The Life Of A Blue Rose

Syndrome X and bipolar

2012-11-02T01:43:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone,

So this week as been rough, loss of friends sick kids to name two factors.

I am still researching and trying to understand more about the light dark therapy and hope to post on that soon.

But here I am again after reading studies and what not, to explain a bit for what I have found.

This Time about Syndrome X and bipolar.

firstly what on earth is syndrome X?

This has a few names such as

Dysmetabolic syndrome

Hypertriglyceridemic waist

Insulin resistance syndrome

Obesity syndrome

Syndrome X

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/ms/names.html

Some Symptoms:

High blood pressure

High blood sugar levels

High levels of triglycerides, a type of fat

Low levels of HDL, the good cholesterol

Too much fat around the waist

Learn more about metabolic syndrome on the NAMI Hearts & Minds site atwww.nami.org/metabolic.

Metabolic syndrome is a combination of medical risk issues. These issues include worsening sugar control, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and other problems. Metabolic syndrome raises the risk for diabetes and heart disease and can be thought of as a condition that precedes diabetes.

Waist circumference is a key measure for metabolic syndrome. To stay safe, it is recommended that waist circumference not exceed 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women.

http://www.nami.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Hearts_and_Minds/Metabolic_Syndrome_and_Diabetes.htm

The issue with Bipolar as well as other mental illnesses is that we are more likely some even as twice as likely to develop the condition's thought to be the processor to diabetes and heart disease.

The study involved 203 patients with a mental illness requiring treatment with an antipsychotic medication seen at the mental health service in metropolitan Perth, Western Australia. It found that 54 percent of these patients had metabolic syndrome.

http://psychcentral.com/news/2009/02/17/mental-illness-and-metabolic-syndrome/4172.html

They discovered that the rate of metabolic syndrome in patients with bipolar disorder was twice as high as in the general population. In addition, bipolar patients with metabolic syndrome often had more complicated metabolic and cardiac problems, more adverse outcomes, and responded less well to treatment.

McIntyre found that metabolic syndrome also complicates mental health issues, worsens depression, and even increases the rate of suicide.

http://psychcentral.com/news/2010/06/24/bipolar-patients-twice-as-likely-to-have-metabolic-syndrome/14945.html

The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in patients with bipolar disorder is alarmingly high, as it is for the general population. The prevalence of obesity is even higher than the already very high prevalence that has been estimated for the US general population. Our findings are a reason for concern, considering the difficulty in implementing prevention and treatment programs in the bipolar population. We strongly support the development and testing of interventions specifically designed for preventing and treating the metabolic syndrome and its components in patients with bipolar disorder.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16176435

Lifestyle features may account, in part, for the premature mortality observed in bipolar disorder, but the somatic correlates of the illness may also predispose patients to metabolic syndrome and the consequent increased risk of diseases such as diabetes and vascular disease.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16889445

and I could go on.

So what does it all mean?

Well basically we are a high risk group for diabetes heart attack and obesity.

So what can we do????

It appears that we are a hard group to treat was during a manic or depressive episode we don't take the best care of ourselves especially in the areas of healthy diet regular exercise both cited to help with metabolic syndrome.

metabolic syndrome (like type 2 diabetes) can most often be prevented with exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight.

http://www.bipolarcentral.com/articles/articles-880-1-Bipolar-at-Risk-for-Metabolic-Syndrome.html

Personal I try to eat a Paleo diet I have found it helps me stay balanced and I'm finally losing weight!!

http://aussiepaleoandtantrums.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/meal-plan-recipes-and-shopping-list.html

http://thepaleodiet.com/

http://evolutionarypsychiatry.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/obesity-and-bipolar-disorder.html

But its up to you (and your doctor) what diet you follow. (see past posts about diet.)

Also I walk huskies or they walk me, ride a bike and go for walks with my walking buddy who pushes and encourages me. He knows I have Bipolar and doesn't let me get away with much!!

Find what works for you, with your medication and lifestyle but most of all take control of you diet and exercise and live healthy!!

Don't forget Talk to your doctor before making any changes!!

The blue Rose.

#Paleo #bipolar #health #risk #diabetes #heart attack

How to talk to Kids about Bipolar.

2012-10-28T18:38:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone,

Well, I have been debating about this post the last few Days.

I would write this post and delete it, write it and delete it, I don't know how many times.

How to talk to the kids about Bipolar is the hardest thing for us to work out how to tackle.

My kids are ages 4 years and 3 years and I chose early on that I would not make a big ideal of my illness, I wouldn't hide it, I would be open and honest about it even to the kids.

We took the approach of telling the kids when they asked questions.

My Kids have seen me daily taking medication and asked why? which we answered that mummy's head is "silly" and so I take tablets to help it work better.

My 4 year old has recently asked why is my head silly? so I sat and explained that my brain(he knows a little about the brain) makes me feel very sad or very happy. So sometimes Mummy sleeps a lot or feels sad for no reason or really hyper like you when you eat too much sugary treats!

I talked to them about why I have to eat a special way (Paleo.) to help me get better or How I have to go for a walk every second day to help me feel better.

That is enough for them at the moment.

I have recently found an amazing book that helps kids to understand their parents illness.

The Bipolar Bear Family: When a Parent Has Bipolar Disorder

Which I have added to the book store..my new Page!

How have you told others in your life about bipolar? Leave your answer in the comment section below!

Well, This is all I have time for...

Lil miss 3 year old is sick so I'm off to the doctor :(

Don't forget to Follow me :)

The blue Rose

#bipolar, #family, #mental illness, #understanding, #stigma,

nervous depression

2012-10-26T17:06:00.001+10:00

This is one of those times I need to get out the house. I'm anxious restless nervous on edge and yet the black cloud hangs above my head.

I know home is not a good place to be dont get me wrong my family is everything but I know my temper will be sharper and ill be easily angered. So out I go with a close mate we will walk the city cause exercise helps.

