What do you do when you have bipolar disorder (or just plain 'depression'), and your under the age of taking drugs for it? And you have thoughts have suicide, you cry all the time, you feel worthless... A multidimensional approach to treating depression without medication follows. All except for no. (7.) are safe to use with medication, but not St. John's wort, because of interactions, and it's sensible to check out anything else first with your doctor.
(1.) Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or grapefruit, or their FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it.
(2.) Work up slowly to at least 20 minutes minutes of exercise, daily, or 30 - 60 mns, 5 times weekly. Too much exercise can cause stress, which isn't wanted when dealing with depression.
(3.) Occupational therapy (keeping busy allows little time for unproductive introspection, and keeps mental activity out of less desirable areas of the brain).
(4.) Use daily, one of the relaxation methods in sections 2, 2.c, 2.i, or 11, and/or yoga, Tai Chi, and/or the EFT, in sections 2.q, 2.o, and section 53, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris whichever works best for you.
(5.) Initially, at least, some form of counselling, preferably either Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, or Rational Emotive Behavio(u)ral Therapy.
(6.) Maintain a mood chart, and daily activities schedule, as per page Z.12, in section 2, at ezy build.
(7.) As options, if desired, either a known, effective herbal remedy, such as St. John's wort, 900 mg (standardised hypericin content) 3 times daily, or supplements, such as SAMe, taken with a vitamin B complex which is certified as being 100% of natural origin, or Inositol (from vitamin and health food stores, some supermarkets, or mail order: view section 55).
Also, 80% of people in the Western world have low magnesium levels, and these are known to cause depression & anxiety. Try the magnesium supplement types shown in http://www.real-depression-help.com/ Some of these will be available in pharmacies, or supermarkets.
An improvement can be noticed in as little as a week, if a deficiency is the cause. Also, iodised salt is preferable to regular salt. This is a shortened version of the much more comprehensive post, which may be seen on page Z.12, in section 2 of ezy build, above, but to gain full appreciation, it's really best to view the whole of section 2. look alot of people would say talk to you docter and you should but also try thinking positive i mean you have alot that other people all over the world would kill for. food a roof over your head, etc. and think about how many people would be devastated if you were not there. just be positive and if you thinking about suicide tell someone and be open to help because if you didnt want help then you wouldn't have posted the question now would you. also if you are bipolar try running like at a track or somthing just to get rid of some extra energy and be alone so you dont take it out on other people. Well you should talk to a doctor first. I do not support taking prescription drugs for depression but sometimes you need to. You are never too young for meds, especially if you have been diagnosed. I have depression frequently due to my horomones changing around my menstrual cycle. To ward off any bad mojo, aka sadness, I take lots and lots of good B vitamins, from a reputable source. I also get outside to soak up some sun and get my Vitamin D!!!! Sunlight is VERY CRUCIAL to happiness. Then I MAKE myself go for a long walk or jog with my dogs. When I'm sad the last thing I wanna do is walk around, but if I just go, and get out there I start to feel better right away. Good luck. i have bpd and it used to ruin my life. i didnt understand why i had such violent mood swings and i refused medication b/c i knew it could be controlled with my will. Vent through music when you are depressed, listen to songs that uplift you or represent what you are feeling. spending time with friends is VERY important, not jsut to talk but to just chill and enjoy them. do not think about suicide b/c your life is important to those who love you and even if it feels like not manyb love you i love you and you can email me to talk if you'd like. If this is you, talk to your parent or aunt/uncle, a counselor at your school, the nurse or a teacher you trust. If this is a friend of yours then try to get them to do the same. Suicide is serious, obviously. You might risk a friendship by talking to a parent of a friend in trouble but it is worth the life you could save. i've been there, I made the decision that I was going to control my life and that I would listen to only inspirational songs and have friends that would lighten me up, and listen to only inspiring people. Watch comedies, appreciate life around me, take a vacation, but since your young take relaxing baths and listen to uplifting music, read inspirational books, it will change the way you think and your outlook in life. You make the ultimate decision on how you conduct your life. God bless you-if you believe in God, or just good luck to you:) First, you go to your family doctor and ask him to refer you to a good psychiatrist. He will diagnose whether you are depressed or not, and will prescribe proper medication for you.
Forget bipolar. That's like saying, "I have a pain in my side, I think I have lung cancer!" Rather extreme, although popular and stylish these days..... There are many good answers here. You are in control of your thoughts. When suicidal thoughts come, you get up go for a walk, talk with a parent or friend. Change your thoughts to life, life life. If you are Christian, pray, have faith in God, He will bring you through this difficult time, and go on and start enjoying life. If you have a pet, take care of it and love it. This too shall pass. Life it too precious to be thinking about suicide, we will never get a chance to be on this beautiful planet of ours ever again. Suffering is a part of everyones life. Try reading survival stories. If you feel worthless, its because you don't know the price that was paid for you on the cross by Jesus. I was diagnosed with depression, post traumatic stress disorder and ocd, and when I have a bad day, which happens quite frequently...I sometimes go and take a bath and relax..or I light candles in my room and I just lie in bed..or I watch a movie or read a book..just simple things go to a family member, friend or any other adult close to you and thell them what you just told us. People want to help but sometimes the signs are as clear.
