[mcmama]

Yes, the meds are very much the key to managing, and finding the right prescription or combination is an ongoing thing. I find that it is also helpful when someone really understands that this is what they have, and that they can take control as best they can. Good for you, IamWHO, for finding what works for you and working with it.

Being self aware is very helpful in managing BP disorders. I know some folks who when they get to the low point understand that they have to avoid some people and places, and do what they know helps to direct themselves through it -and work with the doctor. I think the highs are harder to manage from what I have seen, because you feel really good and then all of a sudden you are just rolling. And with rapid cycling, reducing confusion and sources of anxiety is really important.

It's a hard thing for family to live with, and patience with the process of finding the right meds is very important.

[strezz13]

It is so impressive to hear of you being stable for so long!!! Thanks for sharing. I hope to do the same. You have given me hope at a crucial time in my life. I thank you.

[rollercoaster]

Stay strong and keep up the good work! It really pays off.

[mcmama]

Hey rollercoaster, glad you are back! How are you?

[rollercoaster]

mcmama,
Doint great! My son is almost 2 now and keeping me very busy. My disorder has been very stable for about 15 months now and I feel wonderful. How are you doing?

[mcmama]

OK. And I am very happy to hear of your stability lasting this long. It is hard work, but it does pay off. Glad you are doing well.
Enjoy your two year old. It's a marvelous age!

[eggshells]

All mental distress is complex - Bipolar more than most. Am not going to make judgement but it is worth remembering that we as individuals are unique - so we respond uniquely to events socially, physically, biologically and chemically. We are all different and have different needs. Some react differently to different events, illness or whatever. How often people forget about physical illness being a trigger. Even the side effects of many illnesses such as MS, cancer or even flu affect our mental health. Mental health is something that we all have - it will for whatever reason, at times become unwell and that is no failure on anyones part. Various things help to fix it. And various things don't - like illegal drugs, cannabis or even alcohol as they are all depressents. Exercise, healthy eating, and talking to people if troubled along with medication can help. What works for one person will not necessarily work for another - so if standing upside down naked helps someone through a depression then - let them do it.
What is incredibly dangerous is to make sweeping statements on the internet when you are not really aware of the other members' state of mental health. The wrong word at the wrong time can be enough to to permanent or fatal damage - and I do know what I am talking about.
What really matters is not what a condition is called but rather its symptoms, how they affect the person and how they are managed. I have been involved with the mentally ill for 18 years so I have seen the consequences and am still learning which is why we write about it. Not for nothing is my book called 'to Walk on Eggshells or my daughter's 'The Naked Bird Watcher' - www.thecairn.com

[mcmama]

Welcome to the board. Walking on eggshells is a pretty common description - I have also called it the eggshell two step. That's a problem for families, especially when the affected person switches the meter of the tune.

I think classification actually does matter in terms of understanding the disorder, and evaluating the mental health professionals who help.

Your daughter has a nice website and has accepted a true challenge, being married to someone who also has bipolar disorder. You are welcome to put the link in your sig - please no posts directing others to the website.

With the link in your sig, you can participate in mental health and other discussions, and people will click on the link in all your posts if interested. Thanks.

[eggshells]

Hi -
Thanks for the welcome - don't normally do this sort of thing but felt this was a good forum.
I totally agree that a name for any condition is valid when it comes to treatment. Suzy had a very interesting discussion recently with leading psychiatrist with a very progressive outlook here in the UK and this psychiatrist believes that in an ideal world all people should have their condition reassessed every 5 years - and if possible be taken off medication for a few months to see what the REALITY is of the patient's current condition. An idea but not realistic in practice I suspect. The ethos of this is that people change, mature physically, biologically, chemically as well as socially and their brains alter as they age. Therefore it seems reasonable to expect that their conditions could also. That has certainly been the case in numerous cases that I know of and medications have been changed accordingly. Also where females are concerned there is not enough emphasis on the menstrual cycle, hormones etc on their conditions. We are involved in a research programme that is looking at that. It is becoming more acknowledged that it is a trigger factor - perhaps the fact that there are more female psychiatrists about accounts for this new understanding!!
By the way - I have never seen any of Suzy's medics or been involved with any of Suzy's psychiatrists. That was her choice and one I have always respected. It is her condition not mine. She does not like being ill and is very keen on self-managment. She and Michel marry this Spring! They are doing their own thing - don't fancy the stress etc or the DRESS thing either. And Dad and mum won't be there either! And they have our blessing - we just want them to have a happy wedding day and life together.

[rachelwilson]

Hi All,

I am totally agreed with you eggshells, this is one of the informative and best forum i ever seen, it was great being a part of this forum.

Keep Sharing & Reading!