I have to look after my babies alone tomorrow as hubby works so I need to break this before then.

So I need to go out. To clear this mood fast.

So there it is.
The blue rose

Stephen fry and the grasp of the creative

2012-10-25T01:01:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone,

Well I have been stuck by two rather opposing moods.

One that I am alone in this madding world of ups and downs and the other to creatively write.

When I feel alone or for that matter when People ask how to understand Bipolar I tell them two things with out fail.

One watch Stephen Fry's Documentary
http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/stephen-fry-the-secret-life-of-the-manic-depressive/
(please buy a copy its it truly worth every cent.)

And two. Listen and respect what I say.

My father has bipolar but we experience it differently. Yet sometimes it's hard for people to see us separately It is also hard for people to respect boundaries due to they desire to " help".

Calling me daily to see if I am up, functioning and what mood I am in is not helpful. I might make you feel better but you are not helping me for example.

Same for all Bipolar people. Respect we are still people not just the illness.

As for the second mood the writing bug as again bitten. It is times like these if I can't write I get anxious aggravated and just not nice to live with.
Add to this when I am writing my dyslexia riles me when I can't think to spell a word I am after it's not pretty.

If I could I'd lock myself away for days and type away till the mood passes but I have two lil ones and a hubby that like my presence and help.

So the juggling act beings.

So Go watch(buy.) Stephen's amazingly candid documentary and I shall write as the mood takes me.

I hope to be back looking into ways to help naturally with bipolar soon.

The blue rose.

#Stephen Fry, #bipolar mum, #Bipolar, #mania, #manic, #depression, #writing, #documentry

Sleep too much too little just right?

2012-10-24T03:42:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone
well I still having drama with Sleep.

So I thought we might all learn from what I have found.

These are all quotes that I have been reading...

“We are living in the middle of history’s greatest experiment in sleep deprivation and we are all part of that experiment,” says Robert Stickgold, PhD, a sleep research specialist and associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Stickgold makes this dramatic assertion in a recent Harvard Magazine article that also cites some startling statistics.

Americans today sleep far less than people did 100 or even 50 years ago.
http://www.bphope.com/Item.aspx/159/the-quest-for-sleep

We are all sleep deprived but for bipolar people its worse due to the Circadian Rhythmic nature of bipolar.

So what is a Circadian Rhythm.

in a strict sense, circadian rhythms are endogenously generated, although they can be modulated by external cues such as sunlight and temperature.

Circadian rhythms are important in determining the sleeping and feeding patterns of all animals, including human beings.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/c/circadian_rhythm.htm

So why is this important for bipolar? especially those of us with rapid cycling bipolar?

As difficult as getting a good night’s sleep is for most people, those who have bipolar disorder know all too well the significant health costs of poor sleep. “Most people who don’t have bipolar disorder have a consistent sleep problem over a long period of time. In people who have bipolar disorder, sleep problems often occur cyclically,” explains Michael J. Thorpy, MD, director of the Sleep-Wake Disorder Center at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, New York. “They may fluctuate week to week or month to month. So in the manic or hypomanic phases, they get very little sleep but at times of depression, they may sleep or just stay in bed for excessive amounts of time.”

http://www.bphope.com/Item.aspx/159/the-quest-for-sleep

Bipolar disorder, commonly known as manic-depressive disorder, is highly influenced by the circadian system - thebody's internal clock - and a specific kind of psychotherapy may help decrease irregularities in the circadian system that can trigger key symptoms of bipolar disorder, according to a study presented today at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) annual meeting.

http://www.thirdage.com/bipolar/the-importance-of-regular-sleep-bipolar-disorder

"Having already found that disruption in daily routines can make individuals with bipolar disorder vulnerable to new episodes of illness, we have now learned that working with patients to achieve and maintain regular social rhythms - including regular sleep patterns and adequate physical activity - will help to protect them against episodes of mania or depression," says Ellen Frank, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and professor of psychiatry and psychology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

http://www.bphope.com/Item.aspx/159/the-quest-for-sleep

Each body organ — from kidneys to muscles — has a gene that puts it on an internal 24-hour clock. These are called circadian genes, and the sleep-wake patterns, or rhythms, they produce are known as endogenous rhythms because they are produced within the body. However, as Frank explains, the sleep-wake cycle is also influenced by exogenous rhythms outside the body — such as the rising and setting of the sun, or mealtimes. "For instance," Frank says, "if my plane lands in Italy at seven a.m. and my gut's still on Pittsburgh time, where it's the middle of the night, I won't want to eat. But once I see sunshine, smell food cooking, and put something in my stomach, my organs will wake up: 'Hello! Something different is going on here.'" In people with bipolar disorder, both exogenous and endogenous rhythms are much more sensitive than in people without this condition, says Frank, which makes them prone to sleep disturbances.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-disorder-and-sleep-problems.aspx

Track your daily patterns. Filling out a daily form called a "Social Rhythm Metric" can help identify your daily sleep-wake patterns as well as other regular activities, and also track how your mood corresponds to each. "It takes two minutes a day. You record when you got up, when you first had contact with another person, when you started work or school, when you had dinner, and when you went to bed," says Frank. By using the form over several weeks or months, you can figure out which bedtimes and wake times correspond to your best mood state.

Look out for zeitstorers! The German words "zeitgeber" (time-giver) and "zeitstorer" (time-taker) are used by researchers to describe different cues in your environment that can affect your schedule. A zeitgeber, says Frank, is an event or person that helps you maintain your routine — for example, a cat that should be let out at a given time or a spouse who must catch the same train daily. A zeitstorer, conversely, disturbs your routine, the way a business trip or overnight guests might. Figuring out how to maximize the use of zeitgebers and minimize the effect of zeitstorers will ultimately help improve your sleep and mental health.

