From previous posts, you can see life has been a struggle recently. So I have a few coping skills I’d like to pass along. Since most of my time is consumed by TV and computers, I have made it constructive (if possible). I started watching Maury Povich and a lot of court shows. It’s a bit of reversed psychology, I guess. My issues seem to slip away when compared to the reality I watch on TV. At least you’re not being sued for child support on the five illegitimate children you ex has. And you’re not going back to Maury for the ninth time trying to the father of your child, right? Right!
Another way I’ve found to deal is to play computer games. Lame, I know. But I focus more on winning the game than I do on my latest mood swing. It helps. There’s nothing like a good game of Vegas-style three-card Solitaire to keep my mind off myself. And if you want competition, may I suggest Yahoo! Literati? It’s like Scrabble. You’re so busy thinking of new and innovative words to pummel your opponent you don’t have time to worry about your multiple personalities fighting with each other.
And last, but not least, I name EVERYTHING. My laptop is tenderly known as Tode. Cute, I know! And the couch is Dirty Harry (bought second-hand, who knows what’s been on that thing?). It may sound crazy, but let me explain. When inanimate objects receive a name, to me, they receive an identity and personality. That way, I always have someone – or something – to talk to. Like, Gassy, the old stove in the kitchen, and Bertha the bed (nothing like a little pillow talk), or Stinky the trash can. Although they don’t provide the most intelligent conversations, at least I always have someone to listen to my incessant, depressive mumbling.
So now you know. There are ways to deal. They may be a little unorthodox, but they work!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Feeling ugh...
There are a few things that have been playing on my mind lately. For those of you who have major depression and/or bipolar disorder, this might ring a bell. As of late, I’ve had a difficult time forcing myself out of bed in the morning. Normally, I would contribute that to my insomnia; however, it’s different this time. You know that sinking feeling that can’t be shaken and you’re more scared of living than dying? Well, I feel like I’m there. I’m afraid to look in the mirror to see the disappointment I’ve created and the failure that is me.
On the other hand, in the past month, I have made great strides. I started a new hobby which has flourished into several successful and growing ventures. With that, I’ve found a new love for life and a zest I was missing. I have been de-stressing my life one piece at a time and I am learning more about myself daily.
As you can see, there are a few classic characteristics of bipolar disorder that I’ve been fighting: depression, difficulty sleeping and needing to try new things. My biggest challenge at this point is taking my new adventures and keeping up with them. Yet another trait of bipolar disorder: lofty ideas begun and never finished. Not only that, my mood has been fluctuating rapidly. Happy one minute and in the depths of despair the next minute is not a healthy way to live.
On the other hand, in the past month, I have made great strides. I started a new hobby which has flourished into several successful and growing ventures. With that, I’ve found a new love for life and a zest I was missing. I have been de-stressing my life one piece at a time and I am learning more about myself daily.
As you can see, there are a few classic characteristics of bipolar disorder that I’ve been fighting: depression, difficulty sleeping and needing to try new things. My biggest challenge at this point is taking my new adventures and keeping up with them. Yet another trait of bipolar disorder: lofty ideas begun and never finished. Not only that, my mood has been fluctuating rapidly. Happy one minute and in the depths of despair the next minute is not a healthy way to live.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
How to tell if you're bipolar
I compiled a short list of ways to tell if you're bipolar. If you have anymore, please let me know!
1. The voices in your head are actually calming you down instead of riling you up.
2. You really do have more issues than Time magazine.
3. When people say, “You’re crazy,” you know they really mean it.
4. When you talk to yourself, it actually makes sense.
5. You take more medication for bipolar disorder than your 90-year-old grandma takes for blood pressure, incontinence, arthritis and her heart...including all her vitamins.
6. Your therapist is telling you that the voices in your head are starting to make more sense than you are.
7. You spend more money monthly on medication and therapy than on your mortgage.
8. Your therapist gets confused because he doesn’t know which voice he’s talking to anymore.
9. You finally realize that “Manic” and “Depressive” are not popular ‘80s hair bands.
10. You realize that your other voices have really good advice.
11. You have more episodes than the TV show The Simpson’s.
1. The voices in your head are actually calming you down instead of riling you up.
2. You really do have more issues than Time magazine.
3. When people say, “You’re crazy,” you know they really mean it.
4. When you talk to yourself, it actually makes sense.
5. You take more medication for bipolar disorder than your 90-year-old grandma takes for blood pressure, incontinence, arthritis and her heart...including all her vitamins.
