Mental Illness and Stigmas...a Visit to the PT

Monday I took my 14 year old daughter to Physical Therapy. The therapist next to us brought up a "crazy" patient of hers who she said heard a voice telling him he needed to come to see her. Supposedly he was their to meet someone. She went on to poke fun of the ideas he was sharing about his healing abilities and all she could see and say was that he was "nuts and crazy." It seemed to me her patient was having a psychotic episode, something I'm all too familiar with. I mentioned this to her and said it wasn't something he had chosen. This young girl didn't get it and kept making fun. It made me wonder how far I was willing to out myself. After I couldn't refrain from responding, I told her she was pushing some of my buttons and ought to change the subject. It was a real disappointment to see someone in the healing field have such a negative perspective of someone who was clearly having difficulties. I keep thinking we're making progress, but then think back to my first episode 5 1/2 years ago, and how everyone but my a select few turned their back on me. Honestly, the only person who stood by me day in and day out has been my husband. How unfortunate for all of us that support can be so limited. That's why it's important to turn to each other. 


Your Friend,


Risa Nicholas, MC

Sleep and Lack of Motivation

I'm so tired today. Sleep is a day to day factor in my life--having it or wanting it. It impacts everything. No sleep is the equivalent of a lost day. There are days like today that I have to push myself to get one or two things done, just so I don't feel like the day was a total waste. So, I'm going to reread my homework assignment and edit it, I'm going to start my e-book, and I'm thinking about going to a precor BNI group. A nap is definitely in order. When stumbling blocks get in your way, find a way around or through them. Find someone who will give you that little nudge. It doesn't have to be a big win, just a small step in a forward moving direction. It helps keep you feeling normal.

Isolation

It's hard to explain how your life changes once you've had a Manic or Depressive episode ending in hospitalization and psych medication. Most people lose whatever support they have. Some are fortunate to have people who will stand by them, in spite of the challenges this presents. The tendency for those living with this disorder is to isolate due to trust and abandonment issues. It's critical to push past that and find a community, whether it's yours or it revolves around a hobby. It's so important to get out and overcome your fear of people and them finding out what you live with day in and day out. Make it a little step, but a step none the less. It can make all the difference knowing you're not alone.

Life Beyond Psych Meds

Maybe one day they're be a cure for Bipolar Disorder. Even alternatives beyond just psych meds would be a huge step forward. Being able to control episodes and know that you can keep yourself out of the hospital by doing the right thing. As I work on my PhD, this is what drives me. I want to find that combination of specialists that make Bipolar Disorder & Depression something that can be controlled and that your quality of life what it once was. If you know of something that's worked for you, a friend, or family member, please share it with the group. Thanks! 

Medication Compliance

A friend recently told me she was going off her meds and plans to combat this life-changing disorder with holistic healing. Bipolar Disorder is not something to be solved with herbs and alternative medicine. It is a ticket into Mania and/or Depression. Maybe one day there will be a solution that incorporates both Psych Meds and Herbal solutions, but the time hasn't come yet. I am very interested in finding the mix of things that keep you on the lowest dose of medication while offering other options like holistic supplements and yoga. In the meantime, be med compliant. The alternative is dangerous and puts you and your family at risk.

Sleep

Ahh, sleep. For some, like my dog, he easily sleeps through the night and part of the day. For me, sleep is illusive, like losing weight and keeping it off. I am on medication enough to theoretically put down a horse, but for some reason my body chemistry doesn't seem to be impacted by it. Lack of sleep is one of the triggers to Mania, something I've enjoyed, yet work hard to avoid. Some solutions for this challenge are finding exercises that are calming, like yoga & meditation, or even golf. Golf doesn't actually work for me as I curse like a sailor when I whiff or find myself chasing that darn ball all over the fairway. That said, it doesn't have to be exercise. Artistic activities can also be calming. Look for the things that relax you and take the noise out of your head. Everyone has something, it's just not the same thing for everyone, much like this disorder. Be careful and make sure you're getting some good sleep. Find that thing that makes you peaceful and practice it before bedtime.

The Impact of Mental Illness on Career & Income

I woke up this morning with so many things I wanted to share. Two things that really are weighing on me are jobs/money and family. There are so many things that are taken away from you when you get sick. I've found that men and women are both defined in some ways by their careers. So not only do you often lose your job the first episode, which means you lose your income and independence. Most people can't do the same kind of work, which means less money and less self esteem. Often we can't hold a job for any period of time, which does wonders for your resume. It's the stress and anxiety that typically lead to leaving the job. So, what do? You reinvent yourself. You find something that gives you meaning/purpose, and doesn't put you in a position that triggers the loss of your job. Sometimes starting your own business can fill that need for you. It offers the flexibility that you can't find working for an employer. So, what are you passionate about? What hobbies do you have? It doesn't need to be a corporation. It can be a small home-based business. It can even be a Network Marketing company which doesn't require a lot of start up money. Don't limit your thinking...brainstorm. Think big. We've been given this "interesting" opportunity to reinvent ourselves. Think positive.