Try IPSRT. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), developed by Frank and colleagues about 20 years ago, helps you understand the importance of regularity in your daily routines, especially how a consistent sleep/wake cycle can stabilize your mood and help to prevent new episodes of illness. "You learn to anticipate changes in routine, such as a vacation or a time when your spouse will be away, and how to maintain — as closely as possible — your usual sleep patterns in spite of these changes. You also learn how to carefully adhere to your usual medication regimen," says Frank.

Accept the situation and work with it. "This problem isn't going away," says Frank. Just because your spouse can choose to go to bed at eight p.m. one night and one a.m. the next and suffer no ill effects, you can't. You must make your sleep routine a priority of the household.

Like a Finely Tuned Watch

Frank sympathizes with how difficult it can be for people with bipolar disorder to regulate their sleep and other activity routines. "But I like to use an old TV commercial for Timex watches as an analogy," Frank says. "A Timex was thrown off the top of the Empire State Building, and when it hit the ground, it was still ticking. Well, you wouldn't get the same result if you threw a Piaget watch off the top of that building. It's an exquisitely sensitive instrument. And that's what we tell our patients: You aren't a Timex. You're a Piaget."

http://www.everydayhealth.com/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-disorder-and-sleep-problems.aspx

Certain bipolar medications may also affect sleep as a side effect. For example, they may disrupt the sleep-wake cycle. One way to address this is to move bedtime and waking time later and later each day until you reach your desired goal. Two other ways to handle this situation are bright light therapy and use of the hormone melatonin.

Of course, your doctor may recommend a change in medication, if needed. Be sure to discuss any other drugs or medical conditions that may be affecting your sleep, such as arthritis, migraines, or a back injury.

Restoring a regular schedule of daily activities and sleep -- perhaps with the help of cognitive behavioral therapy -- can go a long way toward helping restore more even moods.

Steps like these may also help restore sleep:

Eliminate alcohol and caffeine late in the day.
Keep the bedroom as dark and quiet as possible and maintain a temperature that is not too hot or cold. Use fans, heaters, blinds, earplugs, or sleep masks, as needed.
Talk with your partner about ways to minimize snoring or other sleep habits that may be affecting your sleep.
Exercise, but not too late in the day.
Try visualization and other relaxation techniques.

http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-and-sleep-problems

Most people know that they need to eat well and exercise to be healthy and fit, but ignorance about sleep is widespread.

Dr. Thorpy, of the Sleep-Wake Disorder Center at Montefiore Medical Center, encourages consumers who have bipolar to exercise enough for optimal sleep. “It’s vital to keep active even during a depressive phase,” he says. “But be careful not to exercise strenuously too close to the sleep episode” because doing so can be too stimulating. “Get exposure to bright light during the day,” he adds. “Don’t just exercise inside a dark environment. Get outside.”

http://www.bphope.com/Item.aspx/159/the-quest-for-sleep

I know its a lot of quotes but with my mind how it is this is the best I can put forward...

I'll come back and organise this post better when my frame of mind is up to the task.

As for this I think I need to work on a routine of better sleep.

Don't forget to follow or comment below.

The blue rose.

#sleep #bipolar #circadian rhythm #insomnia #help

Food to help when you are manic...rapid cycling days

2012-10-22T23:54:00.004+10:00

Hi everyone,

I'm back for another post.

The "fun" of being a type 2 rapid cycling bipolar is you never know how long a depressive state will hang around or when the manic will rock up. after lunch my mood swung.

I went from pull myself up of the bed taking hours to millions of thoughts and the energy spike of the charts in a day. ergh.... and I'm still wired so i hope to clean my house tomorrow... let see how long it lasts.

But that being said I need to try to level out even a little so I don't spin out of control like the Tassie devil.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebmF7o3n86O3wPvlmd38V3ZZKHgv_fhxsZj4Odb8goFfV4-zhDs_M3Sv2_QlKgHeEYN3hVfOLUC6MV-H0W5KEFDvws6tDo9QZ_TQ_Qvp3JN8nNEHAasG-ZtM8Y0B2ZKgZ6QYYuS0Ouw/s320/tazmaniadevil.jpg

So Here I am back on Google find something to help that i can easier keep on hand.

Here is what i found...

Berries
Green, Leafy Veggies
Fish
Dairy Products
Apples, Oranges & Bananas
Herbal Tea
Dark Chocolate
Foods to Avoid

Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries all contain natural antioxidants and vitamin C. Combined, they all prevent a jump in cortisol, a steroid hormone in the body produced by the adrenal gland.These great little snacks can help if you’re already feeling wound up.

Green vegetables are chock full of all sorts of good stuff, namely thiamin, folate, and other B vitamins, natural stress busters that can help calm your mind during mania. If your mania is getting out of hand, stock up on a salad full of leafy spinach, asparagus, broccoli, and other goods.

When stress and mania hit, you could use some omega-3 fatty acids. These powerful enzymes do all sorts of good for your body, including aiding the neurotransmitters in your brain so it can communicate with itself peacefully. Salmon is a great source of omega-3s, along with tuna, mackerel, herring, trout, halibut, and sardines.

Milk, and dairy-based foods like cheese and yogurt, contain a good amount of riboflavin, a handy B vitamin that can help settle you down. Dairy also contains whey protein, which has been found to boost tryptophan, an important component in your brain’s feel-good chemistry.

These three fruits do all sorts of wonders for your body. They include the cleansing fiber, muscle-relaxing potassium, and powerful levels of vitamin C. Even the slow process of peeling an orange can force you to slow down for a few minutes, which may be just as effective as the citrus fruit itself.

There are lots of calming teas on the market that can help settle your worried, anxious, or wild mind. Chamomile tea is a popular choice, especially if you’re having trouble sleeping at night. In addition, adding a splash of milk to tea can aid in its calming effects.

Chocolate is a great comfort food. But instead of chomping away at a bar of milk chocolate, go for the purest dark chocolate you can find. Just like berries, dark chocolate can lower levels of cortisol, as well as the harmful norephinephrine and epinephrine that can make a person feel nervous and anxious. It also ups the calming chemicals in the brain to make you feel better.

