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LINKS WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYIN THE DEPRESSION TOOL KIT contents/disclaimer Bipolar means “bi,” two poles. The idea is that the disorders shifts between two emotional extremes. It's generally considered inborn (genetic) and short of a miracle is a lifelong condition from the time it begins to present. It can present at anytime in life but commonly first appears in late teens to early twenties. Tripolar might actually be a better name because most sufferers will have times of relative stability between episodes. This is when most important decisions of consequence need to be made. Including treatment options. previous next contents top Energy is another casualty of depression. Activities, even the ones you enjoy, begin to shut down on you. You can wind up a lethargic heap on the couch. While prescribed meds may help with this the most powerful solution is to gain the determination to do things even when you don't feel like it. Unfortunately energy and interest can be slow coming back even though it should improve as depression improves. So mustering determination becomes a long term essential. previous next contents top Sometimes talk therapy can be productive. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type that operate under the theory of replacing damaging behaviors with healthier ones. The idea is this: If every time I pick up a hammer I smash my thumb... Stop picking up hammers. It's not enough just to make the observation. You have to do the deed. previous next contents top There are no simple answers. Recovery is a battle and is an ongoing process. You can't just click your heals and chant, “There's no place like home.” The stories where uncovering a single precipitating event being resolved and you're healed are the exception. And even when that were to happen it would probably take a long time to ferret it out and a long time after coming to terms with it. Wellness is a commitment which must be visited daily and requires real work. previous next contents top Memory and concentration often fall victim to depression. It can be bad enough that you might fear dementia. There is actually a symptom call psuedodementia. Don't panic. It's not brain cells dying. It's messed up neurotransmitters and should improve when your depression improves. Be sure to discuss it with your medical professional. previous next contents top Don't offend your own conscience. Most of us have some set of moral values. We observe social mores to be at peace with the world around us. Personal values, however, are where we find peace with ourselves. Spiritual values is where we find peace with God. The place from which our conscience arises is personal values which are influenced by the other areas. Conscience is one of the laws of emotional well being. When offended there will be consequences in our mental health. previous next contents top Night terrors are a common side effect of psychiatric meds. Your doctor may be able to help you control them with added meds or a changing something you're currently taking. The important thing is to recognize that they are a side effect and need to be addressed. Waking up with horrible dreams every night will not help your well being. previous next contents top
Rule out other medical issues. Depressive type symptoms can be caused by other medical issues. You and your doctor need to discuss all the possibilities. Shooting the wolf won't help if it's the fox stealing the chickens. previous next contents top Triggers... It takes only a small amount of pressure to pull a trigger but once the trigger is pulled it releases a power with great potential to do damage. Emotional triggers can be very small yet are capable of great damage, too. You won't always be able to stop the trigger but you can strive to divert the bullet. previous next contents top Don't share your inner most thoughts with just anyone. Be sure to hold this in reserve for people who can be trusted with such fragile cargo. Test the waters before you set off. Trust with small things first. As they prove themselves a true friend you can open your heart more.. previous next contents top You think no matter what I do I still cycle into depression. If you're bipolar that's the nature of the beast. You may start to cycle from an identifiable trigger or just because the disease has decided to wreak a little havoc. Remember a war is seldom won in a single battle. Many battles must be fought. Sometimes it may even require a strategic surrender on one front to re-enforce a more important one. previous next contents top Doesn't matter how many times you kick a corpse, he's not going to get up. Be careful of your priorities. Fix what is fixable and move on from what is not. The serenity prayer has much to consider even if your not an alcoholic. previous next contents top
Is it what you feel or what is real? Feelings often dictate our choices but feelings are not facts. We're found of saying follow your heart yet the Scripture says “The heart is deceitful above all things.” The truth is that the heart should have a vote but not dictate. And it's vote should be informed of the facts. If I hear a dog barking angrily up the street I may FEEL afraid to go further, Yet. If I know the fact that the dog is securely chained I can safely proceed despite what I feel. previous next contents top
There are no simple answers for depression. There is only seeking out the next stepping stone in a rushing river filled with fury. Each stone you find is a victory and a new asset to your well being. previous next contents top
There is something hiding inside you that will help. You will have to seek it out. It won't just present itself and announce, “Here I am.” And depression will take every opportunity to hide it from you. I know you don't feel like doing it. You don't feel like doing anything at all. That's depression. If you want to improve your wellness you will have to find the determination to do it anyway. It may be music, art, time with family and friends, walks on the beach... Once you find it, discipline yourself to engage in it. And protect it. Next to God it may be your best friend. previous next contents top
A bipolar's description of a depressive episode: “I felt literally empty. It was like all my inner organs had disappeared and all that was left of me was my skin and my mind. And they were not well.” It can feel pretty hopeless. Episodes by definition are temporary. God is forever. Just as the sun must set it will rise again. There is always hope. previous next contents top
Are you in church, school or some other group situation? Look up and down your row or around the room. If there's even 5 or 10 people chances are strong the someone is, was or will suffer from depression. Depression is the common cold of psychiatric disorders. They won't necessarily talk about it but be assured that you are not alone. Others know and have experienced exactly what you are feeling. previous next contents top
The last straw burns hotter than all the ones that came before. Dealing swiftly, effectively and respectfully with issues will save excessive stress and contribute to wellness. Catch it when the kindling has just begun to smolder and you may save a wildfire. previous next contents top
Obsessing over what you don't have will add nothing to your personal wealth but it will take much from your emotional health. Learning to be content will bring peace. Learning thankfulness is even better. That will bring you joy. previous next contents top Be sure those who advise you are responsible and informed. Everyone has something to say about everything. While people are usually well motivated they are not always well informed. Your advisers should be caring but also knowledgeable. The more you know personally about your circumstances and needs the better you'll be able to filter input from others. previous next contents top
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