Living With A Purple Dog

The Disability Hearing

2010-04-27T23:08:00.003-05:00

About a month ago we had a call from Ryan's (Kyle's) attorney saying a date had been set for his disability claim hearing. He had made application a long time before he died, was rejected (as are most), and the attorney filed an appeal. It seems like this happened quite a while before he died. 20 months after he left us, he finally gets a disability hearing. We were ready to walk away, I have no interest in taking money from the Social Security Administration after he's gone, but the wife and I discussed it and decided that, if for no other reason, the attorney could recover some of her costs. She really is a caring and compassionate person. So we decided to proceed.

We walked into the hearing room and there was my wife and I, Ryan's attorney, the judge, a medical expert on speaker phone, and a vocational expert. They all had files as thick as a big-city phone book. They were referencing many exhibits, sub-exhibits, schedules, and so forth. They had his counseling records, his medical and hospital records, his psychiatrist's records. Things he'd NEVER want to share with anyone, and it was an open book. To hear his life reduced to a stack of papers was almost more than I could handle, and I choked up at times during the testimony. There was information read aloud he would NEVER want us, let alone others, to know. It was really sad. We wanted them to know what a caring, compassionate, loving, brilliant kid he was, but that wasn't material to the case.

The system is broken, probably irreparably. It's designed to deny benefits rather than help those in need. It sucks out the motivation, the self-worth, the soul of those attempting to collect disability. Unfortunately, it won't change, given the state of politics today.

The weeks leading up to this, both my wife and I fell into a depression. The deepest depression I've had since he died. The day after the hearing, we're both improving a bit, but it may take a while.

A Chapter Read and Closed

2009-06-03T00:25:00.003-05:00

It's been almost 10 months since Ryan (Kyle) died. The sharpness of the pain has faded, and that hurts also. It's like we're no longer feeling his death like we used to, and that brings about feelings of guilt. Last night we were eating dinner and the phone rang. Someone asked for Ryan, and my daughter handed the phone to me. It was a recruiter. I told her Ryan passed away, she felt bad, and said she wouldn't call again. I hung up, and we all sat there and cried. But those times are less frequent.

I've been asked why I'm no longer blogging. I am, albeit infrequently. I'm also spending time on Facebook. My blog is a general blog, meant to give a personal outlet. I no longer blog about my bipolar disorder, the sharing of that part of my life is gone with Ryan. I have moved on. I'm not removing this blog, or our BipolarSupport.blogspot.com blog. I'm leaving them up as a reminder to me of how much things have changed, and as a reminder of yet another chapter in my life that is read and done.

Here's a favorite family picture from either 1995 or 1996. Ryan is sitting next to my wife, posing, as he did for every picture we took of him:

A Few Pictures

2008-10-25T19:28:00.007-05:00

It's been a rough 10 weeks, and it's time to post a few pictures.

Our Ryan (Kyle) a couple of years ago.

Ryan (Kyle), his girlfriend, EJ, and his little sister. He was so good with his sisters, the greatest big brother they could ever want.

Ryan (Kyle) and Mom.

It's been a bitch, but everyone is making it through each day. I may do another post in the future about some of the support resources we found.

Thanks To All

2008-09-01T00:30:00.003-05:00

Thanks to all for the thoughts, prayers, emails, flowers, and everything else. It means more to us than you'll ever know. Sorry if I haven't personally responded, it's hard enough to tie my shoes.

We're still around, battling through. I may post more later, but wanted to say thanks.

Final Thoughts

2008-08-18T10:12:00.009-05:00

My wife used to say that our kids were a stable of thoroughbreds. We had 4 magnificent stallions and a unicorn. The unicorn was beautiful, magical, and enhanced the lives of anyone crossing his path. He was creative and brilliant. He taught us about true forgiveness. He taught us to love unconditionally and not to judge. He taught us to laugh and have fun under any circumstance. Over the years we tried, foolishly, to turn the unicorn into a stallion. The unicorn tried valiantly to become a stallion. We all came to realize that a unicorn is magic, and can’t be kept forever. Kyle was our unicorn, and we were blessed to have him 24 years.

Kyle's (Ryan to us) memorial service was yesterday. There were hundreds of people - so many people they had to set up folding chairs in the hallway outside the door. It was an awe-inspiring testament to the power of his life, and the impact he made on so many people's lives. He packed more living in his 24 years than most people would in 10 lifetimes. The service was beautiful. Kyle was a very spiritual person, and had a couple scripture verses on his wall they incorporated into the service. We sang his favorite hymn - "Life Flows On In Endless Song" at the end. There was a guitarist playing 2 songs by his favorite band, Five Iron Frenzy, "Every New Day" and "If You Could See Me Now". It was wonderful.

Now comes the inevitable soul-searching.

I'm wondering if it was a mistake to medicate Kyle. My wife says absolutely not, it was the right thing to do. His most debilitating symptom prior to treatment was his all or nothing perfectionism that manifested itself in terrible outbursts of temper. Not directed at other people, but at himself. It was so painful to watch. His treatment did take care of that, and we were all thankful.

But as things went on, as so often happens, one med begets another, and before long he has a laundry list of medication. He was medicated to the point he wasn't experiencing life at all. His last 2 weeks seemed to be good weeks for him, but he still seemed over-medicated.

His doctors and care workers were exceptional. This was NOT a case where they callously over-medicated. But Kyle would ask for more and more. He couldn't sleep, or his anxiety was particularly bad, and so forth. The doctors, truly interested in his comfort, would try to help him. This is how he ended up with such a large amount of daily meds.

His death appears to be a freak accident. He fell face first into a coffee table in his room. The TV cord was exposed, and the TV was on the ground. We are guessing he tripped on the TV cord, and fell into the table. This accident could have happened with or without medication or alcohol, so I'm not blaming his death on that.

So why am I questioning if medication was the right choice? It comes down to a quality of life issue. Early in his treatment, when the Lamictal started to balance him and took away his inward-turned angry outbursts it was a very good thing. As things continued, and they added more and more medication, he lost the ability to do many things. Towards the end he was having a hard time leaving the house or meeting anyone. The disabilities he'd acquired were as debilitating as the one's he'd fixed. Having the benefit of hindsight I'm wishing he could have lived his last few months in a different way. Or do I? The last few months were very memorable to my daughters, who would hang out and play games with him every day this summer. The old Kyle would have been gone half of the time, and we'd have been worried constantly.

I will wrestle with this the rest of my life.

If anyone else is in the same boat, take your child for who they are. My wife checked on Kyle every day. She hugged him every day, and told him she loved him every day of his life. Whether he was in treatment or not, or properly medicated or not, is meaningless. It likely didn't impact when he died. What did matter were the people and opportunities that made him feel good about himself. The opportunities his family had to make him feel loved and important. That we can look back and know we hugged and told him we loved him. When it's over, unconditional love is all that matters.

We'll Miss You Kyle

2008-08-14T21:44:00.004-05:00

Our son Kyle has left us, he was killed today in an accident in our home. He was 24 years old.

While Kyle suffered terribly at times, he also lived life to the fullest, and loved more deeply than words could describe. My wife used to say, "he was a unicorn in a stable of thoroughbreds."

I'm going to miss you, kid.

Stick A Fork In Me...

2008-05-31T23:57:00.005-05:00

Stick a fork in me, I'm done.

Maybe.

I've hit that place where the need and desire to blog is no longer there. My former colleague, advocate John McManamy tells me this is one of the last steps in the recovery process. I suppose he's right, I really want to put this all behind me. I'm tired of having life revolve around my bipolar disorder symptoms.

Let me be clear - this is not to say I've recovered. I'll never be "recovered". But I'll never get any closer by dwelling on my disorder all day every day. This is a necessary step for me to move closer to the mainstream.

Kyle is doing well, and thanks to all who have written and asked. He's moderately stable, and his drinking seems to be diminished. But they have him on benzos for anxiety, and that worries me. It HAS helped him, but I dread the inevitable withdrawal.

I'm having a very hard time responding to emails and comments, and for this I apologize. I've received some long emails from people who are hurting, and I'm not capable of reading the entire message. If I haven't responded to you in a week or two I'm sorry, but I probably won't. My inbox is so full any older messages won't ever make it back to the top of the stack. But I still would like to hear from friends.

I've been blogging long enough to know that most serious bloggers who say goodbye are back within a month. I won't say I'll never post again, but it will be even less frequent than it is now.

Thanks to all for the support and friendship over the years.

It's Very Clear

2008-05-16T18:12:00.002-05:00

It's very clear, at least to me, that I have lost some cognitive ability in the last several years. I just finished my second week of training on the new job and it's not been pretty. We are working examples along with the instructor, and the class is waiting for me at every step. I am that old person that I used to hate when I was younger because they slowed me down. Back then I moved a million miles an hour, and could accomplish anything. It's not that way anymore. The problem is, I know what I used to be, and it's hard to accept less.