When you’re feeling a bit wired, avoid foods containing caffeine, alcohol, sugars, and processed ingredients. These can all contribute to a rise in stress hormones that can take your mania to places you’d rather not go. Stick with natural, fresh ingredients when you can and you’ll be feeling better overall.

http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/foods-beat-anxiety#10

Another thing i have found is that Tai chi (which I love) helps to calm focus and increase oxygen intake.

Aim of Tai Chi is to foster a calm and tranquil mind, focused on the precise execution of these exercises. Learning to do them correctly provides a practical avenue for learning about such things as balance, alignment, fine-scale motor control, rhythm of movement, the genesis of movement from the body's vital center, and so on. Thus the practice of Tai Chi can in some measure contribute to being able to better stand, walk, move, run, etc. in other spheres of life as well. Many practitioners notice benefits in terms of correcting poor postural, alignment or movement patterns which can contribute to tension or injury. Furthermore the meditative nature of the exercises is calming and relaxing in and of itself.

http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/what.html

I find that the last statement about it having a calming effect true for me and have been trying to remember to add tai chi into my daily routine.

Well I'm off to hopefully sleep. If not my house might be cleaner by morning.

The blue rose.

#bipolar, #foodmood, #manic #taichi #high

Fight depression a full time job.

2012-10-22T01:38:00.000+10:00

Some thing I have realised during this is that fighting off the worst of depression is a full time job.

I have to fight to keep my paleo diet going with everything in my brain craving everything bad. Sugar, Gluten, Potatoes!!

Also making sure I exercise is getting harder and harder. As ALL I want is to hibernate.

So why am I telling you this, well, I don't want anyone to feel lone.

I'm not prefect or anything there are dishes in the sink and clothes needing washing. I'm not on top of it all.

This blog when I first started was to first be honest.

So this is me doing just that. DEPRESSION SUX! I HATE IT!

Don't think that's it for the information.... certainly not.

I have been trying to get my brain in gear to understand a few new research papers but its not playing nice.

The nut shell is that our body clock is light reactive. We have a sensor in our eye that helps regulate the body by the amount of light we get.

The cool thing is a guy had this bipolar brought under control with long hours of pure dark 6 am till 8am pure dark! It's called DARK THERAPY.

And His rapid cycle bipolar 1 levelled out! no drugs! NO DRUGS!!

for those interested http://www.chronobiology.ch/publications/1999_03.pdf

I hope to post more about this as I find and understand it.

Well I'm off to bed.

Remember there is always hope!!

Just a day in the life

2012-10-19T14:35:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone,

Today isn't an information packed post for two reasons.

1. I feel so tired.

2. I have so much to do!

I hate days like this. I just want to sleep, I feel like I have just woken up or haven't slept but I have been awake and doing things for hours. For me, this is how depression episodes start.

I have felt this building for the last few days and I have tried to hold it off with food exercise meditation but alas here I am.

My Orthomolecular therapy starts next week which is great.

Yet, for now, I have to deal with this. So It's a case for most important gets the energy.

So I'm going to plod along, go for a walk,do the shopping, get bed stuff ready for my kids and be ready to go out tonight with my friends while I ignore the go to sleep lullaby my brain is playing. Then ignore it again tomorrow while I look after my lil ones all day, then walk with my walking partner and ignore it some more.

I just repeat stick to the routine stick to the routine till it passes.

Just another Day in the life of type 2 bipolar.

See you all tomorrow.

http://rlv.zcache.com/winning_isnt_everything_quote_depression_flyer-p244933593251577463b2pv5_400.jpg

Bipolar and the Heart

2012-10-19T00:14:00.001+10:00

Hi everyone,
So I'm back with some more information,

Recently, I have been finding more and more statements relating Bipolar and Cardiovascular disease.( also called heart disease.)

In studies that specifically assess cardiovascular mortality, bipolar disorder has been associated with a near doubling of risk when compared to general population estimates. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3190964/)

(http://www.bipolartoday.com/wp-content/uploads/3d-image-of-heart-254x300.jpg)

With my father recently having a mild heart attack and also being bipolar these findings shocked me. If doctors know we have a higher risk why haven't I been told? Am I at risk? Should I get my heart checked?

Well, For a start I wasn't told because the research seems to be inconclusive as to why.

Is it due to diet? Is it due to a higher likely hood of engaging in bad behaviours such as smoking, drugs, alcohol? or its it something else?

The fact is they don't know.

Don't panic. You can do something out it.

1. Give up or reduce the bad stuff. say good bye to tobacco, alcohol and caffeine as these all put stress on the cardio vascular system. (I don't smoke or drink but caffeine is my weakness...so Its got to go.)

2. 30mins of exercise .... get out and get the blood pumping. It will help strength and tone the heart!

3. Eat smart. Healthy eating even when manic or depressed can be very hard but by limiting the bad foods in the house, you are less likely to pig out when in those moods. Also train your thinking don't say I can't have that tell ourself I can have that but I don't want it. I have found this simple trick has helped me alot! (tip from the documentary hungry for change.)

4. Get to a healthy weight for you. healthy eating and exercise will help maintain or get you to your goal weight. see your doctor to work out the right weight for your body :)

5. Have a regular check up. That's right Go ask your Doctor to check the ticker. (Something I will be booking asap.)
(adapted from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-disease-prevention/WO00041/NSECTIONGROUP=2)

Prevention is better then cure.

So what do you need to change? Answer in the comment section :)

Eat healthy be active and get a check up :)

Don't forget to follow me or comment on this topic or any other you are interested in.

#bipolar #heart #manicdepressive #mentalhealth

food for mood

2012-10-17T02:43:00.000+10:00

So To continue from my last post.

Natural mood stabilising seems to be working better then the drugs so off to Google I went again as soon as I noticed the black wave starting to roll my way(aka depression.)

So we All know you are what you eat but did you know how much what you eat can change your mood?

