Is there a better solution to Bipolar side effects?

I found more information regarding the topic of methods to self medicate with BP. 

(I tried self-medicating (with my fav drug of choice- pot, amongst others), and it always ended up out of control, because it did nothing to control my disorder. I was just kidding myself.)

I am a bit concerned.  I've seen others who get mean when smoking to much.  From what I know with any drug and Bipolar the mix is lethal.  It's as if there's no turn off switch.  Enough is NEVER enough!

Meditation, Tai Chi, Yoga, Truehope vitamins, Eating right, exercise are all good choices.  I don't know how effective they are since mood swings can be so unpredictable.  How would someone who suffers with unpredictable mood swings stay on task anyway?  When the depression hits it would be rare if someone would jump up and do their tai chi. Maybe the depression can be held away for a while doing the right things though.

Then there's the doctors choice of Lithium, Depakote, Effexor, and the list goes ON!  The argument is what is worse?  Suicide, violence or horrible side effects?  Some well a lot of people do very well with the medications and don't want to live with out them.  Other's miss their high's.  And take the lows that come with the highs.  Maybe it depends on the severity of your shifting moods.  If suicide or violence is a common symptom, and medication helps, then that sounds like the best option.  Everyone is different.  I found my husband does much better when he is off any medications.  He's a freaking zombie on them.  Maybe we never found the right combination?

 Then you wonder would life be more normal?  Less isolation?  Less of everything which isn't normal in MY normal world?  Who's to say what is right and what is wrong?  If Einstein had to take medication would we have the awesome inventions we would have?  Would David's Artwork exist?  All of this is very confusing.  I know a lot of people lose their creativity and therefore do not create although some argue it helps them focus and therefore do very well.  Maybe it's the amount given to a person that needs to be watched better.  Our personal experience has been TO MUCH medication!  The zombie in him emerges!  In the beginning before we knew what the diagnosis was they were giving a crazy combination of different depression pills and he would sit for weeks drooling not even there!  Yeah that works!  The doctors would say well just give him less.  Still zombie.  Well try this.  Still zombie.  Try this, Okay you get the picture.  Months go by.  This is NOT working!  What a nightmare!

Suffice to say, I know this for a fact! 
Bipolar and narcotics are a lethal combination! 
Depression medication (not bipolar medication) does NOT work for Bipolar. 
And if they are feeling angry, give them their space. 
If they need to be alone, leave them alone.
If they are self medicating (alcohol or whatever) watch them VERY carefully!
Give praise, understanding and love.
Be supportive.

Our name for Bipolar is now Gifted.  We hate the word Bipolar.  I do not label my husband like that.  I think he is a gifted amazing human being!  So smart and talented and I'm very proud of him.

Books I've read on the subject suggest our brain is lacking complex B vitamins along with several other vitamins and minerals that we need to function normally and if we take the right vitamins and eat the right things are brains are nourished enough to function without any prescription drugs.   Is this really possible?  If we look in the past years back no one knew there was such a thing as Bipolar.  People like Picasso and Divinci were great artists and very strange to the rest of the world.  YES!  But weren't they Brilliant???  Amazing?  Gifted?  I'd argue they had an advantage over the rest of us!  Look at Einstein.  Are we going to label him as weird?
See www.truehope.com
Here's a book called The Natural Medicine Guide to Bipolar Disorder


I hate labeling someone with a disease.  Now they are "depressed"  or "Bipolar"  That is not who they are.   The person your referring to is just like you or me.  They may think differently.  Act differently.  Live their lives a different way.  Their habits are different.  What can we expect? They are brilliant in their own way. Gifted.  Racing thoughts, rage, hyper activity, violent, moody, impossible to be around until the flip side which is happy, hyper, wonderful, loving, fun OH LORD!  This is all so confusing. 
In my house, I dodge the bullet.  I live in the house and he stays in the garage.  Yep!  He's happier that way.  I don't like it.  But, what is the alternative.  I am not him.  I can not understand why he does what he does.  I can't understand why he wants to be alone all the time.  My job is to be a patient loving wife and wait until he needs me and be there.  Very difficult!
http://www.psychforums.com/bipolar/  Here is a link to a forum with many views and opinions that may help.
I was reading through some of the comments and have learned quite a bit.   Everyone has their own set of issues they struggle with!  All different people with different opinions.  It's had to pinpoint what works for some and not for others! 

I strongly believe art is a great method of healing.  A good outlet!

It works for many people!

ksl.com - Study examines prescription drug abuse in Utah

ksl.com - Study examines prescription drug abuse in Utah

This article is about the abuse of prescription drugs and deaths associated with it.