Now I'm not saying this to elicit sympathy. While frustrating, I'm finding this quite interesting. I think, whether right or wrong, that this is a result of my treatment. From the time I took my first psych med I've been fascinated by what each med does to me. Some meds have been helpful, some have been horrifying. My current scenario is another way I've been impacted by psych meds. I'm NOT saying it's a mistake to be taking psych meds, I firmly believe my family is much better off since I began treatment. But it's made me average, or maybe even a little below average in some ways. And that's hard to take.

Enough for this week. It's Friday and this will be a great weekend.

Officers Leave Man in Shackles in Lobby of Mental Hospital

2008-05-10T00:37:00.000-05:00

Officers Leave Man in Shackles in Lobby of Mental Hospital

A Sarpy County judge created a potentially dangerous situation by ordering two deputies to leave a 19-year-old jail inmate with mental problems at a psychiatric hospital, even though the hospital did not have room, a state official said Friday.

The deputies left the man in shackles in the hospital lobby.

Sarpy County Attorney Lee Polikov defended Judge Robert Wester's decision, saying that the Lincoln Regional Center should have had the bed space needed to accommodate the man.

"I think what's out of line is that the system doesn't have adequate facilities for mental care," Polikov said. "I can't speak for the judge, but I'm not sure what his alternatives were."

Wester determined Thursday that the man was incompetent to stand trial and told Sarpy County Deputies John Sorensen and Ken Miller to transport him to the Lincoln Regional Center. The man was in court on an assault charge and a couple of traffic offenses.

People are routinely held at the regional center until they are considered mentally prepared for trial.

When deputies arrived at the regional center, officials there told them there was no room for the man. The deputies notified the judge, who told them to leave the man there or go to jail themselves for being in contempt of his orders, said Sarpy County Sheriff Jeff Davis.

"The judge said, 'Look, I gave you an order, and you've got to walk away,'" Davis said. "He said, 'I'm giving you an order, and if you defy that order, you'll be in contempt.'"

This is incomprehensible. But given the county, no surprise. This county contains Offutt Air Force Base, the home of Stratcom. It's a well-populated county, yet the entire criminal justice system of Sarpy County Nebraska is so harsh, ignorant, and backwards, it's mind boggling.

Angel Food

2008-05-06T05:50:00.002-05:00

There's a program in the US called Angel Food. I first heard about it when my son wrote a newspaper article about a small town in Iowa doing this. Then our local DBSA chapter started talking about it. It's a wonderful program to buy food VERY inexpensively.

Food is sold in units, and units are $30.00. The unit contains a variety of food, relatively healthy choices, and should sustain a family for a week or so. Below is this month's menu:

2 lb. Fully Cooked Meatloaf
1 lb. Beef Fajita Strips
3 lb. Breaded Frying Chicken
2 lb. St. Louis Style Ribs
2 lb. Lasagna Dinner Entrée
1 lb. Gourmet Sausage
1 lb. Fully Cooked Meatballs
16 oz. Broccoli
15 oz. Refried Beans
12 ct. Tortillas
26 oz. Pasta Sauce
16 oz. Pasta
6 oz. Pancake Mix
16 oz. Fresh Carrots
3 lb. Golden Yukon Potatoes
4 oz. Chicken Noodle Soup (Makes 64 oz.)
4 lb. California Oranges
1 Dessert Item

All that for thirty bucks. In addition, there are a few other "add-on" units of meat you can get very cheap also.

It's easy to do, you go the the website, http://www.angelfoodministries.com/ to locate your closest distribution point. You contact them with your order, then pick up on the distribution day. Bring a large box (a large roughneck storage tub is great). You may wait in line to pick up, the program is getting popular.

Scared

2008-05-05T18:18:00.002-05:00

As I mentioned earlier, I just started a new job. Like most of you out there, I'm not lacking in intelligence. Intelligence seems to be a bipolar trait. But for the first time in my life, I feel inadequate in that respect. I started a month of classroom training, and I'm being left in the dust. I'm no stranger to classrooms, I have a bachelors degree, went back for a technical associates, and have taken several other classes since. After my bachelors, I never received a grade lower than A. I HAVE to be one of the best in the class, it's my nature, there is no other option. But at this point I'm not fighting to be the top in the class, I'm struggling to survive.

This has been an obsessive concern of mine over the last several years, that my meds are slowing me down mentally. I suspected it, but never had a way of quantifying or validating those concerns. After today I'm as certain as I can be. Unless I'm in class with a bunch of damn Einsteins there's no way they're all going to be sharper than me.

I'm more than a little scared.

New Chapter In LIfe

2008-05-03T02:11:00.003-05:00

A lot going on right now.

I started a new job this week as a consultant for a large, well-known insurance company. I love it. They run a tight ship, for example there's no internet access at all. But I gain a lot, such as great working conditions and people, and of course, more income.

Next, I gave up my gig at BipolarConnect. I loved the money, but it was time to move on.

There's been more, and I'll follow up.

Redesign Thoughts

2008-04-13T22:38:00.003-05:00

It's not perfect, and it's not exactly what I was after. But it's better than it was. There's still a lot to do, little tweaks that will take weeks to finish.

I have always loved Blogger. A lot of bang for a secure, easy to use, free product. To me the benefits have always outweighed the limitations. After this redesign I'm not so sure. I'm seriously thinking about moving to Wordpress - not the free online version, the full hosted solution with your own domain. Here's how they stack up:

Ease of Use:
Blogger by a mile. Non-techies can be up and blogging in minutes. Wordpress requires some geeky research and practice. You'll figure it out, but it's not blogger.

Features:
Wordpress by a mile. You can use Wordpress as a blog, or as a full-blown content management system. The add-ons, widgets, and theme options are limitless. For Blogger it's not terrible, but it doesn't compare with Wordpress.

Security:
Blogger by a country mile. When you put your blog on blogger it will be there. In a month, a year, or more. It's not going anywhere. For Wordpress if you, for example, go to the hospital and can't pay for your webhosting, it's possible a webhost (not me) would delete your account. If you're not backed up (are we ever adequately backed up?) you've lost everything you've worked so hard on. If that happens to you, call me, I'll sit with you on the first suicide watch.

Design:
Wordpress. There is so much flexibility in design. Blogger is better than they used to be, but it's still not easy to get a custom design on Blogger.

Spam:
Blogger is incredibly good at recognizing and killing spam. Wordpress is getting better, but it's a clumsy process with a sophomoric look. For such a professional product, I expect more.

How about others? Any pros or cons?

Beginning Redesign

2008-04-13T15:04:00.002-05:00

Unfortunately you can't take Blogger off-line while you make changes. So if you visit in the next hour or two you could find anything. With a little luck it will only take an hour or two.

Overlooked Emails

2008-04-13T01:45:00.002-05:00

Over the last couple of months my frame of mind was so bad I was not capable of answering email. Today I was finally able to do some cleaning, and I filtered out hundreds of emails I could not possibly answer. I still have them, I filtered them into folders. But if you sent me an email I did not answer, my sincere apologies. Please send again and I'll do my best to answer.

Site Redesign

2008-04-12T01:22:00.001-05:00

Doing a complete site redesign. I'm tired of this plain look, and want something different. So if you see my blog up and down, you'll know why.

Another Manic Discovery

2008-04-12T00:37:00.003-05:00

Please don't try this at home, I'm a professional.

Sleep medication Ambien (Zolpidem)is some good shit. Some REAL good shit. When I'm not manic, 5 mg knocks me out. Most need 10 mg. But if you stay awake through that, it's like 6 or 7 scotches (PLEASE don't drink and do this, I want you as a reader tomorrow). Take 20 milligrams and you'll be talking to people who aren't there. Or maybe they really are, and you only see them in your dimension...

Sleep walking is common, as is sleep eating, and even sleep sex. My wife says she's gotten quite a bit lately. To that I want to know - was I any good? Did I seem to enjoy it? Was it more or less kinky than my normal self? I halfway expect to see a case of Ambien show up on my doorstep, ordered by wife from some remote pacific island where they can't even read a script.

2008-04-09T19:55:00.002-05:00

This has been an interesting month.

First, the mania is hanging tough. The negative effects of the mania aren't nearly as strong as they were, and it's not as debilitating, but it's still there. Sleep still comes grudgingly, I still can't read, I still can't write, I couldn't begin to hold my hand steady, but the danger is gone. I'm not going to OD, or do anything incredibly stupid, although I came close on both counts.

I got a new job! Out of the blue a recruiter I'd worked with in the past called me. I told her I wasn't looking around, but I'd be willing to listen. I listened, she was looking for a consultant to be placed with one of the worlds largest insurance companies. It really was an interesting position, so my curiosity piqued, I agreed to talk to the employer. This was Monday. Tuesday afternoon I interviewed. Wednesday the recruiter called to say I "rocked their world". Thursday I had an offer in hand. So I went from being more or less contented with my job to having a new career in 4 days. How about that? In the interview I had zero problem with energy, enthuiasm, and conversation. Finally something positive about the mania?