I found a great post on Foods for depression on www.cbc.ca on mood foods.

FEELING DEPRESSED?

Eat more: Happy mood-boosting foods!

1. Bluegreen Algae (E3 Live)

E3Live is a fresh water algae that is one of that highest natural sources of phenylethylamine. Phenylethylamine is as a natural mood elevator and anti-depressant. It's the same compound found in chocolate that perks-up our 'feel good' chemical.s However, bluegreen algae has about 50X more PEA than chocolate! It's also commonly known as the 'love molecule' as it stimulates mood, feelings of overall well-being, and has been described to simulate the same euphoric feeling and feel-good chemical that the body naturally produces during those beginning stages of 'falling in love'. A shot of this is like being bit by the 'happy love bug'. In addition, this also helps to improve attention, concentration, memory, and he stabilization of mood swings. Bluegreen Algae is also an excellent source of EPA and DHA (omega 3 Derivatives) that act as an anti-depressant

2. Cold water fish(wild Salmon) and/or fish oil

Cold water oily fish are an excellent source of EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA are omega 3 derivatives that are found naturally in oily fish. Research proves that fish oils that have a higher ratio of EPA:DHA is significant in effectively treating and reversing the effects of depression.

3. Saffron

Research shows that saffron works just as effectively as prozac in treating mild to moderate depression - without the side effects! Crocin and safranal the two chemical compounds found in saffron that is reported to relieve depression by raising serotonin and other mood enhancing chemicals in the brain.

(http://www.cbc.ca/stevenandchris/2010/03/emotional-eating---whats-your-mood-food.html)

Another great source of info is Mark's daily apple.

with great tips like ...

4. Avoid the stimulant cycle.

Caffeine, sugar, alcohol. Caffeine, sugar, alcohol. Many of us get trapped in the stimulant cycle. These substances temporarily give you a lift, but actually deplete and blunt valuable hormones in the long run. If you like caffeine, try to limit your java intake to one or two cups a day at the most. The same for alcohol. I recommend avoiding sugar completely.

3. Sleep right.

When we’re feeling down, it’s tempting to sleep, sleep and sleep some more. But quality sleep is far more important than quantity. Force yourself to get up early, but allow for a rejuvenating nap midday if you need it (just don’t exceed one hour). The same goes for stressed-out workaholics getting by on 5 or 6 hours of sleep a night. Find a way to get an extra hour (hey, that sounds like another Tuesday 10 to me!)

And of course I can't leave out exercise!

10 minutes of walking ups the endorphins(feel good hormone) in the brain as well as all these benefits!!

http://visual.ly/anatomy-walking

For more information on bipolar and my search for a way to life with it please follow me.

If you have questions or want me to look into a topic please comment below.

All information on this site is personal please talk to a doctor or health provider about your situation and please NEVER stop taking your meds with out talking to a professional.

The blue rose
#bipolar #paleo #food #exercise

paleo ortho-molecular treatment

2012-10-16T00:26:00.000+10:00

ok the title of the post is weird I know.

But its simple really I'm trying to give my body what it needs to right its self.

For me that's in part the paleo lifestyle. no gluten so no wheat, bread ect.... no milk this one for me is harder ....no legumes the easiest by far and no sugars or processed foods....what you can eat is things like lean meats veggies fish fruit nuts good oils like coconut olive and avocado.

I could do a whole post on paleo...

What I really want to talk about is this thing I stumbled on to called orthomolecular medicine. the basic idea is to treat a chemical imbalance in the brain with what the brain has to work with naturally so instead of anti psychotic synthetic drugs they use things like omega 3 fatty acids b3 also called niacin, vitamin c and so on.

I have watch documentaries like feed your head which includes appearances by Dr Hoffer, Margot Kidder(a bipolar patient without an episode for 11 years!!) and also masks of madness.

What I found almost floored me.

My medication isn't working and I was looking to heal not be sick and surviving but I wanted to HEAL.
Two doctors Called Linus Pauling and Abram Hoffer had been healing people with their idea of letting the body heal itself by giving the body what it was lacking. Restoring balance.

Why was i never told this was an option? Was it cause there is no money to be made giving me this treatment? Or is it cause most think vitamins and minerals our body needs are dangerous i dont know.

If you find this page and have questions please ask in the comments and Ill answer as best i can.

I start this treatment soon and Ill post how it effects me side effects and any other information I can.

let me know your thoughts below.

the blue rose.

#bipolar #orthomolecular #food #hope #mentalillness #schizophrenia #paleo

Im alive!!!

2012-10-14T19:10:00.002+10:00

Hi I know I know Iknow where di I go?

Moving house BAD BAD BAD BAD black waves and no way to get a medical review for 6 months!!! darn you bipolar type 2 rapid!!!!

So I have been looking off the beaten track for some hope....

here is what i found the Paleo diet this has helped alot!! no gluten, no dairy (still working on..) no potatos and no legume eat lean meats eat veggies esp green ones eat some fruit n nuts and exercise(run walk cycle ect...)

the next thing is trying to get my sleep pattern under control (with two small kids) this si hard believe me,....

the next thing we are trying is something called Orthomolecular medicine.

Its an alternative medicine idea that the body needs more essential vitamins and minerals to heal so things like leaky gut(aka the gut lining is thinned and not got enough good bacteria to function so is letting things into the blood that shouldnt be there making you sick.) and even they claim bipolar can be healed.

I think anything to help is worth a shot. so Im going to try it. Ill let you know how this all works out for me.

I got to go make dinner now
so ttfn.

angels and demons

2012-04-17T23:46:00.000+10:00

I just finished watching a program called enough rope with Andrew Denton where he tries to understand mental illness.

A few things catch my attention. One is that young carers have a lot more resources open to them if they can get to them. That is the drama I guess how many people out there don't know or haven't been exposed to the avenues to get the support and help?

I know from my experience and those in my family that getting help is not an easily walked path. Both my parents have a mental condition and getting them help is stressful painful and down right scary.

