Category Archives: bipolar disorder
Lithium: Help for the Afflicted
Lithium (brand names Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate, and Lithotabs) is the most widely used and studied medication for treating bipolar disorder. Lithium helps reduce the severity and frequency of mania. It may also help relieve bipolar depression. Studies show that lithium can significantly reduce suicide risk. Lithium also helps prevent future manic episodes. As a [...]
Are There Benefits to Being Bipolar?
Originally Published on July 20, 2010 in “Psychology Today” Let me start by acknowledging what is well known: Manic Depression or Bipolar disorder can be a devastating illness. Affecting at least 1% of the population, it can, untreated, result in suicide, ruined careers and devastated families. Bipolar disorder is often accompanied by alcohol and drug [...]
Untangle Me, Again
In recent weeks I’ve gone through a time of profound confusion. My grip on reality has been tenuous at best. I’ve had a struggle with a depersonalizing sense, I seem not to “see” reality as I used to. Everything seems increasingly odd, and disjointed. I see myself outside myself. I have had bouts with this [...]
I Don’t Have the Slightest
“Ah yes, the Shroud of Turin! We will have to dry clean it before we return it.” Inspector Clouseau, (Upon discovering stolen artifacts) in The Pink Panther 2 I honestly think that our bumbling attempts to follow Jesus are entertaining angels who watch our efforts and shake their heads in astonishment. ” Did you see what Bryan [...]
Against the Cosmic Powers
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places”. Ephesians 6:12, ESV Satan attacks us in two distinct ways. First, he stirs up our desires and inflames our appetites for [...]
Give Us This Day, Our Daily Meds
My particular issue is with Bipolar 1, with psychotic features. I have social anxiety which factors in as well as weird delusions. The anxiety and delusions are pretty much one and the same. They are often the things that will touch other people, while the rest is less obtrusive and can be hidden. I have [...]
What Do I Need?
“The depressed don’t simply need to feel better. They need a Redeemer who says, “Take heart, my son, my daughter; what you really need has been supplied. Life no longer need be about your goodness, success, righteousness, or failure. I’ve given you something infinitely more valuable than good feelings: your sins are forgiven.” Elyse M. [...]
Becoming Manic: What You Can Do
Top tips for coping These are a list of things that people who have difficulties when they become high or manic have found helpful: Try to get some sleep. Going without sleep has been shown to cause manic states and make them last longer. Eat well. Don’t go without food or eat high energy [...]