Marijuana helpful for Bipolar and Pain Relief ?

I just finished watching a show on Hulu.com called The true tale of American Marijuana.  This story was the fight to legalize marijuana for chronic pain sufferers.  I still have a lot of questions and a lot of previous experience with the treatment given to my husband by the pain clinics.  I will quickly share with you some of my experiences.  I believe each person has their own story and is affected differently by  narcotics, pain and depression.  My husband is a chronic pain sufferer.  He is also bipolar.  The combination as we have learned almost makes it impossible to treat either or.  He is also quite an amazing artist!  www.artbydavidpaul.com
Several years ago 2002 I believe he started having severe pain in his wrists.  One surgery then another till 11 surgeries had been performed led to unbelievable problems.  Massive nerve damage.  Dave was desperate to find a way to get rid of the pain.  The Doctors did what they believed they could do to help him.  One doctor severed a nerve and he got staph infection.  Long story made very short, this is what led to David being introduced to a pain clinic.  At first he was given a mild narcotic which seemed to work.  Later the Doctor increased his medications.  Before to long he was prescribed Oxycontin,  methadone, and trazadone along with many other cocktails.   

From About.com Substance Abuse

It is generally believed that 30% to 60% of those with bipolar disorder (manic depression) also struggle with alcoholism or substance abuse perhaps in an attempt to self-medicate.

I found this in about 2 seconds.  Really are doctors not educated enough to know about this?  Okay so is it advisable to give a bipolar sufferer addictive medications as strong as these were?  What were these idiot doctors thinking?  Results with David were awful!  Attempted suicides,  many overdoses,  always taking to many pills and having withdrawals before his script was to be refilled. Month after month.  No matter how painful, it kept happening.  Let's clap for David 3 years now he has been off that lethal drug cocktail!!!!  So what is one to do?  Is a natural alternative like marijuana use a better option?

I found this amazing website with many voices regarding this topic. 

http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=28964&cn=4

Reading through this I can see how some people feel their racing thoughts are being more controlled.  There is some talk about how numb they are to life and need to be aware it is the marijuana that is making them feel this way.  Addiction is an issue of course.  The question remains what would the quality of his life be if he decided to take this route?  Would it control his pain?  Would it help his creativity?  Would it cause a major addiction problems?  Would it make his life better because the pain and mood swings were more manageable?  Would this hurt his lungs?  What exactly are the pros and cons for David with this alternative therapy.  I can tell you this.  I know he will NEVER go back on narcotics!  Unless he has a death wish.  I live in Utah and don't believe medical marijuana is legalized here for medical use anyway.  In fact Ogden Utah made it illegal to smoke spice just recently.  That stuff scares me.

http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881
So there's my answer the link above question on which states have changed their law on medical marijuana.

I heard on the video from Hulu  Utah Mormons were the first to outlaw the drug.  First to say No to Pot and to Spice.  Hmmmm didn't know that.  Then all the states followed suit.   I think if it helps and you are in severe pain or terminal go for it.  We are all here on borrowed time and why not make it the best we can.  Personally I've read mostly good things in regards to treatment of bipolar vs. marijuana and pain so if he wants to give it a try and of course move to Oregon and get a medical prescription for it and it works that is a great thing.   One more reason to move to Oregon!  Ha ha  that's where we want to live anyway.  The alternative is much worse.  The side effects of the depression medications and pain medications.  Oh and to answer any questions on the ECigarettes.  They have been great!  A lot less smoking!  I totally recommend them!
I would love some feedback on this!  Have a great day!

Quitting Everything!

I have days that are unmotivated, tired, where I feel the world is against me.  I also have great days where I feel motivated happy and ready for a new adventure!  In a way, we can all relate to feeling this way I think.  To have a day magnified by 100% of my bad day would be unbearable yet millions of people face this problem.  How do we support our loved ones going through this rollercoaster of emotions?  I know that there are many different solutions, what works for you?  I would LOVE some feedback on this.