My mum seems to be having a bad turn and I don;t know how to help her.

Even in my own life with a mental illness some times I don't know who to where to turn. You aren't given much information especially in the public system that is over stretched. I have heard of people with bipolar being given counselling and coping structures, what these are I don't know they were never offered to me.

But the good thing is I'm looking for them now that I know they are out there somewhere.

My ups and downs are maddening. Plans and promises I don't or can't keep due to this roller-coaster are something I want to end.

This blog is about struggle and a come back fight. About the struggle I face I might not write daily as I want to but I will write and I wont glam it up, personally I don't see the point.

So I'll let you know how I go finding support and more information of coping.

Thank you for following the mental illness fight.

Going green....

2012-04-10T23:20:00.000+10:00

well hello...
I know i know slacker I know. I haven't posted in way to long.

Yet I didn't disappear in vain.

I have been getting myself organised I have a calendar (write in blog is already written up.) and cleaner-ish house(work in progress.)

I am back and getting this bipolar girl back in life starting as of......NOW!

I'm detoxing withe the green smoothie revolution as part of my weight loss war. As we all know its hard enough getting out of bed when the black wave hits without looking and feeling gross on top of it all. So war has been declared on my flubby body. Its time to get in shape.

I have also declared war on clutter and hoarding in my house. We have lived out of boxes for about 2 years straight so I'm cleaning out the junk and simplifying my life. Bipolar 2 kids 2 huskies a hubby and study is enough without the mess!

This is not maniac me....my hubby asked lol....This is just motivated me.....maniac energy is on the way so I want to have things in place before that madness hits me so I can use that energy in a positive way.

Anyways I am rambling from excitement!!!

I have just got all my lovely yummy fruits and veg for my smoothies (thanks to my helpful 4yr old shopping assistant)

I am starting with

Banana-Ginger-Green Smoothie:

A soft, beautiful, sweet nourishing treat.
3 ripe bananas, peeled
2 large handfuls spinach
2 inch slice of fresh ginger, peeled
water to desired thickness

http://skinbase.co.uk/blog/detail/skinbase-super-smoothie-banana-ginger-green-delight

I am also starting a new blog for this 10week adventure called http://bluerosegoesgreen.blogspot.com.au/

Talk soon!

When drama lives on the doorstep.

2012-03-12T07:55:00.003+10:00

When the roller coaster is out of control and the reason is external is very hard to change it. let me explain....

I have a dilemma that I hope I find an answer to so I can share it on here.

My mum knows about Bipolar as my dad is type 2 and now so I am. Yet once every few weeks sometimes days she brings stress and drama to my door.

for examples.

my housemate has a friend selling a bed my mum wants to get cause she is moving. no problem right ....nope. she phones me 6 times before lunch about what is happening with this bed that I have no connection to. She tells me she doesn't have my housemates number. (my housemate tells me she does.) all this happens while my housemate is at work.

I go shopping with my mum and I think its a good day she does press me to shop longer then I want as I'm a little manic. Shopping and manic me don't do well for the budget. So I over spend a little, no drama. When we get to my house my mum asks if I'm manic, I'm honest and say a little. well...my mum then turns and says I've over spent how are you to help me not over spend when you are manic. she also made a comment my be she is bipolar cause she spends to much.(she constantly over spends and constantly makes comments about my illness, are you depressed or manic, are you taking your meds, .......you get the idea)

errr adult say what?

This is the kind of thing that triggers episodes for me. Unrealistic expectations and harassment feeds the black dog.

I've been roller-coasting so much that my hubby is blocking her number for a week so I can level out again.

Its drastic and we don't want to have to do it but she doesn't hear me when I try to explain my limits.Don't get me wrong I love my mum and want to see her and talk and all that. Yet I need to be Balanced, for my self, hubby, kids.....

Medication helps but taking care of my mental health is more then just popping some pills. It learning your limits, knowing your triggers and trying to minimize the impact of them.

That where I am at. I'm losing weight and getting my self confidence back, studying, taking steps to have minimal negative stress in my life, and getting organised.

I just need to get on an easier to handle roller coaster.

introspective

2012-03-10T11:30:00.000+10:00

I am in a very self discovery mode at the moment also a baking mood. so while I bake I am reading the style statement. I'll let you know how I go.

Mixed emotions Birthday.

2012-03-07T11:35:00.001+10:00

Today is my little boy's fourth birthday.

He is a joyful intelligent little fire cracker. I adore him. His cheeky grin, soft smiles, his questioning mind, his gentle heart, how he looks at the world with wonder to his adventurous spirit, I love him so much!

As much as I celebrate the Day he entered the world and my life, I also feel a sense of loss and sadness for the years I haven't been well enough to be as present as I wish I could have been. The Times I could barely get out of bed, could barely function to look after him til my husband got him, or was so manic I wouldn't be able to focus my whole attention on him, I would make sure e was feed safe and happy but I wasn't fully in the moment my mind would race hundred different places. He was my reason to fight, to strive to be better then yesterday for those years and when I had his sister the reasons strengthened.

He holds nothing against me, he looks at me as if I am his whole world. Now to forgive myself and let it go.

I am now present, I still have bad days and I still fight to give him and his little sister the best i can.

Bipolar effects not just the person with the illness but the whole family. Husbands, wives, children, girlfriends, boyfriends, the list goes on.

my lil munchkin and our pup

Happy Birthday my Little Man.

You are my world, my reason and my joy.

I love you with all my heart.

Again at war with myself....

2012-02-27T02:22:00.000+10:00

Today was a bad day. One of those days I wish with all my heart I could press a button or pop a pill and not be bipolar anymore.

Sometimes on days like this I wish I had a "popular" illness diabetes or something understood and known, sometimes I think it would be easier.

There is a war each morning to see who will win, The side that plans to do what i need to and the bipolar side that just wants to fly, numb or fade watching the black wave crash over me.

