TAKING CONTROL OFBIPOLAR DISORDER“Fighting Bipolar Disorder Stigma Together”

By: Lauren Calabrese (soon to be Lauren Meredith) (I have Bipolar Disorder, I am not a doctor)

ABOUT BIPOLAR DISORDER: WHAT IT IS

• Bipolar Disorder consists of going into extreme high’s and low’s called mania and depression respectively.

• Bipolar Disorder is a very risky disorder because it can fluctuate from extreme spending sprees to having the urge to commit suicide, and some people do succumb to the illness.

• Bipolar Disorder is something to take seriously and there is no reason to be ashamed.

ABOUT BIPOLAR DISORDER: WHAT IT IS NOT

• Bipolar Disorder is not something to take lightly, it is not a joke.

• Bipolar Disorder does not define a person.

• Bipolar Disorder is not something to be denial about, it is like having asthma…one needs to take control of it.

• Bipolar Disorder is not easy to understand for loved ones, patients with bipolar disorder have to be patient.

SYMTPOMS: MANIA

• Spending Sprees

• Increased sexual drive

• Racing thoughts

• Slurred speech due to talking to fast

• Extreme highs of energy

• Sleeping under eight hours/not sleeping for days

• And so much more…

SYMTPOMS: DEPRESSION

• Lack of energy

• Increased sleep: sleeping over normal hours, napping frequently

• Thoughts or attempts at suicide

• Over or under eating habits

• The urge to shut out the world

• Not wanting to do anything

• And so much more…

TREATMENT

• Some people need a few medications while others need many. It does not matter what the combination or strengths are of the medications. Loved ones have to understand when you’re loved one chooses to take medications that that is a huge step. Medications, in my opinion, is the most difficult part.

• Therapy is also not easy depending on one’s circumstances, but it can be therapeutic. It is also necessary in taking control of bipolar disorder.

HOW TO CONTROL BIPOLAR DISORDER

• Exercise one hour per day-doesn’t have to be a machine, but playing sports or going for a long walk count.

• Get on a sleep schedule…my gosh this helped me!

• Take your prescribed medications on a regular basis, talk to your doctor, but a multivitamin and fish oil have helped me.

• Make To Do Lists

• Make yourself complete one hobby you enjoy per day, especially when in depression.

WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW

• Bipolar Disorder can cause cognitive impairments (meaning the “thinking” part of your brain). I notice this is a problem for me and it can be embarrassing.

• Bipolar Disorder can cause hallucinations such as hearing voices. I experience this and I thought it was rare and embarrassing, but it turns out a lot of people that have Bipolar Disorder experience this.

• Stigma is attached. “Come out” to those you trust. In my opinion, I like to compare it to being gay. It is a process and to “come out” saying one has bipolar disorder is scary. It is a process that takes time. I am “out” with everyone, but I keep it quiet at work still. Maybe one day I will get over that hump. I prefer everyone to talk about it to decrease the stigma, but everyone has to stick to their own pace.

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP

• Unfortunately, there is hardly a lot out there. I recommend your local psychiatrist for assistance.

• The International Bipolar Foundation is a great place to help and volunteer.

• Lastly, I am here for you peer-to-peer, but I am not a doctor (sorry!!)

• I also recommend to help yourself…talk about it. It may seem scary, but that’s the best way I helped myself.