6. Your therapist is telling you that the voices in your head are starting to make more sense than you are.
7. You spend more money monthly on medication and therapy than on your mortgage.
8. Your therapist gets confused because he doesn’t know which voice he’s talking to anymore.
9. You finally realize that “Manic” and “Depressive” are not popular ‘80s hair bands.
10. You realize that your other voices have really good advice.
11. You have more episodes than the TV show The Simpson’s.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Pet Therapy
I don't know how many of you have pets, but I have a 3-year-old Dachshund named Sebastian. I would go crazy without him. Seriously! He is so funny and he keeps me company during the day. He has the funniest personality. He chases and catches his tail going both directions! He thinks he has to eat everything I do. He waits by my side while I cook so he can eat anything I drop on the floor. He loves to cuddle up under the covers with me when I take a nap or when my husband and I go to bed. He is a very important part of my life.
There's something to having another living being with you. If you're not fond of animals, maybe consider a plant or anything that will get your mind away from itself. If you have something or someone to take care of, you'll be less worried about yourself. Try it out!
There's something to having another living being with you. If you're not fond of animals, maybe consider a plant or anything that will get your mind away from itself. If you have something or someone to take care of, you'll be less worried about yourself. Try it out!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
CAUTION: DISTURBING INFORMATION - Bleeding away the pain: a look into self-injury
I don't know if any of you follow the TV show "Medium" on NBC. I'm not a particular fan, but I caught a glimpse of the beginning of last night's show. I'd like to discuss a little bit of what I saw. For those of you who follow the show, it might make more sense. In the first five minutes (which is all I saw), the topic of compulsions was discussed briefly. In the clip, a young girl is shown cutting herself. A small cut first and then excessive cutting later in the clip.
I'd like to discuss this for a bit. I try not to be too serious, but this needs attention. During my late high school and early college years, I too had compulsions to self-injure. It's often misconstrued as a way to get attention which is sometimes the case. However, for me and many others it is an entirely different story. I learned that cutting was easier than talking someone. It was like watching all of my problems bleed away so I didn't have to worry about them anymore. It gave me a sense of control that was missing in other aspects of my life. It was a way for me to deal and a very unhealthy way at that.
This is a serious addiction and should not be taken lightly EVER. From a medical standpoint, having an addiction to self-injuring makes sense. When the body experiences pain, the brain is triggered to send endorphins immediately to dull the pain. Endorphins create a natural high and one can become addicted to getting those endorphins.
Please, if you or someone you know is a self-injurer, get help. You may not think you need it and you probably don't want it, but it's the best thing you can do. There is a way out and better, healthier ways to deal with your life.
I'd like to discuss this for a bit. I try not to be too serious, but this needs attention. During my late high school and early college years, I too had compulsions to self-injure. It's often misconstrued as a way to get attention which is sometimes the case. However, for me and many others it is an entirely different story. I learned that cutting was easier than talking someone. It was like watching all of my problems bleed away so I didn't have to worry about them anymore. It gave me a sense of control that was missing in other aspects of my life. It was a way for me to deal and a very unhealthy way at that.
This is a serious addiction and should not be taken lightly EVER. From a medical standpoint, having an addiction to self-injuring makes sense. When the body experiences pain, the brain is triggered to send endorphins immediately to dull the pain. Endorphins create a natural high and one can become addicted to getting those endorphins.
Please, if you or someone you know is a self-injurer, get help. You may not think you need it and you probably don't want it, but it's the best thing you can do. There is a way out and better, healthier ways to deal with your life.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
'Nuff with the serious stuff
Alright, I think I've done my share of serious posts. The main point of this blog is to help people cope with depression through satire and sarcasm. Well, shoot. Let's give it a try. One way, and probably the most effective I've found, to deal is with laughter. So here is one of my favorite commercials from a few years ago. Citibank had several and this one of the best! Shoot!
Taking care of yourself
Taking care of yourself is one of the most important things in staying healthy and happy. Here are a few tips (these came from my therapist and psych).
1. Maintain a schedule. Keeping a routine is important in staying sane - for me anyway. Be sure to wake up and go to bed at the same time ALWAYS...even on the weekends. If possible, set up your work schedule so you arrive, leave and take lunch and breaks at the same time every day.
2. Eat regularly. This is vital. Be sure to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner preferably at the same time daily. If you need snacks in between meals, go for it!
3. Eat good, healthy foods. Eating sugary foods is a rollercoaster ride. It's a temporary high with a horrible crash at the end. Try to stick to the food pyramid. And STAY AWAY from refined sugar! It may sound basic, but it really works! If you limit your sugar intake, you will start to feel better and lose weight too! I guarantee it! Whenever you need a sugar fix, substitute an apple or banana or something with natural sugar.