I'm Watching American Idol's charity show right now. It's a barometer of Bono's career, isn't it? As he winds down, they have to wind up their fundraising.

I was flattered to receive an email from Andy Behrman - Electroboy. If you haven't read his book, it's a great read. Head over to his website and sign up for his newsletter.

My webhosting business is doing well, HomepageWebs (gjx.us). If you know anyone needing webhosting, drop me a line.

Kyle is doing great lately. More details later.

Thanks to all for your emails and thoughts. It's much appreciated.

More Paradox

2008-03-25T12:40:00.002-05:00

I'm way behind on emails, comments, and phone calls. If I owe you one, I'll catch up soon, I promise.

Yet another feather in the cap of bipolar paradox:
The less sleep I get, the more wired I become.

Cleanup In Aisle...

2008-03-22T22:22:00.005-05:00

I'm still struggling to link together multiple thoughts into a cohesive paragraph, but the promise of improvement is there.

This brings up the need for clean-up. I left a lot of things hanging over the last few months, a lot of emails not returned, comments not answered, even bridges burned. Sorry for all that. I'll do what I can to right things, when I can.

The recent lack of sleep gave me time to work on re-orging my web hosting business. It wasn't quality time, in 4 hours I'd get 15 decent minutes of work, but I still got a lot done. The site is still a work-in-progress but it's good enough for launch. For those who don't know, webhosting is providing the server space for a website. Every website needs to be "hosted" on a server. When you see those websites or blogs with their own domain name - mysitename.com, those people made arrangements with a hosting company to host that site. I stopped accepting web hosting customers several years ago, I had as many as I wanted to personally support. Well, I outsourced a lot of my support to people who know a lot more than I, and that means I am able to support more customers. I now have lightening-fast 24/7 support. I'll still personally handle most of the support issues during the day, there's so few of them, but the server techs will handle it outside of that. A win-win. Anyway, if anyone knows someone needing webhosting or design, have them look me up:
Homepagewebs - http://gjx.us

For those who observe Easter may you have a joyous Easter holiday.

Transcendental Blues

2008-03-21T12:55:00.000-05:00

In the darkest hour of the longest night
If it was in my power I'd step into the light
Candles on the altar, penny in your shoe
Walk upon the water - transcendental blues.

Happy ever after 'til the day you die
Careful what you ask for, you don't know 'til you try
Hands are in your pockets, starin' at your shoes
Wishin' you could stop it - transcendental blues.

If I had it my way, everything would change
Out here on this highway the rules are still the same
Back roads never carry you where you want 'em to
They leave you standin' there with them ol'
Transcendental Blues.

--Steve Earle

Irish-Envy?

2008-03-17T08:57:00.002-05:00

Why the Irish-envy? Violence, bagpipes, terrible food, and warbling-voiced folk singers.

Blech.

Symmetry

2008-03-16T09:37:00.002-05:00

Symmetry is not optional.

7 Words To Please A Manic Mind

2008-03-15T13:12:00.003-05:00

Shit, piss, fuck, cunt, cocksucker, motherfucker, and... tits.

Something's Not Right

2008-03-09T17:15:00.002-05:00

For the last 2 months, at least in the few times I've been able to write, I've talked about how I was on the higher end of the mood spectrum. It started with a slightly elevated feeling about the time I started taking Lithium 3 months ago, and has steadily grown since then. While all the symptoms are intermittant, I'm dizzy, shaky, my heart rate is way up, I get these mini "jolts" or spasms, and insomnia is bad. It's not entirely unpleasant, but my body is coursing with energy, and nervous movement is pronounced and non-stop. But, unlike bipolar hypomania, I have no mental advantage. My mind is struggling to remember anything.

I have no idea what this is, maybe it's a severe mania that the Lithium has knocked down to this level? Maybe it's hyperthyroidism? Lithium toxicity? I'm calling the doc tomorrow, hopefully they can do some quick blood work and get a handle on this.

Checking In

2008-02-29T23:19:00.002-06:00

It's been a while, so just checking in.

A strong hypomania, 4 hours of sleep a night for a couple weeks, and high stress can do funny things to a person. In the last few weeks I've done some good things, done some stupid things, but all-in-all the last few weeks could have been MUCH worse.

I just wish I could concentrate on something. Anything.

Charlie Bartlett

2008-02-23T23:45:00.003-06:00

A while back I asked if anyone had seen the new movie "Charlie Bartlett". The wife and I saw it last night, our first movie alone in years. We loved it. Hilarious. Very well written, very well acted. Some very dark humor at times, and some very subtle humor at times. If you see it, don't be afraid to laugh.

Score Another For Obama

2008-02-21T23:59:00.005-06:00

...Senator Clinton has a fine record. So do I. I'm happy to have a debate on the issues, but what we shouldn't be spending time doing is tearing each other down. We should be spending time lifting the country up."

Damn, this guy's good. Hillary just doesn't get it.

Charlie Bartlett

2008-02-19T15:06:00.000-06:00

Has anyone seen the new movie Charlie Bartlett? The trailer shows a rich kid who gets kicked out of one private school after another, and ends up in a rough public school. It looks like he copes by becoming a street psychiatrist, dispensing medication to his peers. Looks very good.

Here's the IMDB link: Charlie Bartlett (2007)

Dear Abby: Pot may harm mental health

2008-02-16T17:11:00.000-06:00

www.kansascity.com | 02/14/2008 | Dear Abby: Pot may harm mental health

First of all, I don't use marijuana or condone it's use. But this article is ridiculous. Marijuana use causes mental illness?

Research shows that regular use of marijuana may also lead to mental health problems. Youths who use marijuana weekly have double the risk of depression later in life and are three times more likely than non-users to have suicidal thoughts.

Ya gotta love researchers who can't understand that along with chickens you ALSO have eggs.

This Is Scary

2008-02-10T01:01:00.000-06:00

I'm only a year away from being 50 years old. What the hell happened? I still feel like I'm in my early twenties, then I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and see my father. I'm not baggin' on my Dad, he's in great shape and I'm proud of him. But that's not supposed to be me.

I used to say my hard living would kill me by the time I hit 60, and that probably would have happened had I not changed. 10 years is a snap of the fingers at this point in my life. I'm working hard to extend my life, 30 plus remaining years is probable now. But it's still sobering knowing that I'm well past the halfway point. Also sobering is knowing that, like it's been all my life, I'm still only a paycheck away from being homeless. The success that I KNEW would come never materialized. Or perhaps it did come, I didn't recognize it, and pissed it away.

On the positive side, I'm not losing everything. But I think it's hilarious irony that when a person gets to the point where they've achieved the ultimate balance of longevity, experience, and skill, their physical attractiveness makes it a moot point.

"Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now"

NAMI Volunteer Work

2008-02-08T08:58:00.000-06:00

Hey All,

Just found out NAMI is looking for local volunteers in our area, mainly as support group facilitators. I'm thinking of volunteering. Does anyone do this? What are the upsides? Downsides?

Why Beefareeno?

2008-02-07T22:53:00.000-06:00

I promised an explanation in an earlier post, so here it is.

First, I didn't like the URL (livingbipolar.blogspot.com) that shoved me into a bipolar pigeonhole. I (obviously) have bipolar disorder, but this doesn't have to be entirely a bipolar blog. So a name change was needed.

Beefareeno is an old Seinfeld expression. Kramer had a gig driving a horse-drawn carriage through the New York Streets. He fed the horse Beefareeno, and it developed a malodorous flatulence that sent his riders running away gagging and retching. Quite appropriate for this blog, wouldn't you say?

Also, there is little in life that can't be enhanced by a Seinfeld quote. When my boys and I get together the quotes fly fast and furious. For example, Kyle gave up coffee for lent. He taped a sign to the coffee maker that said: "Kyle - No coffee for you! Next!"

There's a million quotes and references out there, but I won't go into them right now. I'm too worn out from the bout of Euromysitisis poisoning I just got over...

Document Shows Army Blocked Help for Soldiers - NPR

2008-02-07T08:17:00.000-06:00

Document Shows Army Blocked Help for Soldiers

I'm pasting this as-is from the NPR website:

A document from the Department of Veterans Affairs contradicts an assertion made by the Army surgeon general that his office did not tell VA officials to stop helping injured soldiers with their military disability paperwork at a New York Army post.

The paperwork can help determine health care and disability benefits for wounded soldiers.

Last week, NPR first described a meeting last March between an Army team from Washington and VA officials at Fort Drum Army base in upstate New York. NPR reported that Army representatives told the VA not to review the narrative summaries of soldiers' injuries, and that the VA complied with the Army's request.