You ARE NOT alone.... if you ever feel suicidal call 911 and ask for the metal health therapist on call they will call you back and try to help you from there. OK....
DO nto wait tell someone ASAP Talk to somebody, parents, friends, a therapist would be ideal, and you can't be too young to take prescribed drugs, they are okay for all ages. You cope. Don't give up...
Many people are in your shoes.
Get yourself some medicine, get yourself some support, keep living your life, don't let it stop you or slow you down. you talk to a parent or friend
Go talk to a parent. nothing is so horrible in your life to end it.
Nothing. sleep, eat, take naps, watch tv (comedies), sleep some more, eat some more, take a nap . . . .
repeat. I use to take a warm shower... listen to music and just write out what I feel. Please try that and don't ever try committing suicide. Take natural supplements like Sam-E, St. John's Wort, and 5-HTP, and go for walks outside.
That's what I do. - if diagnosed by a dr. you arent to young for medication my son was 9 and diagnosed with addhd and bi polar he is on meds for both how old are you? going to psychiatrist is the best way
and remember that you're NOT worthless i often wonder my self. I pray,sing, draw, read and visit people who are worse off than me....... Hope for Sufferers
IN THE past, people tended to avoid those who suffered from mood disorders. As a result, many who were afflicted became social outcasts. Some encountered job discrimination. Others were shunned by members of their own family. Often, this only aggravated the problem and prevented those who were ailing from getting help.
In recent decades, however, great strides have been made in understanding clinical depression and bipolar disorder. Now it is well-known that these conditions are treatable. But getting help is not always easy. Why?
Reading the Signs
A mood disorder is not diagnosed with a simple blood test or聽X ray. Instead, a person鈥檚 behavior, thinking, and judgment are monitored over a period of time. A number of symptoms must be present for a diagnosis to be reached. The problem is that sometimes family members and friends do not realize that what they are observing constitutes evidence of a mood disorder. 鈥淓ven when people agree on how a person鈥檚 behavior deviates from normal,鈥?writes Dr.聽David J. Miklowitz, 鈥渢hey can have very different beliefs about what causes the person to be this way.鈥?br>
Furthermore, even when family members feel that the situation is serious, it may be difficult to convince the sufferer that he or she needs medical attention. Or if you are the one who is ailing, you may not be inclined to get help. Dr.聽Mark S. Gold writes: 鈥淢aybe you believe what you think when you鈥檙e depressed鈥攖hat you鈥檙e no good, so what鈥檚 the use of going for help when there鈥檚 no hope for somebody like you anyway. Maybe you鈥檇 like to see someone about it but you think that being depressed is something to be ashamed of, that it鈥檚 all your fault. .聽.聽. Maybe you don鈥檛 know that what you鈥檙e feeling is depression.鈥?Nevertheless, for those who suffer from major depression, medical attention is crucial.
Of course, everyone feels despondent on occasion, and this does not necessarily indicate a mood disorder. But what if these feelings seem more intense than a mere bout with the blues? And what if they persist for an unusual length of time鈥攑erhaps two weeks or more? Furthermore, suppose the depressive moods are preventing you from functioning normally, either at work, at school, or in social situations. In such a case, it might be wise to consult a professional who is qualified to diagnose and treat depressive disorders.
