bipolar depression
You are currently browsing articles tagged bipolar depression.
As promised in my December 6, 2009 blog entry I have an update about the Life Focus program that my family and I are a part of.
To watch the Life Focus, A Mind Misunderstood preview, go to the Media section of my website, www.kristinfinn.com. When I watch the preview I feel like it does not describe my personal experience with bipolar disorder. There are varying degrees of what people with bipolar disorder are able to do, both emotionally and physically.
As you watch the actual program, you’ll see some positive steps that can lead to a happy, hopeful, and fulfilling life.
Tags: A Mind Misunderstood, bipolar, bipolar and pregnant, bipolar depression, bipolar disorder, depression, hypomania, Kristin Finn, Life Focus, Life Focus Television, mania, manic depression, manic depressive illness, mental health, mood disorder, personal experience with bipolar disorder, Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), Total Living Network, Trinity Broadcasting Network
On January 28, I did a radio interview about bipolar disorder with Tony Gates, 1340 AM, www.wjrwam.com. We talk about how I was diagnosed and treated for bipolar disorder. I also share how I managed my symptoms while off medication during both pregnancies.
See my website, www.kristinfinn.com. Click on to the Media tab to listen.
Tags: bipolar, bipolar and pregnant, bipolar depression, bipolar disorder, bipolar disorder and pregnancy, depression, diagnosed and treated for bipolar disorder, hypomania, Kristin Finn, mania, manic depression, manic depressive illness, mental health, mood disorder, www.wjrwam.com
Many of you know that agitation and irritation are often symptoms of bipolar disorder. There is a profound difference between spending time with someone who is happy manic verses angry manic. Mania encompasses an array of behaviors and characteristics.
I recently did an interview with Tony Gates on his morning talk show, 1340 AM (www.wjrwam.com). I’m still beating myself up because when Tony asked me to describe bipolar symptoms, I forgot to mention agitation and irritation when we talked about mania. Once I left the station, I wished I had a second chance to clarify his question. I’m agitated just thinking about it.
Here I go again, trying to figure out a solution. I just decided to send Tony an e-mail to thank him for the interview and I’ll clarify it then. Writing about how I feel in this blog entry is helping to melt my frustration. Tony and I had a good conversation about bipolar disorder and I should be focusing on everything that went well during the interview. Readjusting my thinking is working–I feel better already.
Occasionally, my work makes me agitated. I go through periods when I am extremely driven. As a result, I increase my goals and activities necessary to reach them. I have to make a conscious effort to prioritize and methodically complete each task. My stress turns into satisfaction the closer I get to achieving my goals.
Recognizing triggers is an effective way to reduce agitation and other bipolar symptoms. That’s a topic of its own…
Tags: agitation, angry manic, bipolar, bipolar and pregnant, bipolar depression, bipolar disorder, bipolar disorder and agitation, bipolar disorder and pregnancy, depression, driven, goals, happy manic, hypomania, irritation, Kristin Finn, mania, manic depression, manic depressive illness, mental health, mood disorder, moods, readjusting my thinking, stress, triggers
Sometimes I get overwhelmed just thinking about my responsibilities. Fred, Katherine, and Holly are my number one priorities. Being a wife and mother feels like a full-time job. I’m sure many of you can relate.
My career as an investment advisor is also challenging. Writing daily and weekly goals gives me direction and structure. After prioritizing them, I try to tackle the tasks that are toughest. It feels so good to check items off my list! This technique works especially well when I feel like I don’t know where to begin. Getting started is half the battle. Completing 5 out of the 8 items is more than I’d do if I had not planned my day. I consider that a success.
When I’m depressed, I have to adjust my goals. I’m thankful my office is in our home. I make coffee every night for Katherine and me so it’s ready to brew each morning. Drinking coffee helps motivate me to work. It’s a treat. On mornings when “dread” imprisons me, I have to tell myself to work in my office for “only” 1 to 2 hours. I feel paralyzed when I dwell on all of the things that I need to do. Once I start working, time flies, and I start feeling better. Activity increases my self-esteem.
Readjusting goals while hypomanic takes insight and descipline. More about that later…
Tags: bipolar, bipolar and pregnant, bipolar depression, bipolar disorder, daily goals, decrease bipolar symptoms, depressed, depression, goal setting, goals, Kristin Finn, manic depression, manic depressive illness, mental health, mood disorder, self-esteem, setting goals
Happy New Year!
I believe that support groups compliment medication and talk therapy. My friend Catie and I lead the local Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) support group. We had a thought provoking meeting this week. It reminded me of how thankful I am to “visit” with people who understand the challenges of having a mood disorder. The perspective of supporters is also significant.
When I was pregnant for Katherine and Holly, I didn’t know support groups existed. Because I went off my medication from preconception through postpartum it was difficult to monitor my mania and depression. Sometimes I felt like the only person that really understood me was my psychiatrist. My emotions and moods seemed like they were all jumbled up like in a blender.
I suggest a support group for anyone affected by a mood disorder. Attending meetings during my pregnancies would have helped me know that others could relate to me. So often it was as if I was on an island alone trapped with my racing thoughts and anxiety. I felt disconnected from people. Other times I felt balanced. Exchanging ideas and experiences with others who “have been there” is so helpful!
I challenge everyone affected by depression or bipolar disorder to participate in a support group. The DBSA website (www.dbsalliance.org) can help you find a local chapter. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is another organization that provides support, education, and advocacy. Their website (www.nami.org) is also a good place to find local support.
Tags: advocacy, anxiety, bipolar, bipolar and depression support groups, bipolar and pregnant, bipolar depression, bipolar disorder, bipolar disorder and pregnancy, bipolar disorder support groups, bipolar support groups, DBSA, depression, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, hypomania, Kristin Finn, mania, mental health, mood disorder, moods, NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness, postpartum, preconception, racing thoughts, support groups, talk therapy, www.dbsalliance.org, www.nami.org