The day the NPR story aired, Army Surgeon General Eric B. Schoomaker denied parts of the report. Rep. John McHugh (R-NY), who represents the Fort Drum area, told North Country Public Radio, that "The Surgeon General of the Army told me very flatly that it was not the Army that told the VA to stop this help."

Now, NPR has obtained a four-page VA document that contradicts the surgeon general's statement to McHugh. It was written by one of the VA officials at Fort Drum on March 31, the day after the meeting. The document says Col. Becky Baker of the Army Surgeon General's office told the VA to discontinue counseling soldiers on the appropriateness of Defense Department ratings because "there exists a conflict of interest."

So, you serve your country in a war that never should have happened, get injured to the point your life is changed, and the Army tells the VA not to assist in your paperwork? Fuck Bush and his tax cuts. I'd gladly pay more if I knew it was going to help these mentally and physically disabled soldiers.

Welcome to Beefareeno!

2008-02-06T13:42:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Beefareeno.com!

This is still "Living With A Purple Dog", but it now uses beefareeno.com as the URL. This is a very cool thing Blogger has come out with. You can keep the ease of use, security, and features of Blogger, but use your own domain name. Blogger continues to host the blog and store the information, it just allows you to incorporate your custom name.

But don't touch that dial! Don't change your bookmarks, or names, or descriptions, or anything else. This all remains the same.

I still have a couple bugs like the banner, but I'll fix that tonight. If anyone else notices any bugs, please let me know.

Why Beefareeno? I'll tell you on the next post.

We Are Experiencing Technical Difficulties

2008-02-05T11:58:00.000-06:00

This blog may be up and down while I experiment on domain CName changes. I will be up eventually with the same blog (maybe a minor re-design) and a new URL. But nothing changes, you won't have to change bookmarks, or links, or blogrolls, or anything else. That all stays the same, it will just show a different address in your address bar.

I'll post updates through the process.

Update:
The migration is done to domain gjgregory.com. The only problem so far is the banner is not appearing. I heard that can be an issue with larger images. I just need to move it to an external server and link to it that way.

Now, the final decison - use the domain gjgregory.com, or beefareeno.com. I'll have to kick that around.

Drop This Blog?

2008-02-03T11:51:00.000-06:00

Kicking around a lot of thoughts lately. I'm mostly thinking out loud with this post.

I'm spread too thin. I do not have the material for, nor the time, to write two bipolar blogs. I've kept this blog because there are times I want to post things I can't post at BipolarConnect. My posts over there need to be 500+ words, and sometimes I want to post a few sentences, or a paragraph or two. This blog is pretty much only a bipolar disorder blog, given the title and URL of the blog. I'd like to have a place I can post anything, and not define myself as bipolar. It would include bipolar disorder topics, but would not be a blog about bipolar disorder.

Next, a platform. Blogger is easy and secure. Wordpress is flexible and I can keep the database for any kind of future use. I would never lose any posts with Google, but with Wordpress a server crash and you could lose everything.

Finally, where to post. I have 2 domains that could be used. One is a site I've had for years where I've been posting stories and other writings. But that's a site where I'd rather not "come out" with respect to bipolar disorder. Another is a great domain name where I've had a blog in the past.

Decisions, decisions.

If It Wasn't For Ambien...

2008-02-02T22:43:00.000-06:00

Here comes another hit and run post.

It's been a long time since I've been tired. If it wasn't for sleeping pills I'd probably go 36 to 48 hours between sleep sessions. Because of this, I NEVER get more than 6 hours of sleep a night, and usually 4 to 5. I've thought about taking Seroquel daily to bring me down a bit, but my memory loss has been significant over the last couple of years and I'm terrified of anything that might further accelerate that loss.

It reminds me of a time in the mid nineties when I went 6 months on no more than 3 hours a night. Things got a little nasty towards the end of that period.

I can't say I'm not enjoying the energy, but I'm a little nervous where this is headed.

Lithium Question

2008-01-23T13:01:00.001-06:00

A few months ago I started on Lithium. The last week or so I've had this intermittant dull pain in my kidneys. Not uncomfortable, but noticeable. Sometimes right side, sometimes left side.

I'm paranoid about this stuff, although I love what the lithium is doing for me. Has anyone else experienced this?

Still Around

2008-01-19T16:19:00.000-06:00

Hey All - Mark asked what was going on, and I realized how few times I'd posted recently.

Most of my posting is being done at the BipolarConnect site. Lately I haven't even been able to manage regular posting over there.

The bipolar paradox. In order to live in the normal world, we need medication. But what originally drew our spouses, significant others, friends and other normies to us is our bipolar personality. We medicate to keep them happy, and we turn into something not as desirable. If we don't medicate we eventually lose them anyway. The same with writing - I began writing because I could express myself, and I was prolific. Both qualities are fading away as my mental stability is being achieved.

Bottom line, I'm less prolific every day. My contract says my posts can't go to both blogs, and I'm down to a handful of viable words I can write every day. The bipolar paradox.

I'm Back

2008-01-08T22:28:00.000-06:00

Got back from vacation very late Sunday, and have been buried since. I am behind hundreds of emails, and the problems pile up at work when I'm gone. The only "leisure" I'm going to allow myself this week is a DBSA support group on Thursday. I'll update sometime after that with pics and stories.

Vacation

2008-01-02T10:38:00.000-06:00

Hey All,
I'll be "off the grid" for the next few days. I'm going where the cattle far outnumber people, and ducks and geese far outnumber cattle and people combined. Intermittent cell phone coverage, and internet? We could probably find a rancher with dial-up, or talk to the banker in the closest town. That is, if I even wanted internet access, which I don't. ;-)

I'll be around until late afternoon Wednesday if anyone wants to reach me, otherwise see you all in a couple of days.

Weight Loss

2007-12-31T12:29:00.000-06:00

Hey all - wondering if anyone has experienced this.

I've been on Lamictal for a few years, and have tried various other things with it. I haven't stayed on any of them, the return was not great enough to justify the costs. After a couple years of trying, the doc finally convinced me to try Lithium. We spent a lot of time discussing potential side effects, and among others I mentioned my concern about weight gain. He said average was about 20 pounds, but if I continued to work out I probably wouldn't experience that much gain.

It's only been 2 months, but this stuff is amazing. It's not as side-effect free as Lamictal, but it has tamed my predominantly manic side perfectly. I'm not tranquilized, I can think, I can work, I can write, I can work out. It's just incredible.

But - the reason for the post. I'm losing weight. 2 pounds in the last week, 5 pounds in the last month. Hooray! Right? Not so fast. I just came through the holidays eating like a horse. I've worked out only 3 times in the last 2 months, so I'm not exercising it off. I'm eating more than I have in a long time. But today I'm equal to the lowest weight I attained last summer after working out every day for 6 months. I'm not understanding this, and it has me a little nervous. I'm physically nervous, nervous tics, constantly shaking legs, hands on the verge of tremors, so forth. But I don't feel that nervousness in my head. I'm like a calm, placid, pond in my head.

Anyone ever experience this?

At A Support Meeting...

2007-12-28T12:10:00.000-06:00

It goes along with the discussions we've been having lately, so I wanted to share.

Last night at a support group meeting, a father and his young adult son came. I didn't recognize them, it was their first meeting. The son had been in the hospital, was just diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and is currently in partial treatment. The father was doing everything he could do for his boy. The father was so hopeful that they'd found the right med combination, and his son would be cured. We find out the boy had been only a week on medication.

It's heartbreaking when you know they're going to eventually realize a week's worth of medication tells you nothing, that it may be several years before medication is correct. And that bipolar disorder is, for most of us, a life-long condition. A few tried to break it to them, but the father was so hopeful it just wasn't sinking in. I hope they continue to work with it, and that the boy doesn't give up hope. They were both so overwhelmed.

Colleges take hard line on psychological problems

2007-12-28T11:45:00.000-06:00

Colleges take hard line on psychological problems -- chicagotribune.com

Fallout from the mass shootings we've had recently, colleges are using mental health as a reason to deny access. I understand the fears, but this is a terrible injustice.

Blogger In Crisis

2007-12-23T16:57:00.000-06:00

We have a blogger in crisis, Dreamwriter at Coming Out Of The Dark is really struggling right now. If you have a moment stop by and leave an encouraging word.

A Cure?

2007-12-19T05:20:00.000-06:00

A recent comment left by Gianna got me wondering. It's my personal opinion (for what it's worth) that bipolar disorder is a lifetime condition we're born with, and cannot be "cured". I feel that through therapy, or medication, or both, many can live a normal life, if that's our desire.

Interested in other's thoughts, as I do have an open mind on this issue. Agree? Disagree?

Bipolar Disorder In The Workplace

2007-12-13T11:47:00.000-06:00

First of a series:

Calling the pharmacy for a refill from work:

"Hello, I need a refill."

"Certainly. Can I have your name and date of birth?"
(I give name and DOB)
"I pulled you up in our system. Which prescription were you needing to refill?"