I'm not just get up out of bed.... I'm already warring in my self. The meds just help the normal win more but the battle rages on.

My illness is unknown silent unseen invisible it all happens in my head.

Its hard to explain to people how it impacts every moment of everyday. That yes I'm on meds, yes I have a name for it, no I'm not just going to be fine now. I'm still learning how to work around this illness.

I haven't been coping of late even worse than normal. Expectations of others and others trying to "help"

has had the opposite effect. By help I mean coming over and telling me what i should be doing. you should be up and dressed you are letting your husband down, think of what your husband needs, you husband works so you shouldn't ask things of him when he gets home, you just have to pull your socks up and get on with it, just stop being depressed, don't read that its "dark", don't watch that it will make you depressed, should you buy that are you manic? think about why you want it and if you are manic, you cant just go spending money cause you are manic, here read this is on how to get over depression, you just have to stop acting bipolar, ....

the list goes on and on and on....

they phone they come over its daily.

This effects my relationship with my husband, housemate...Lord even myself!

Today it was my husband and I who had to talk it all out with tears and pain that came from months of these comments to me and others that were made to my husband starting to damage our relationship.

Today I hated being who I am. Today I wanted to fall of the planet. I hate crying , causing my husband pain from him realizing I am fighting this invisible war and how he has let others comments influenced him so much that he has stopped helping and started to harm with comments like those above.

He stopped seeing me and just saw the frustrations and assumptions as reality.

I'm not saying I'm prefect and he failed. I'm just being real this is what happens. Others mean well but can't understand and then without understanding, based on assumption or even wanting to in some cases learn they make comments and accusations. There is only so much one person can take but add a person who is still trying to get their feet with this illness and it can spell havoc. Marriages with a mental ill partner have a higher chance of divorce and we refuse to fit that mold. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN FULL STOP.

That is what has happened. The air is clear and tomorrow is a new day.

To quote my 3 year old. Mummy you aren't small you are big how can you be small when you do so much big things?

We are not giving up, I'm going to do big things even if it is just getting out of bed tomorrow even I'd rather hide under the covers.

stress isn't helpful.

2012-02-19T01:58:00.001+10:00

Hi WWW
I know I know I was going to post everyday then well...life. actually more to the point....FAMILY.

Yep family can either help or hinder anyone but even more so for Bipolar especially if your family is like mine.

I'm trying to study but I have my mum now studying and kicking me off my pc instead of dealing with her net issues while tell me things like don't say that to your kids, that not what I would do, and the dreaded are you taking your meds you seem manic/depressed. Not Helpful!!!

Lot of people think checking up on your medication is fine and helpful even encouraging well its not. do you go to a diabetic and ask about their diet or insulin?
Lot of people think if you are bipolar you are either depressed or manic that is it.

Sadly this is my mother.

As you may or may not know stress or too much stress can bring on episodes of maniac/depression sometimes. Constant stress is not a good idea for bipolar we need to relax n chill more then most for our mental health. My mum is a constant stress, our relationship is strained as we butt heads on raising kids, health and of course my illness, meds and because of my illness about my dad too (he is also bipolar).

My mum's comments and constant questions has also at times strained my marriage as my husband works to understand and work out how to relate to me on my mental health illness. My mum has the idea of what i will do based on my dad, and uses that in how she talks to me, poor hubby is trying to find the truth in the stories so he can help me more....for him it is a mind field and more then once has lead to me in tears when he has got the wrong end of the stick.

so I've been having a rough time but here I am still on meds still going one day after another just the idea of moving is looking better and better health wise sadly.

ok people take care talk soon.

ps thanks to my sis in the UK for proof reading this. Lol posting at 2am is not good for my spelling and grammar lol

and were back.....

2012-02-15T11:01:00.000+10:00

Hi WWW,
I have be slack yep there I said it. There is much to say that's been going on to lead to such pathetic post rate.

1. Dad is life treating hospital trip due to his own stupidity. He is a diabetic that ignored it and hope it went away for 15 years!!!
He was admitted to hospital and had
Septicemia (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002331/ ),
Hyperglycaemia (http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/en/Understanding-Diabetes/What-is-Diabetes/Hyperglycaemia/ ),

Necrotizing soft tissue infection on his big toe (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001443.htm) (no flesh eating bacteria was found thankfully.)

He ended up losing the toe and getting grilled buy hospital staff and his children.

I also found out my father (bipolar and other goodies) was taken for his medications by his GP and was for the last 5 years having his medication played with by his GP. normal small changes slightly up or down are fine under the guides the psychiatrist as written up. This is not the case.

I hit the roof one that my dad would allow that to happen two that the GP over stepped his training in such a way. he saw the hospital Psychiatrist would quickly put him back on his medications and talked to him about one changing doctors and two staying on medications.

Oh but the fun doesnt end there!!!

I had my first car crash. Yep i totaled the car and took out a fence. yeah I'm good lol.

A speeding car almost hit my daughter door as i was merging after a set of lights....problem was when i served back into my lane having suddenly see the car that was there last time I shoulder checked (I checked again thankfully!) my lane was not even half the size of my car!! so i hit the fence that was there between me and the foot path.

The speeding car never stopped.

luckily no one was hurt just the car which means I have to go through the painful process of buying a car all over again. My hubby is someone who wants to take time to make a decision, the only issue with that is we loose great cars to other people while he is thinking long n hard about it. drives me Batty!! he knows he does it and is working on making decisions quicker.

Ok enough about doom n gloom!
the good stuff....
My medications are finally settled so i just need repeats from my Gp :) happy dance but I have been told I need more boundaries with my folks so they don't stress me as much.

We got another husky!! our first (and not the last) foster failure, her name is OoKami (means wolf in Japanese i was told.....Kami for short.) and she looks like our boy Dante's twin. Hubby loved her within minuets and we now hold the record for fastest adoption. 3 hours and she was ours.