I learned that alcohol effects people differently based on their brain chemistry makeup.  There's a huge difference in how many people react to alcohol and there seems to be a reason that is connected to bipolar and other depressive disorders.  I only know what I have experienced and I have read and by no means am any kind of authority on the subject.  I'd like to say that if you've been diagnosed with bipolar then stay away from any kind of stimulant!  I'd like it if anyone who was bipolar would actually follow that advice.  From what I've seen they always self medicate.  Their normal is a high we've probably never felt.  When they feel down they want to feel up when they feel up they want to feel more UP.  Its a never ending cycle.  The consequences are very severe.  Suicide, Verbal outbursts, Violence, and this is not always the case.  SO, if it only happens once in a while should it be ignored?  Of course logic says NO.  But this seems to justify most people so they can continue enjoying their stimulants whatever they use.  Pick your poison, Caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, pain pills, gambling, food, work, and anything else you overindulge with. The best way to avoid the temptation is to stay motivated.  Stay busy.  Do things you enjoy.  Take healthy supplements that feed your brain.  Yoga, Tai Chi, and any kind of daily exercise feeds endorphins and helps release serotonin in your brain.  And that works on everyone regardless of who they are!  Following my own advice would be a great thing!  lol.. 
I'm so proud of David.  He has chronic pain and was given pain pills Oxycontin, methadone, lortab you name it they gave it to him in the truckloads!  It almost cost him his life.  Logic would say he has pain, then he needs something to cope.  He's unlucky that way.  With Bipolar it affects him in a completely different way than most of us.  It almost killed him.  He became an instant addict (as most bipolars do with stimulants)  I lost count of the emergency room visits we went on.  I thank god everyday he is off those.  Its truly a miracle and has now been 3 years.  He also quit drinking hard alcohol.  We've had quite a few experiences with that as well and this has taught him to stay away from this stimulant.  ALSO if thats not enough he has stopped drinking caffeine.  Coffee is his passion and with that comes lots of sugar and caffeine both bad! 
Next tackle is the cigarettes!  Almost 2 packs a day!  In fact TODAY we are getting the ecigarettes and will kill another vice!  Here's a book about them. And a link to where you can buy them.  Electronic Health Cigarette Deluxe Kit. 2 E-cigarettes, 2 Atomizers, 2 Rechargable Batteries, 10 Cartridges (equals a carton of Tobacco Cigs), 3 Chargers, one for Car, Wall and USB.
  I was excited to find this link because everyone kept saying it was 150.00 to get a starter kit and this was half that price!


  Well I'll keep you posted on this no caffeine, no alcohol, no sugar, no cigarettes, OH GEEZ!  NO Sugar!  That one will be tough.  We might find that we feel a lot happier healthier and all that great stuff!  So here's to DAY 1 with E Cigarettes!

Am I Alone?

As I sit here thinking "does anyone else ever go through this?"  I remind myself there are so many people with loved ones who are bipolar.  I don't know if anyone truly understand what its like to live with someone who is bipolar unless you do.  Their lows are unbelievably low.  My husband is unreachable.  He has no desire to eat or really do much of anything.  He doesn't even have a memory of anything that happened when he starts to emerge out of his dark coma.  Its so hard for me to actually understand what he feels.  I try to ask him to explain to me what he feels and he doesn't want to talk.  I desperately cram amino acids, vitamin B complex, inositol powder, and anything else I have handy to him to help him get energy and come back to me.  I've considered not writing in here anymore and realized someone out there might find comfort that they are not alone as I have surfing through the internet from time to time.  I will try to track down the "alternative" prescription we use for his bipolar and it does seem to help him quite a bit.  Watch for that later this week!
Have a super weekend!
Kim

Wayne Dyer Movie!

www.DyerMovie.com



This really helped me change my thinking in a positive way!  Inexpensive download watch it on your computer!

Art as therapy for Bipolar and/or Chronic Pain Sufferers

Art therapy is the practice of doing art as a way to gain inner peace.  

Some examples are music, painting, drawing, singing, drama, poetry, writing, or any other form of creating.  

People who experience illness, chronic pain, trauma or have depression of any form can benefit especially.  This is because art offers an escape for them.  This is a safe place to be to find a some inner peace.  It quiets your mind and brings you back to your center.  The unhappiness of the world around you will disappear if only for a while.  Sometimes that break is all we need to recharge our batteries and start a fresh new day.  Once you begin your project and you will lose the grip that all those problems you feel you have on your mind.  This is such a gift!  Some of the most amazing pieces of artwork my husband has done is because he is able to fully lose himself with his art.  What are you interested in?  Have you ever found a project you love to do and realize the whole day has passed and you don’t have a clue where it went?  If you find yourself in a “funk”  try drawing a picture or writing a poem.  Some people enjoy to crochet, knit, sew or scrapbook.  What do you enjoy?  What are you waiting for?  Using art as therapy is a great way to meditate.  Exercise will help as well. We get natural endorphins flowing in our body as we exercise.  Which leads me to talk about tai chi.  Yoga. Pilates.   Some consider martial arts an art.  All of these things have something in common which is becoming one with the source.  Do yourself a favor.  Do something you love to do!

Help for Sleep Problems

My husband has a hard time with his sleeping.  He stays up late and wakes up early.  Or doesn't sleep at all.  There are times when he sleeps for days at a time.  His symptoms are less severe lately.