"I’m in a crowded workplace right now. I don’t need the Zolpidem, and I don’t need the Lamictal…"

"Do you need the Lithium?"

"Yes. Thank you very much."

I don’t hesitate to ask for Lamictal out loud, as that’s also used for epilepsy. Isn’t it a shame that I wouldn’t mind disclosing epilepsy if I had it, yet I don’t feel I can disclose bipolar disorder?

Omaha Shootings

2007-12-10T18:20:00.000-06:00

By now most of you know about the shootings in my home town last week. At a mall where I hung out as a young kid, worked myself through college, and shopped as an adult. 2 miles away, and on the same road, as the historic Father Flanagan's Boys Town. Funny, things like this didn't happen in Father Flanagan's time, did they?

I'm a staunch 2nd Amendment supporter, but put Bill Clinton's assault weapon ban back in place. Cap magazine capacity at 10, or even better, at 7. Small capacity magazines would have made a difference in the Omaha shooting. It might not have prevented it, but it would have cut casualties.

If my old buddy Ted Nugent were here right now he'd be kicking my ass. But it's a different world today than it was 10 or 20 years ago.

Family's OK

2007-12-05T16:43:00.000-06:00

For those concerned, we're all OK.

Change Is Coming

2007-12-02T23:35:00.000-06:00

It's inevitable. With hypomania it always is, but this one worries me. I'm driving a car without brakes. Right now it's fun - windows down, warm fall day, music playing, smoking a good cigar. Enjoying myself. If I can keep the car at a reasonable speed, I can maneuver without brakes. Downshift, gently slide into a curb, there are ways to slow down without doing damage. But it's just a matter of time before the inevitable crash.

As if the feelings aren't enough, actions are speaking loudly. I'm obsessed with the website I'm building, LivingBipolar.com. I'm trying to write the occasional column for BipolarConnect. I'm trying not to ignore the family, but helping with my daughter's algebra homework is causing an upward slide towards the dreaded mania. Only for a short period, then I'm back to hypomania. Those damn slope equations, while easier for me now than they were 30 years ago are still not easy. Throw in a major stressor - we're short on money because of Black Friday Christmas shopping and school obligations that seem to hit all at once this time of year.

I'm trying to handle all my projects, handle the problems, and break in a new medication on an average of 4 hours of sleep a night. And I need a sleeping pill to even get those 4 hours. It's been this way for about 2 weeks, one day a week I get 6 to 7 hours, the rest I get 3 to 5. I'm full of energy, yet impaired. That impairment randomly sneaks into my head and Bam! I'm forced to take notice. Last night was one of those 7 hours of sleep nights, and I was a walking bundle of energy today. Even after that much sleep I unfortunately didn't take the opportunity to roll over and jump the wife, (morning is the best time, and really the ONLY time before the rest of the family gets up) as I was too obsessed with my work on the website. Obsessions are strong right now. With all that's going on in my head, the urge to self-medicate is also incredibly strong. I have quit drinking (for now), but would LOVE to get my hands on a joint. I know, I know, hold the lectures, I won't do it. My damn common sense is still hanging tough. Besides, I wouldn't begin to know where to find it these days. This desire. while tempting, will pass shortly as all other's do.

Sure as shit I'll be going down. I really and truly hope it's a mild slide that stops at normal. My new med regime might just temper things enough. I raised my Lamictal dosage to 200. I started Lithium, and just raised that dosage to 600. So far it's made me manic-leaning hypomanic. This mood might have come about even without the change in meds, or it might be exacerbated by the change. All I know is we have Christmas, New Year, and my annual hunting trip all within the next month. I desperately want to be good company for all these occasions.

I'm tightening the seat belt, this ride's going to get a bit bumpier.

New Book Reviews

2007-12-01T21:37:00.000-06:00

On LivingBipolar.com, we have a few new book reviews.

First, Gianna reviews Grace Jackson's "Rethinking Psychiatric Drugs: A Guide for Informed Consent". I would recommend reading her review. IMO to be an informed "consumer", we need to know all sides of the issues surrounding psych medications.

Next, I review a book called "Finding Iris Chang", by Paula Kamen. A well written book, read the review here.

Finally, as if it needs a review is the classic "His Bright Light" by the famous writer Danielle Steel. It's the story of her son, Nick Traina, and the struggles he faced in the short time he spent among us. Extremely well written, it's a must read for all.

I'm just finishing "Manic" by Terri Cheney. This is an excellent book, watch for the review in the next day or two.

I'm looking for reviews of your favorite books, I'll post your review along with your name and a link to your site or blog. I'm also looking for ideas for a Christmas gift post I'm preparing for BipolarConnect. So jump in with your favorites.

Looking For Book Reviews

2007-11-28T22:37:00.001-06:00

Hey All - for the LivingBipolar site, I'm looking for your book reviews. I know many fellow bloggers have written book reviews in the past, and I'm interested in using those reviews. Or if someone wants to write a review, I'd love to have it. In exchange I'll post a link to your site or blog, for example:

"Reviewed by Reviewer Name."

New books, old books, good books, bad books, positive, negative, I'm interested in any reviews. Long, short, it doesn't matter, as long as it's more than a sentence or two. If we get several reviews on a particular book, more the better. I'm in the process of writing up a several I've been sitting on for a while, so I'll be adding those shortly. I'd like the books page to be a good resource for people seeking answers.

Once a doctor and star athlete, now an unstable patient

2007-11-27T16:03:00.000-06:00

Once a doctor and star athlete, now an unstable patient

What a disturbing, yet believable, story. I can so identify with this guy, that was my exact personality when I was younger. Had I not been married with a child on the way when I got my undergrad degree I'd have continued college for a masters, then PhD, then law degree, then... People argue that even when manic, we know the difference between right and wrong. I dispute that - mania, by my definition, is a loss of touch with reality. The level of psychosis can be minor, or in this case, almost total. With this kind of psychosis, how can anyone claim that anything close to a normal thought process is in place?

My heart goes out to everyone in this horrible scenario.

Lithium Update

2007-11-16T16:36:00.000-06:00

I have taken 8 daily doses of Lithium so far, and it's been interesting. I'm agitated and wired. Not in a pleasant way, either. If I wasn't committed to staying straight, I'd be self medicating into oblivion right now.

Cabela's Donates Winter Clothing To Omaha Homeless Shelter

2007-11-14T13:27:00.000-06:00

Cabela's Donates Winter Clothing To Omaha Homeless Shelter - Omaha- msnbc.com
This warms my heart. For those who may not know, Cabelas is the large mail order outfitter specializing in outdoors clothing and gear. They are based in Nebraska, so it's logical they would support a shelter in their state. Omaha is a city of about half a million, and like most cities that size there is a significant homeless problem. Winters are cold, frequently below zero, which makes this gift even more appreciated. I have heard they also donated enough food for the Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners at this shelter. And that is HUGE, they serve hundreds of homeless at this shelter, and that figure skyrockets at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I'm going to keep this in mind and give Cabelas as much of my Christmas budget as I can.

LivingBipolar

2007-11-10T15:04:00.000-06:00

I've been working on the new LivingBipolar site, and I'm considering adding a discussion forum, like a phpbb forum. I've run a forum in the past, and it's a lot of work. Rewarding, and a lot of fun, but time consuming. It takes daily effort, checking several times a day for appropriateness of posts and removal of spam.

Why am I bringing this up? If there is someone out there who has a burning desire to run and administer a forum, I'll consider adding one, and perhaps a chat room. I can't offer anything other than to increase your exposure and plug your blog or website. But if someone wants to build a community in this way, let me know.

Self Realization

2007-11-09T06:03:00.001-06:00

First, I feel better than I have in the last few months. I am SO glad my SAD finally lifted.

I originally started this post with an apology to my blogging friends for not getting around to your blogs, not commenting, and not being a good friend. Then I stopped and realized it's who I am, that I'm not capable of being that kind of friend, and probably never will be. I can't take on other's problems when I can't handle my own. It's this way even with my wife, when she gets sick or depressed, I just can't handle it. To a lesser degree she's the same with me, when I've been in a bad way I've pushed her away in the past. She's gotten conditioned to rejection and nastiness. I'm a good-time friend, I'm a great motivator, I can make people feel welcome, I can make people feel good about themselves, I will try to remember your name and use it whenever I see you. I'm a lot of good things, but I'm not a hard-times friend. Not that I'm allowing myself to escape working on this part of my personality, but it's liberating to understand that this isn't a failure, it's the way I am.

Edited:
That last paragraph didn't sound good. I want friends, I just can't be a good friend in every scenario. I read about people who get offended when their friends aren't supportive enough, or aren't there for them, or don't understand their disorder. That's asking a lot of a friend, in my opinion. I expect nothing from my friends that I can't provide. Honesty and basic integrity is all I seek in a friend. That and a decent taste in music, or let me pick the tunes when we're together...