She is a sweetie and the kids just adore her, Dante likes her except when she gives him kisses and doesn't know when to stop!! lol She loves going to the park with the kids and we are teaching her all the sled terms ready for the start of the season :)

well that's it for now. Just a major update.

post soon

sometimes life seems to fall on you

2011-12-04T10:39:00.001+10:00

Hi Eeveryone,

So with the black wave hitting me Life seems to be getting the better of me. Add to take some family drama and letting myself give in to the desire to stay in bed all day is getting hard to ignore.

Study is at a crawl and my housework is still getting done sort of. I must admit I've let it go a bit in the last few days but I'm determined to keep on top of it.

Our foster Husky has a meet and greet with possible adopters today so I have to get him brush and walked before that so he is calm and happy. I must admit my pups get me up ad out some days I love them to bits.

The kids are going great and are starting to get the hang of play nice most of the time thankfully.

well this is just a short post today as Lots to do and not much time.

love you All

been a few days......

2011-11-30T15:02:00.001+10:00

I know its been a few days since I have posted on here, I have been dealing with the 3 hours of sleep then "hyper attacks" as I call them. and believe me they are NOT fun.

A "hyper attack" as i have nicknamed these things is where i wake up my mind is racing i'm shaky fidgeting and my eyes are looking around really fast. My house mate who leaves in the mini unit down stairs saw me in this state and said I looked "high".

After this "hyper attack"I can't sleep. I'm restless and try as I might I can't sleep so I end up having to have a few hours sleep in the day.

They have just put my medication up and I think this might have something to do with it. I am hoping it goes away once I adjust to these new amounts as when not trying to sleep I'm feeling a lot better.

I am still in the black wave time my focus isn't great, it hard to get motivated and I'm quick to get frustrated. The good news is I don't feel OVERLY sleepy and not just for the a fore mentioned reason. Before I was Diagnosed I was spending days in bed not wanting to moved more then I had to, I'd get up get the kids to daycare then crawl into bed till an hour before they got home help with them then back to bed or into a book. Now I can get up get them ready and stay out of bed other then my catch up nap, but being constructive with my time is still proving tough.

Now if I could just get a good night's sleep?

I see the black wave.......

2011-11-25T16:36:00.001+10:00

So today I realized the depression stage is coming around again.

I was shopping for presents for Christmas, some thing I usually love doing. But on my way home I found I was numb, blank, just doing a job. That's when I realized what was coming, the black wave of depression.

Time to start making schedules for myself things I must do each day. Things to keep me going.

Strange as it may seem to some of you, I have to plan for theses ups and down else I can do damage to my family, manic i spend to much and depression i wont get out of bed for days, so I plan.

I declare war on my own self in a way. To fight against what i feel and think so i can still carry on as the me in my head plans.

I call depression the black wave for me first I go emotionally numb, grey, neither happy or sad. Like the emotional water is being pulled from my mind into the wave that will crash sending me into the black of depression.

This is the hardest time to stay on my medication as I don't see a point to do anything during these times, I become more robotic then person, I'm locked in my head drowning in the black numb. I take care of my kids and husband as best I can during these times. They are my life line in the cold dark waters of my mind.

So I schedule. get up dressed my life becomes a To Do list that I tick off.

Has my medication levels stabilize again I wont go as deep into those cold waters but I still prepare. Just in case.

leave a comment about what you would like information on or your own way experience.

Don't forget to sign up to follow This honest look into my life and bipolar.

the rainy day debacle

2011-11-24T15:14:00.001+10:00

If there is one thing i love is being able to curl up on a rainy day and read a good book.

but

my little miss is still ill yet full on energy.

I planned to brush out my dogs, study and other such things that won't make me feel worse due to the ill feeling from the medication change I'm getting used to. Instead I have been running after little miss trying to keep her out of mischief.

Her favorite place is her big brother's room, playing with trains and blocks. Which is fine till she starts to hide them all under her bed. Another Favorite little miss activity is to empty the kids bowls and plates from the kids drawer onto the floor, more washing up is not what i need.

So now I'm waiting for my hubby to drop in with some more lactose free milk so little miss can nap and i can have a cuppa, a shower and get some cleaning down before i have to cook dinner.

My mood isn't to bad today more just the ill feeling is getting annoying.

I'm off to see if little miss is still on her char having a snack....

Till later

plans and derailments

2011-11-23T15:32:00.001+10:00

So with everything I have to catch up on ...study, house work, brush out the dogs, Christmas....

My little girl is at home again sick. This doesn't mean she isn't still a force of nature, running jumping and messing up the house.

With a new medication schedule to get use to this isn't what i would call a good time to have a sick child , not that its ever good, it just takes a lot more effect on my part to get things done. Believe me when its already an effort finding that something more to help me stay focused is not easy at all.

It is 3 in the afternoon and i'm still in my pj's, she has been feed changed repeatedly and entertained, flash card playtime and had a story. Mm housework is undone, study not complete but my little girl is napping like the angel she is.

My between the headaches and sick feeling for my medication, I had to make a choice. This is what annoys me about my bipolar. Medication ajustment take me a few bad days to adjust so i have to choose my focus. Ic choose my little girl.I always choose the kids first. IT hard cause i know while the house is messy (with a house inspection on Monday, and all the other things undone the stress is coming and that for me is bad. I don't do well with stress.

Its like putting my moods under and magnifying glass and being bipolar they are already outside the normal range.

I am reading what i call my parenting bible for the millionth time. It is called Stress-Free Parenting in 12 Steps by Christiane Kutik

oh how i love this little book. it is short sweet and works, omg it works. I re-read this book cause one. I'm forgetful and two I always need a refresher when it gets hard Like when my son has learnt his first swear word at daycare (he is 3.). Oh yeah and he gets stuck on repeat!

Well I'm off to try and get housework done like a mad lady while little miss sleeps.

so leave a comment if you have questions about bipolar or anything I am more then happy to help. :) or post on a particular topic.

and follow me so you can learn more about the Bipolar and everything else.