Sleeping is very crucial for someone with bipolar (manic depression).  This can lead to additional symptoms as lack of sleep drags on.  The mood swings with bipolar can cause too much sleep or not enough.  Either way can precipitate an episode. Sleeping will help lesson the frequency of the episodes.

Some good tips are:

• Avoid caffeine, nicotine, sugar,  alcohol, cheese, chocolate, or other stimulants before bedtime. 
• Get regular exercise.  Search Amazon.com for exercise dvd
• Don't eat heavy meals late in the day.
• If you find your mind wondering to much try writing a to do list and put it aside until the next morning.
• Use your room for sleeping only.  Do not have a TV in your bedroom.
• Try reading a book for a while before falling asleep.
• Get a relaxing cd of a sound that relaxes you I personally like ocean waves or a meditation CD to keep my thoughts on a inspirational wave.Search Amazon.com for relaxation cd

These come in liquid form.  I've added some helpful links below also from Vitamin World.


Valerian Root:  Good for nervousness, ulcers, headaches, colic, gas, pain, stress, anxiety, insomnia, convulsions, muscle cramps, and spasms.  Improves circulation and acts as a sedative.  Reduces mucus from colds.


Melatonin: Your body has its own internal clock that controls your natural cycle of sleeping and waking hours. In part, your body clock controls how much melatonin your body makes. Normally, melatonin levels begin to rise in the mid- to late evening, remain high for most of the night, and then drop in the early morning hours.

Kava Kava:
Another time-honored herbal insomnia fighter and muscle relaxer.  This can help you sleep as well as help pain in some.



5HTP: 
A substitute for tryptophan.  (Ingredient in turkey that makes us so tired).  




Sleepytime tea:
This is for mild insomnia.  Not as strong as the above.  I also like tension tamer tea.

Celestial Seasonings 

Light affects how much melatonin your body produces. During the shorter days of the winter months, your body may produce melatonin either earlier or later in the day than usual. This change can lead to symptoms of SAD Seasonal Affective Disorder or winter depression.

Natural melatonin levels slowly drop with age. Some older adults make very small amounts of it or none at all.

Search Amazon.com for sleep disorders with bipolar

Some helpful natural remedies for a good nights rest.

Hops Valerian Complex
Lecithin Granules
Melatonin 3 mg
Hawthorn Berry Standardized Extract

Is BP a blessing or a curse?

 If someone like Van Gough, Beethoven, Edgar Allen Poe, Charles Dickens,  Jim Carey or Abe Lincoln can accomplish such great feats in life beyond anything the rest of us normal zombies can create, then how can any of us judge someone or say how they act isn't normal?  Its normal for them.

My husband was given drugs to regulate his mood swings which are very erratic.  This tends to make him feel maybe what we consider is normal or maybe a little less than normal.  If you’ve experienced the high’s he has,  and been able to create like he does would you stay on this medication?  That is a tricky question.   The lows are extreme also. 

David will normally just try to self medicate to feel normal.  The drugs he used to take would help temporarily until the consequences of his actions step in and take control of the situation by either suicide or a huge wake-up call and a big change of behavior.  He would live with constant guilt.  I always wish he knew how wonderful he is.  I wish everyone understood him like I do.  And to have the will power he had to detox off all those pain pills like oxycontin, oxycodone and methadone on his OWN!  Its an absolute miracle!  I'm very proud of him!

10 Key Marriage Tips for Bipolar

My husband came home from seeing his psychiatrist and he was told most bipolar sufferers don't stay married.  Being married to a man with bipolar I can understand how this happens.  I've observed within my relationship and other relationships that suffer with bipolar what works and what doesn't.  So, from my experience to you.  This is what I've learned.

• Spirituality is key.  A strong faith can get you far and help so much.  Hay House Radio is a good source that I use for inspiration.
www.hayhouseradio.com
• A spouse that understands your situation.  Reading books that help you understand what they feel is normal and how you act is normal.  I added a book that will help below.
• Exercise makes a big difference.
• Taking the right vitamins helps so much.  I've added a link below where I get my vitamins.
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• Getting sleep.  This is a tough one.  A Bipolar sufferer needs their sleep.
• Giving them their space when they need it, which they seem to need a lot of. 
• Encourage your partner and show him/her you believe in them no matter what.  Patience!! 
• Addictions can be an issue.  Don't enable, do what you can to support them to stay off drugs and alcohol.  In my experience these only lead to death by suicide or more extreme mood swings.  Read book below.
• Join a support Group.
• We like to take long drives while I read to him.  I read him inspirational books like The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. 

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