Had a pdoc appointment yesterday, and he talked me into crossing a bridge I wasn't comfortable in crossing. After 2 years of him suggesting, I finally agreed to Lithium. He suggested 600 mg, I asked for half of that, and he agreed. He says there's a synergistic effect with Lamictal, he called it "Lamithium". I also finally admitted my role as a blogger, and writer for HealthCentral. I was worried he might think I was living my diagnosis, and to be honest I thought I might be. But after a few years I realize that's not the case, I'm living with it in the way that works for me.

I'm glad to have this outlet, whether or not I'm able to be a nurturing part of the community.

The Game Face

2007-11-05T11:38:00.000-06:00

I am SO damned sick of fighting this disorder.

My medication dosage is not high enough to handle my symptoms, but if I go higher, I impact my ability to function at work. And I'm absolutely terrified of losing my income source, or of having it cut significantly.

Because of some personal stuff I went from hypomanic to depressed in a day. I know that can happen to anyone, but I can't concentrate on work, and will probably end up going home early. That's the kind of shit I (and maybe many of us) face: Under-medicated I'm not stable enough to be effective in my job, but more medication and I'm not mentally sharp enough to be effective in my job.

I know everyone has their cross to bear, but damn - I'm so frustrated right now, I'm not sure if I want to scream or cry. I'll do neither, of course, I'll suck it up, shove it back in my head, and do what needs to be done. I'm glad to have this outlet, the only person I can share this with is my wife, and she's over-burdened already.

Time to put the game face on and jump back into the mainstream.

Living Bipolar SIte

2007-11-03T18:20:00.000-05:00

From depression to hypomania in a week? Welcome to my world. I've found myself smack-dab in the middle of a hypomania, and I'm enjoying it. But with the hypomania comes obsessions and ambitious projects. I've started to resurrect the http://livingbipolar.com project. I started by using Wordpress, and got that semi-functional. But Wordpress isn't as robust as I wanted, so I am in the process of building it in Joomla. Joomla is a Content Management system (CMS) that is very powerful, but has a steeper learning curve. I've used Joomla and Mambo for a few years on various sites, and I'm still trying to get the hang of it. That new site can be seen at http://livingbipolar.com/home2/

But anyway, that is my current obsession. So if it appears I'm ignoring this blog, well, right now I am. But I'll be back...

Horrifying Sight

2007-10-26T11:06:00.000-05:00

How is it that a person can get SO physically sick, lose so much weight, and look absolutely terrible after only a few days of renewed alcohol / drug abuse? We're talking a handful of days! How can someone be SO healthy, SO happy, and be willing to proudly exclaim how good they feel, yet in a handful of days look like they're near death's door? It's a horrifying thing to witness. And the worst thing, they can't see it happening to themselves.

PLEASE reach out for help. Reach out to us, or to anyone else, but PLEASE know we're very worried.

Odds and Ends

2007-10-24T14:53:00.000-05:00

Hey All!

Feeling a little better, the worst of the depression has lifted. I did find something that helped, the herbal supplement Ephedrene. It is legal if you can still find it. They are starting to prescribe stimulants such as Provigil or Modafinil to depression sufferers, and I thought maybe Ephedrene was worth a try. It didn't help my insomnia, but it did help my mood. I wouldn't begin to recommend this to just anyone, but it might be another tool in the toolbox.

I'm going to begin somewhat of a "rebranding". There's been a few things lately that have me convinced I need a more unified, less confusing identity. As many of you know, when I started writing at HealthCentral's BipolarConnect, the fine folks there thought it might be confusing if I used the name "Jon", as the noted bipolar advocate John McManamy is on their staff. They asked me to go by my initials GJ, and I agreed, as I really didn't think the HealthCentral thing would get as big as it has. But they've done some search engine magic, and now when you Google bipolar topics, the name GJ jumps right out. While I prefer "Jon", I can't avoid rebranding to GJ. So be watching for that as time moves along.

I picked up a domain name the other day that is just screaming for attention: Bipolarville.com It's such a fun sounding name I want to build some kind of a blog or site around that name. After I bought it, I discovered another blogger using "bipolarville" to describe her posts about bipolar disorder. If I do anything with the name, I'll certainly give her a heads-up.

I hope everyone is well, and further hope the SAD that is kicking so many asses is losing some steam.

Depression Hanging Tough

2007-10-17T06:04:00.001-05:00

Damn depression is hanging in there. I've only worked out a few times in the last 2 months, and work is difficult. I have to kick this shit.

Right Brain or Left Brain

2007-10-13T07:50:00.000-05:00

From The Herald Sun:

Which way is the dancer turning? Counter-clockwise or Clockwise? Leave a comment and let us know.

Counter-Clockwise = Left Brain:
-Uses logic
-Detail oriented
-Facts rule
-Words and language
-Present and past
-Math and science
-Can comprehend
-Knowing
-Acknowledges
-Order/pattern perception
-Knows object name
-Reality based
-Forms strategies
-Practical
-Safe

Clockwise = Right Brain:
-Uses feeling
-"Big picture" oriented
-Imagination rules
-Symbols and images
-Present and future
-Philosophy & religion
-Can "get it" (i.e. meaning)
-Believes
-Appreciates
-Spatial perception
-Knows object function
-Fantasy based
-Presents possibilities
-Impetuous
-Risk taking

Once you get that initial answer, you can often change the direction by concentrating. The entire thing is pretty cool. Around the house last night we had 8 people (we rarely have less than 8 or 9 people around here on weekends.) Their answers are below:

Myself: Clockwise
Wife: Clockwise
20 YO Son: Counter
Son's GF: Counter
Kyle: Counter
Grandma: Counter
Oldest daughter: Clockwise
Youngest daughter: Counter.

Leave a comment with your perception.

Long-Term Prognosis

2007-10-13T02:51:00.000-05:00

I'll be writing a complete post about this over at BipolarConnect.

When I was in my diagnostic phase, knowing I had bipolar disorder, but not having been formally diagnosed, I was comforted to read that medicated, the progress of the condition was halted. I wouldn't get better, but wouldn't get worse, either. And at that time, medication was a necessity. People who know me may not believe this, but things were terrible. My family was terrified of me, my coworkers were leery of my moods, my temper was out of control, and alcohol and substance abuse was little changed over the years. It was a toxic environment in our home, and something had to give.

I never allowed myself to get on a long laundry list of meds, I have 1 main medication, and a couple of others to take when necessary for mania or sleep. But the one thing they don't tell you is that things not only don't get better, they get worse over time. That stuff about stopping the progression of the disorder is bullshit. Day to day does improve, but there is a steady, noticeable, long-term slide. I haven't yet decided if it's med related, or just the natural progression of the disorder. I suspect some of both.

I know people (family) still don't believe my diagnosis, don't like to talk about it, and blame my changes on medication and family stresses. Let me tell you folks, this is the real deal. Without meds, as imperfect as they are, I likely would have killed someone, and it might have been me. The high-energy life of the party fun hypomanias I used to get are mostly gone, replaced by pure mania, often with psychosis. This stuff is dangerous. But anyway, I won't function at this level forever. It may be 1, 5, maybe 10 years, but at some point I'll be forced to take a lower level career position. Perhaps disability won't be far past that. My wife works in admin for an excellent small investment company with excellent management and a kick-ass track record. She'll have to take up the slack, and will pursue her securities licensing in the near future. With her personality she'll do well enough for both of us. People just love her, and she gathers friends like the pied piper.

Enough for now, this medication may finally allow me to sleep. It's 3:30, so it's about time...

2:30 AM

2007-10-13T02:39:00.000-05:00

I tried to go to bed 4 hours ago, but no luck. I took a quarter of one of Kyle's Trazodone, and while pleasantly buzzed no sleep. Those are supposed to knock out anyone. I took 5 mg of Ambien with no effect, then another 5 mg. I hate to take more, so I may be blog surfing and posting all night.

New Jersey psychiatric center deaf to patients' plight, suit says

2007-10-11T05:35:00.000-05:00

Be warned, this is an anger trigger.

From Liz Spikol's blog:

New Jersey psychiatric center deaf to patients' plight, suit says

Analysts Say Noven Will Not Give Up on Bipolar Disorder Drug Candidate

2007-10-09T18:49:00.000-05:00

Ahead of the Bell: Noven

NEW YORK (Associated Press) - Analysts said Tuesday that Noven Pharmaceuticals Inc. is likely to give its bipolar disorder drug a second chance in a late-stage clinical trial, a day after word of poor results sent the stock plunging.

On Monday, Noven said tests showed its Lithium QD patch was not significantly more effective than a placebo. Shares sank 21.8 percent, to $13.05, reaching an annual low of $12.91 during the session.

Oppenheimer & Co. analyst Scott Henry reduced his target price to $18.50 per share from $20, but maintained a "Buy" rating on Noven stock. He said the company wants to begin a new late-stage trial after it meets with the Food and Drug Administration to discuss results of the most recent testing.