When a biochemical imbalance is involved, medication may be prescribed. In other cases, a program of counseling might be recommended to help the sufferer learn how to cope with his or her condition. At times, both approaches combined have produced beneficial results. The important thing is to reach out and get help. 鈥淢any times sufferers are frightened and ashamed of their condition,鈥?says Lenore, a bipolar patient mentioned in the preceding article. 鈥淭he real shame, though, is suspecting you have a problem and not seeking the help that you so desperately need.鈥?br>
Lenore is speaking from experience. 鈥淚 had been virtually bedridden for a year,鈥?she says. 鈥淭hen, one day when I was feeling a little stronger, I decided to call and make an appointment with a doctor.鈥?Lenore鈥檚 condition was diagnosed as bipolar disorder, and medication was prescribed. This proved to be a turning point in her life. 鈥淚 feel normal when I take my medication,鈥?Lenore says, 鈥渁lthough I have to keep reminding myself that if I stop taking it, all the old symptoms will return.鈥?br>
It is similar with Brandon, who suffers from depression. 鈥淎s a teenager,鈥?he says, 鈥淚 often entertained the idea of committing suicide because of my overwhelming feelings of worthlessness. It wasn鈥檛 until I was in my 30鈥檚 that I went to a doctor.鈥?Like Lenore, Brandon takes medication to cope with his disorder, but more is involved. 鈥淭o help my overall well-being,鈥?he says, 鈥淚 take care of my mind and my body. I get rest and watch what I eat. I also fill my mind and heart with positive thoughts from the Bible.鈥?br>
Brandon points out, however, that clinical depression is a medical problem鈥攏ot a spiritual one. Realizing this is crucial to recovery. Brandon relates: 鈥淥nce I was told by a well-meaning fellow Christian that since Galatians 5:22, 23 says that joy is a fruit of God鈥檚 holy spirit, I must be depressed because I鈥檝e been doing something to block that spirit. That made me feel even more guilty and depressed. But once I started getting help, the black cloud over me began to lift. I felt so much better! I wished I had got help sooner.鈥?br>
Winning the Battle
Even after a diagnosis has been made and treatment has begun, it is likely that a mood disorder will present continual challenges to the sufferer. Kelly, who battles major depression, is grateful for the professional help that has addressed the medical aspects of her condition. In addition, though, she has found that the support of others is crucial. At first, Kelly was reluctant to reach out to others because she did not want to be perceived as a burden. 鈥淚 had to learn not only to seek help but also to accept it,鈥?she says. 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 until I opened up that I was able to stop the downward spiral.鈥?br>
As one of Jehovah鈥檚 Witnesses, Kelly attends meetings with fellow believers at the Kingdom Hall. At times, though, even these happy occasions present challenges. 鈥淥ften the lights, the milling around of people, and the noise can be overwhelming. Then the guilt sets in, and the depression increases because I feel that my disorder must be a reflection of a lack of spirituality.鈥?How does Kelly deal with this situation? She says: 鈥淚 have learned that depression is an illness that needs to be dealt with. It is not a reflection of my love for God or for my fellow Christians. It is not a true reflection of my spirituality.鈥?br>
Lucia, mentioned previously in this series of articles, is grateful for the excellent medical care she has received. 鈥淪eeing a mental-health professional has been absolutely vital for my learning to deal with and ride out the mood swings that accompany this disease,鈥?she says. Lucia also emphasizes the value of rest. 鈥淪leep is an important key to dealing with mania,鈥?she says. 鈥淭he less sleep I get, the higher I climb. Even when sleep won鈥檛 come, instead of getting up I have trained myself to lie there and rest.鈥?br>
Sheila, also mentioned earlier, has found it helpful to keep a daily journal in which she can pour out her feelings. She sees a marked improvement in her outlook. Still, there are challenges. 鈥淔atigue, for some reason, lets negative thoughts percolate in my brain,鈥?Sheila says. 鈥淏ut I鈥檝e learned to silence them or at least lower their volume.鈥?br>
Comfort From God鈥檚 Word
The Bible is a strengthening aid for many who suffer from 鈥渄isquieting thoughts.鈥?(Psalm 94:17-19,聽22) Cherie, for example, found Psalm 72:12, 13 to be particularly encouraging. There, the psalmist states about God鈥檚 appointed King, Jesus Christ: 鈥淗e will deliver the poor one crying for help, also the afflicted one and whoever has no helper. He will feel sorry for the lowly one and the poor one, and the souls of the poor ones he will save.鈥?Cherie was also encouraged by the words of the apostle Paul recorded at Romans 8:38,聽39: 鈥淚 am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God鈥檚 love.鈥?br>
Elaine, a bipolar patient, finds her relationship with God to be an anchor. She is greatly comforted by the words of the psalmist: 鈥淎 heart broken and crushed, O聽God, you will not despise.鈥?(Psalm 51:17) 鈥淚t has truly been a comfort to know that our loving heavenly Father, Jehovah, understands,鈥?she says. 鈥淚t has been strengthening to draw close to him in prayer, especially in times of great anxiety and distress.鈥?br>
As can be seen, living with a mood disorder presents unique challenges. However, Cherie and Elaine found that prayerful reliance on God along with appropriate treatment enabled them to improve their lot in life. How, though, can family members and friends help those who suffer from bipolar disorder or depression?
A Spouse鈥檚 Observations
鈥淏efore the onset of Lucia鈥檚 illness, she touched the lives of many with her keen insight. Even now when people visit my wife when she is calm, they seem drawn by her warmth. What most do not realize is that Lucia alternates between extremes of depression and mania. Such is the legacy of bipolar disorder, the illness she has endured for the past four years.
鈥淒uring the manic phase, it is not unusual for Lucia to be up until one, two, or even three聽o鈥檆lock in the morning, with creative ideas reeling through her mind. Energy just pours out of her. She will overreact to the minutest things and spend money impulsively. She will walk into the most dangerous situations, feeling that she is invincible, that there is no danger鈥攎orally, physically, or otherwise. Related to this impulsiveness is the risk of suicide. Always on the heels of mania is depression, the intensity of which is usually proportionate to that of the preceding mania.
鈥淟ife for me has changed dramatically. Even with Lucia鈥檚 treatment, what we can accomplish today may be different from what we could accomplish yesterday or will tomorrow. It changes as our circumstances do. I found myself forced to become more flexible than I ever thought possible for me.鈥濃€擬ario. |
