gardening last Saturday for the first time this year. When ‘Sex And The City’ ended, I felt like I’d lost four Friends!
I’m having problems ALREADY regarding this TV Documentary, because although they want to use me as the ‘upbeat, successful’ example of somebody who’s usually ‘high’, I’m having trouble getting permission to actually Film anywhere! I’ve got to speak to the Co-ordinater of the Hospital’s Trust, where my Doberman and Border Collie work as ‘Pets As Therapy Dogs’; the Council Manager of a local Mansion, of which I’m a also a Committee Member, to Film in the beautiful Gardens, the Line Manager of the Animal Charity which I support AND on top of this, the Farmer who owns the land where I keep the rescued Ponies, has a Mare just about to have a Foal, so doesn’t want the location shown, or unwanted excitement around the Farm. I’m feeling fed-up with the whole thing already, but I’m going to ask if we can use the ‘Women’s Group’ as another option. I guess that it’ll all work out in the end, if it’s meant to be. I’m particularly keen to have it done, as the Producer’s promised to place David’s Web-Site at the end and on to the ‘B.B.C.’s’ Web-Site. Hopefully, even if I pull out, as I’m getting too stressed, she’ll still use David’s stuff.
Forgive me for appearing down, but I’m really over-tired and have a long day ahead. I’m seeing my ‘Shrink’ this afternoon and there’s a Councellor’s Meeting tonight.
I hope that you’re all okay out there, especially Hellmann and her Dog and Heaven.
Take care. Love,
Sue and all the animals. x
Hello David Oliver;
I just read your e-mail about you being at your group meetings, and people thinking that if they feel great then they do not have to take their medications, and quit working and go on disabiliy…..
I read that and I was very disturbed to as well…100% WRONG advice to be telling any Bi-polar person that!!!!!!
I was diagnosed seven years ago to date. The FIRST thing that my doctor told me was that NEVER just stop taking my medication. He said that there may be days and weeks even months that I feel great, happy and the world is a great place…BUT do not stop taking the medication! he said that I would relapse. Well guess what, I DID the opposite of what he said. I felt great, happy as hell, things were going great, and stop my meds. I didn’t believe him. Well I can tell you within few months of doing thaat, I completely crashed, right down to the bottom. I ended up in the hospital on that “special” floor for a good month or so. I took me a year to build my self back again. My doctor has known me for 13 years, so he kicked my butt for doing that so to speak. That was four years ago that happened. I NEVER miss my meds or do not taking them. Bi-polar people cannot stop taking their meds no matter what. My dotor said they could be adjusted a little, maybe I do not as much as before, or maybe a little more, but NEVER stop taking them.
And supplements…they do not work very well. I have tried everything on the market to do with Bi-polar, and this and that, they do not work. They are not as effective as the real medication!! and you have to watch if you are taking supplements along with your medications that they do not interfere with your medications as well, instructed by my doctor as well.
And as for quiting your job and going on disablity….this is what my therapist said to me, he is a pretty good therapist, and very good about Bi-polar. He told me that working is very productive for us, more that just the work it self. He said that we are working on goals for the future, or goals in short terms, like a new car, a trip, retirement, what ever he said, it is productive, and it is good for our esteems, I do not about any of you out there, but I have a weak self esteem, and I have been working on it for a while, working makes me feel “useful” like a real person in society, and working on my goals, learning to depend on me and not someone else to support me. My therapist that was a healthy thing for people with Bi-polar.
Now if your extreme case where your symptoms prevent you from working, you have to be pretty extreme, then I can see it, but if you are still productive and and active, I would not suggest to do that. What would you do all day? what would you do with your self? how good would one feel getting a preset amount from the goverment? they do not care how much they give you, they do not care if it is enough for you to live off of, they just do not care. I know a friend who lives like that, and he struggles and battles with the goverment all the time for more money and all that.
My suggestion, and it is just that, I could be way off…but my suggestion is you are healthy and productive – keep working, KEEP taking your medications, keep going on, do not quit and go the goverenemt way, keep your self going and do what makes you feel good, that works!!!!
To Haven;
DO NOT give up!!!! the better place you think is not better! find a different phycatrist, it is obvious that the one you have is not working for you! forget the hospitals unless your critical, they can’t really help you. Do not stop taking your meds. Communicate with your doctor and get his /her attention so that they know that your 100% serious that your medication is not working and tell them that you need real help and better medication. Do research, the internet, books what ever it takes….hey try this one out, it a book called, actually there are two of them that are really good, they are called……”healing The Hyperactive Brain” by Micheal. R. Lyon, MD and “Scattered Minds” by Gabour Mate, MD and another book that is really awesome is called “Hanging by a twig” that one is probably the best one out there i was told, i have ordered it and waiting for it to come, so when it does come I can let you know what it is like and tell you if it is any good.
you have to really firm with these therapists and doctors. Half the time they think that one does not know what they are talking about. You know your self better that anyone else, and if you think that your meds are not helping and making you more depressed to the point that you do not want to be here any more, then grab your doctor’s attention and tell them that, make them listen to you, and this therapist you have, make him listen to YOU, that is their job to listen TO YOU, not just you listen to them. they do not know you, they do not always know what is best for you, you know that. And if they are not working, find another one. DO NOT give up!!!!! keep fighting, you will find peace and happiness. And if your invironment is not healthy and supporting, then chance it. Easier said than done, but try and get away from what is dragging you down and making you feel this way!! The invironement you live in is a big influence on Bi-polar people, if it healthy and supportive then it keeps you happy and healthy. So do what it takes and do not give up, there is help and happiness out there for us Bi-polar people ok?! keep fighting!!!!!!!