Henry said results from that trial could be available in nine months to a year.

Analyst David Steinberg of Deutsche Bank said the delay could be much longer, possibly more than 18 months, as Noven may attempt a larger trial or change the formulation of the drug to make it more effective. He kept a "Hold" rating on the stock, but cut his price target to $14 from $17.

Henry noted that the FDA is due to rule on another Noven drug, the bipolar disorder treatment Stavzor, in the next few weeks.

"Even though considered low risk, there are no guarantees that this product will gain approval," he said. He added that investors have become very pessimistic about Noven's pipeline, but their views could change if the company is able to report good news.

Is there any doubt, anywhere, as to the motives of large pharma? Of course they're entitled to make a profit. But these companies are being driven by shareholders who have no interest in anything but the return on their investment. They have no knowledge of the industry, the R&D process, FDA approvals, or the impact of their products on consumers. The bottom line is all that matters.

Fear Of Crime May Erode Physical And Mental Health

2007-10-09T13:50:00.000-05:00

Fear of crime may erode physical and mental health | Health | Reuters

There's an easy solution to this, don't fear crime. And the best way to accomplish this mindset? Arm yourself.

Think I'm kidding? Well, only halfway...

Quote For Today

2007-10-06T23:29:00.000-05:00

With all the pain being felt by the bipolar disorder community right now, here is good advice:

"Get your beauty sleep, or things will get ugly."
--Angie

A Thought For Today

2007-10-05T15:11:00.000-05:00

"I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened."

--Mark Twain

Bush Vetoes Child Health Plan

2007-10-03T13:10:00.000-05:00

Bush Vetoes Child Health Plan - New York Times

But he seemed eager to avert a full-scale showdown over the difficult issue, offering that he is "more than willing" to negotiate with lawmakers "if they need a little more money in the bill to help us meet the objective of getting help for poor children."

"...help us meet the objective of getting help for poor children." The most significant poor children in the world were raised by George Bush Sr and Barbara Bush. Totally and completely mentally and morally bankrupt.

Abbey Road

2007-10-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

Music can do a lot towards changing a mood. It can make us feel good, motivate us, even make us feel depressed. When things are at their worst for me, there is only one musical work that will do: The Beatles' Abbey Road.

Those younger than I will be rolling their eyes at this statement. But I would go so far as to say it's the greatest musical work in the last 100 years. The album as a whole is not completely perfect, there is a throwaway - Octopus's Garden is a complete throw-away. Maxwell's Silver Hammer is a classic Beatle's ditty, but doesn't belong on Abbey Road. And when I'm really needing the therapeutic value of the album I also omit the opener "Come Together". What remains is something that will soothe a raging mania, or lift the spirits when depressed.

Try it - put on the headphones, skip the tracks above, and tell me you don't feel better after listening to it.

Managing Bipolar Disorder - Psych Central

2007-10-03T05:55:00.000-05:00

Managing Bipolar Disorder - Psych Central

This is a pretty good article that nailed my condition - mania being a mix of irritability, anger, and depression. It says euphoric mania is the exception, not the rule. I still get hypomanias, feel-good moods, but I've never considered these mania. Mania is something to be dreaded and feared.

It also says that 90 percent of marriages involving a partner with bipolar disorder end in divorce. That's a scary statistic. I take a lot of pride in staying married for 27 years, but I want to say - it hasn't always been easy. My wife is incredibly understanding of my condition.

The article also says that more than 40 percent of persons with bipolar disorder abuse alcohol or drugs. This is no surprise, in fact I personally think this figure is too low. It then gives a stat I've heard many times before, that 15 to 25 percent die by suicide, accident, or are killed in altercations triggered in a manic phase. I'm glad it includes people killed in altercations triggered by mania, but I'll take that a step further. I think the figure is even higher if you include mania-related accidents or other forms of death when in a manic phase. Mania is the real deal, and is SO DANGEROUS.

It also goes on to talk about supplements. If you want a great piece on supplements, read Giannakali's piece Supplements, Supplements, Supplements at Bipolar Blast.

The Stages of Bipolar Disorder

2007-10-01T11:45:00.001-05:00

Hey all – looking for some input.

I’m looking for ideas for the stages of bipolar disorder. For example, we’ve all heard of the stages of grief – denial, acceptance, and so forth. How about for bipolar disorder? Apprehension, acceptance, excitement about better drugs, disdain for pharmaceutical companies, and so forth. These can be serious or humorous. It can be an entire list, or just one or 2 items.

If everyone could leave a comment with their idea(s) we’d have a great list. Even if you don’t think your idea is good, comment anyway as it may motivate others. Anonymous comments are absolutely welcome. If reading other comments triggers another thought, comment again with that thought.

I’m still depressed, but trying to keep my mind occupied and stimulated enough that I can function. If I can stay motivated or excited about a project, or even an article idea, it makes my depressions so much easier to handle.

Saturday Shorts

2007-09-29T13:14:00.000-05:00

I wonder at times why I keep this blog, I haven't had the time to do it justice. I hope when my mind cycle changes, I'll be back posting more. I only have so many words in my head, and all of my bipolar disorder posting has been on the BipolarConnect site.

My mixed episode is mostly gone. My mania is fading, but my depression is hanging in there, although not as bad as before.

I had a scary episode the other night, an accidental almost-overdose of ambien. I was so manic I couldn't slow down my racing mind and sleep, so I took an ambien. One didn't work, so I took another. That didn't work, so... Before long I was WAY past impaired into comatose hallucinations. Very scary. The funny part, I KNOW better, but after that second ambien it didn't matter - my judgement was gone and all that mattered was sleep. I actually blogged while I was in that condition, I unpublished it and saved it as a draft the next morning. I may re-publish that one of these days, it's a disturbing testament to that mistake (and actually kind of humorous looking at it now).

The reason I was blogging the other night when I had the ambien issue was to say I have changed my blogroll service. I was using blogrolling, I am now using bloglines. Blogrolling was experiencing a lot of downtime and slow response. For those who are still maintaining their own link list, bloglines or blogrolling is SO much better. You can put a button on your browser toolbar and add a blog to your link list with a single click. One thing, though, Bloglines only supports blogs that have feeds. Blogger has feeds, but not everyone has them enabled. So if I can't access a feed, I can't link to your blog. My apologies to those impacted, it certainly wasn't by choice.

Since I've been using Bloglines, I realize that the http://livingbipolar.com blog feeds site I built and maintain isn't necessary at all. Bloglines does the same thing and so much more. For example, here are my feeds:
http://www.bloglines.com/public/livingbipolar
And those feeds pull into a simple link list (or lists) that I pull into my blog using a single line of code, which they provide. I haven't decided yet what I'm going to do with the LivingBipolar.com site. I'm open to suggestions...

Kyle is hanging in there, but I think the blog world may be too intimidating. We'll see if he wants to continue.

I was watching Bassmasters, a fishing show on TV earlier today. I love watching fishing shows, I could have made it as a professional fisherman had life been different. No complaints, life's pretty darn good right now. But anyway... These fishermen are bringing in fish, and they're shouting...
"Oh yeah! A good one!" "Bring it home!" "Come to daddy!" "I like 'em big!" "Oh baby, you're a fighter!" "I love it!" "Ooh, she bit that worm so soft." "They want it fast today." "Stay down, don't jump!"
My wife stops, listens for a second, and says "Are you watching porn?"

Thanks to those who continue to check in regularly, and for those who read and comment on the BipolarConnect site.

Mixed Episode

2007-09-20T14:15:00.000-05:00

How is it that you can be depressed, yet have a mind moving at the speed of light, and a body that is so full of nervous energy it can't stop moving? I hate these "mixed episodes".

Medicaid Changes Could Cripple Community Mental Health

2007-09-20T14:01:00.000-05:00

Just received this email alert from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law.

Comments Needed on Revised Medicaid Rules
Changes Could Cripple Community Mental Health

August 20, 2007--Changes in the rules proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) to govern Medicaid’s rehabilitation service category could restrict access to intensive community mental health services needed by children and adults with disabilities who rely on Medicaid for their healthcare. (See the Bazelon Center’s August 16th Information Alert.) The proposed regulations were published in the Federal Register on August 13, 2007 (Vol. 72, No. 155, 45201-45213).

As the single most significant source of financing for the public mental health system, Medicaid provides needed access to community-based care through the rehabilitative services option to help children and adults avoid institutionalization. The new rules could also have a profound effect on Medicaid services needed by other vulnerable populations, including people with physical and developmental disabilities.
Stakeholders’ Comments Can Make a Difference

If final regulations as later promulgated include many of the proposed changes, they will have a devastating affect on the availability of vital services, potentially crippling the community mental health service delivery system. A high volume of comments is often influential, so it is vital that CMS hear from large numbers of consumers, advocates, providers and other stakeholders about the threats posed by the proposed rules.
What You Can Do
Send your comments to CMS by the October 12, 2007 deadline. This is a critical opportunity to call upon CMS to make changes in a number of key areas and to influence the final rules. All public comments will be considered.