4. Take naps. YES! Everybody needs naps. I'm not talking about a two-plus hour nap or anything like that. But a 10-30 minute nap will rejuvenate your body to get you through the rest of the day. You could do this on a work break or while your child is taking a nap.
5. Take a walk. Be sure to get your exercise in. Whether it's a gym workout or a 20-30 minute walk, exercise is a MUST! Exercising will help you sleep better at night, give you more energy and help you feel better all the way around. Exercising releases endorphins which create a natural high.
6. Follow your doctor's orders/advice. It may sound cheesy, but if you're going to pay for and visit a doctor or health professional, you might as well take their advice. Other than yourself, they know the most about you, your body and how it works. If you don't agree with what they have to say, get a second opinion. They know what they're doing...hopefully.
My therapist's advice: Take care of yourself like you would take care of a child. It works!
1. Maintain a schedule. Keeping a routine is important in staying sane - for me anyway. Be sure to wake up and go to bed at the same time ALWAYS...even on the weekends. If possible, set up your work schedule so you arrive, leave and take lunch and breaks at the same time every day.
2. Eat regularly. This is vital. Be sure to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner preferably at the same time daily. If you need snacks in between meals, go for it!
3. Eat good, healthy foods. Eating sugary foods is a rollercoaster ride. It's a temporary high with a horrible crash at the end. Try to stick to the food pyramid. And STAY AWAY from refined sugar! It may sound basic, but it really works! If you limit your sugar intake, you will start to feel better and lose weight too! I guarantee it! Whenever you need a sugar fix, substitute an apple or banana or something with natural sugar.
4. Take naps. YES! Everybody needs naps. I'm not talking about a two-plus hour nap or anything like that. But a 10-30 minute nap will rejuvenate your body to get you through the rest of the day. You could do this on a work break or while your child is taking a nap.
5. Take a walk. Be sure to get your exercise in. Whether it's a gym workout or a 20-30 minute walk, exercise is a MUST! Exercising will help you sleep better at night, give you more energy and help you feel better all the way around. Exercising releases endorphins which create a natural high.
6. Follow your doctor's orders/advice. It may sound cheesy, but if you're going to pay for and visit a doctor or health professional, you might as well take their advice. Other than yourself, they know the most about you, your body and how it works. If you don't agree with what they have to say, get a second opinion. They know what they're doing...hopefully.
My therapist's advice: Take care of yourself like you would take care of a child. It works!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Feeling a little down
Today, I'm feeling down. The snow has stopped and left a pretty white blanket on the ground. I just can't seem to get my spirits up. So here it goes...
The snow is fresh and creates a new start
To a world once dreary and mostly dark
The world is cold just like my heart
I am hurting and I am torn apart
Why is my heart frozen and why won't it stop?
I can't get my emotions to flop.
The snow is fresh and creates a new start
To a world once dreary and mostly dark
The world is cold just like my heart
I am hurting and I am torn apart
Why is my heart frozen and why won't it stop?
I can't get my emotions to flop.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Depression
Depression is the second part of manic-depressive - or bipolar - disorder. I want to address this mostly because I am more on the depressive side than on the manic side. It's not easy dealing with depression, especially mood swings that flucuate daily. I have rapid-cycling type 2 bipolar disorder and my moods go up and down about as often as the sun. So how do you deal? And without popping pills. I have a few ways I'd like to share.
1. Write. I write my feelings down in rhyme. For some reason, rhymes make my depression easier to swallow. I have songs and poems that will probably never be read or sung to anyone and that's okay. It's a way for me to see what I'm feeling and it helps me understand myself better.
2. Sleep. It's not the best way to deal, but it works for me. I sleep off my troubles like drunks sleep off hangovers. When I wake up, I usually feel better.
3. Talk. I know talk therapy or psychotherapy is not the easiest, but I think it's one of the most effective ways to understand oneself. I get to take a deeper look into myself and when I hear some of the irrational things I say, and some of the rational things I say. It helps me realize where I can change things.
These are only a few ways to deal with depression. Drugs are not always the answer.
1. Write. I write my feelings down in rhyme. For some reason, rhymes make my depression easier to swallow. I have songs and poems that will probably never be read or sung to anyone and that's okay. It's a way for me to see what I'm feeling and it helps me understand myself better.
2. Sleep. It's not the best way to deal, but it works for me. I sleep off my troubles like drunks sleep off hangovers. When I wake up, I usually feel better.
3. Talk. I know talk therapy or psychotherapy is not the easiest, but I think it's one of the most effective ways to understand oneself. I get to take a deeper look into myself and when I hear some of the irrational things I say, and some of the rational things I say. It helps me realize where I can change things.
These are only a few ways to deal with depression. Drugs are not always the answer.
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