See sample comments and details on how to submit yours in the full text of this Action Alert at http://www.bazelon.org/takeaction/2007/RehabRules9-20-07.htm.

Template Question

2007-09-17T17:45:00.000-05:00

Hey All - I'm worried about this site loading slowly. I love the template, but it seems to be loading so slowly. Does it load slowly for others, compared with other blogs out there?

If It's Not Broken (Op Ed)

2007-09-17T17:43:00.000-05:00

If it's not broken, - Viewpoint

Came across this, it's from an Illinois State University student newspaper. It rankled me. You would think college journalists would be a little less "simplistic". Someone who didn't give a shit had a deadline to meet.

My Son's Bedroom

2007-09-15T22:02:00.000-05:00

First of all, my family is not the neatest in the world. My kids could not keep a clean room if their life depended on it. My wife is oblivious to it, but it bothers me. In the past I spent a lot of time upset about messy rooms, and the house in general. No matter how mad I got, it just didn't make much difference. I guess if it's not a "united front" about something like that, the kids just aren't going to do it. Over time I realized that I could spend a lot of time getting upset at my family, having them upset at me, and making little difference in the messiness, or I could learn to live with it. So while it's not easy and I can't live with everything, I've learned to live with messiness, and I tend to overlook messy bedrooms. In a family of messy bedrooms, my 20 year old son has the messiest. It's truly awful, you walk in and kick a path open as you go. I just take a deep breath, count to 10, and walk past his door.

We'd been experiencing some outage on our cable internet lately, so they sent out a service tech to check our lines. We were chatting as he was working, he was a nice guy. He told me he thought he'd been to our house on a service call before. I didn't remember, but he kept talking saying he thought we were one of his first service calls over 3 years ago. He remembered because of the way they wired our house. All checked out OK, so he asked to see our cable modem. I gulped, because the modem is in my son's room. I told him I wasn't expecting this, that they were supposed to check outside lines only. He was insistent, so I told him the modem was in my son's room, and his room was not in the best condition. He laughed, and said he'd probably seen worse. So I opened the bedroom door, he looked in and said softly...

"Oh yeah - I remember this."

Kyle's New Blog

2007-09-13T21:30:00.000-05:00

Hey all - my son Kyle has started a blog.

Manic Repressive

He goes by the name "Stretch" and is starting by posting an autobiography he was assigned in a counseling session.

Stop by, leave him a comment, and let him feel the love of this community.

Question Of The Day

2007-09-11T19:14:00.001-05:00

I've been thinking lately (very dangerous), and wondering if there are people, scenarios, or manifestations of bipolar disorder that are best left un-medicated?

Bush Negotiating With Big Pharma

2007-09-07T14:44:00.000-05:00

From cartoon creator Mike Adams at NewsTarget.com:

How Best to Treat Preschoolers With ADHD?

2007-09-05T12:06:00.000-05:00

How Best to Treat Preschoolers With ADHD? The Harvard Mental Health Letter Discusses the Options

Preschoolers? 3 to 5 years old, being diagnosed with ADHD, and treated with Ritalin? How do they get an accurate diagnosis on a 3 year old? And is anyone else scared to death with the thought of prescribing psych medications to a 3 year old?

Ripped From The Headlines

2007-09-05T11:19:00.000-05:00

Another visit to the wonderful world of psych headlines.

Pregnancy and Birth Spur Anxiety Dreams in Mom
What? Giving birth could be a cause of anxiety?

PETA Calls for Ban on Owning Animals, Psychiatric Intervention if Alleged Animal Abusers, Killers Are Convicted
Psychiatric intervention? PETA members are LONG overdue for their own "psychiatric intervention".

Children stressed about starting school
Ya think?

Tropical Depression Moving Away From Fla.
I would imagine moving from Florida to, say, North Dakota might cure "tropical depression". (Rimshot!)

Cannibal suspect in psychiatric care
"A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti."

Psychological Torture and the Bush Administration
Oh, this headline provides an endless source of material. Suffice it to say that the Bush administration is "psychological torture" to ALL of us.

And the award for the most inane headline of the day goes to...
Late-Night Teen Cell Phone Use a Threat to Sleep

Siamese Twins

2007-09-05T09:35:00.000-05:00

From cartoon creator Mike Adams courtesy of NewsTarget.com

It Was The Mania Talking

2007-09-03T20:50:00.000-05:00

Hey all, I feel bad for having made my last post. My manifestation of bipolar disorder is different than many, and maybe most others. I lean to the hypomanic and manic side. I often feel like I can do anything, and I'll tear your head off if you try and tell me differently. I can't, of course, and it's a symptom of my disorder that I feel I can.

So have some patience with my outbursts, for the past few months things have been somewhat rough. I try to post more, and end up offending people when I do.

Joey's Triumph Over Bipolar Disorder Is Remarkable: Psychiatrist

2007-09-03T08:08:00.000-05:00

Joey's triumph over bipolar disorder is remarkable: psychiatrist

A little background here.

Andrew "Joey" Johns is a rugby legend in Australia, one of the best to ever play the game, and a national hero in that country. On a recent trip to Europe, they lost his luggage containing his medication, and he went 6 days without it. This, understandably, sent him into a mania, resulting in an alcohol binge, and arrest for drug possession.

But the reason for this post, is a quote by his psychiatrist:

Andrew Johns' psychiatrist says he has been astounded at his ability to perform while suffering bipolar disorder and taking drugs to treat the condition...

..."I think when the story comes out that Andrew did these things with the bipolar condition – was able to reach the height of sporting success and was able to do it on medication - I think that’s a very positive aspect" he said.

Now this pisses me off. I have NEVER felt there was something I couldn't do because of bipolar disorder. I watch for triggers and try to be cognizant of potential problems, but I have never felt limited by this condition. If it's important to me, I'll figure out a way to accomplish it. Period.

Discussion:

1. Do people out there feel limited by this condition?
2. If limited, is it a factor of the disorder itself? Or of the meds used to treat the disorder?
3. Is this post a function of my current hypomanic / potentially manic frame of mind? Will I feel the same way after I crash?

The Runner is Back

2007-08-31T09:03:00.000-05:00

I've been under the weather recently, and fighting a depression since Kyle was released from the hospital. It sunk in that no matter how hard we try, we can't protect him forever. Fortunately, he came away from this experience far better prepared for life than I've ever seen him. I'm very proud of how he's responded to the crisis he faced.

The day after he was released he laced up his running shoes for the first time in years and ran 12 miles. He ran 2 full marathons when he was still in high school winning his age group in one of them. It is great to see him running again. Last night Kyle, my 12 year old daughter, and myself all ran 3 miles. Even though I'm fighting a sinus infection it felt great to run with my kids. The most enjoyable thing I've done in months.

It's good to have him home.

Schering-Plough Defends Suits Over Marketing of 'Off-Label' Drug Uses

2007-08-31T08:46:00.001-05:00

Schering-Plough Defends Suits Over Marketing of 'Off-Label' Drug Uses

While this particular suit is not targeting psychiatric medications, their aggressive sales staff is offering cash kickbacks for off-label drug prescriptions. This has become an epidemic in the industry.

Why am I not surprised?

New Orleans Mental Health Crisis

2007-08-30T12:03:00.000-05:00

I really had no idea it was this bad...

New Orleans Suffers Crisis in Mental Health Care

It's a lengthy NPR audio piece, and prepare to be disturbed.

I should expect this by now, especially in post-Katrina New Orleans. But it's still enough to bring tears to your eyes.

New Orleans has gone from 240 mental health beds to 30. 240 beds was not enough pre-Katrina, as they were fully used and rarely had openings. Patients being brought in by emergency workers are met with open hostility by ER personnel, and are often turned away before being seen. One story involved being turned away by an angry doctor before even getting on the ramp at the ER.

This is a story that needs to be heard by all with even a passing interest in mental health issues.

Life Comes At You Fast...

2007-08-24T21:51:00.000-05:00

I say this every few weeks, but I appreciate all the emails and messages. I am still here, but I'm just not able to write as much any more. Life has gotten hectic, time has disappeared, and stress is constant. I've been bordering on mania for quite a while now.

My son Kyle is going through an experience. It was a life-threatening, and we hope, life-change experience. I wrote about it here:
http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/41/12593/crisis-kyle/?ic=4027
All of us are still dealing with the stress of this. I'll have more to report when we find out what the options are. Right now we really don't know how everything is going to shake out.

On the positive side, after over 7 years I finally quit my second job. For me, work has been a coping mechanism. If I'm working hard and moving fast, I'm not thinking too much, and not getting into trouble. It's always been one of the things that has kept me stable. I'm going to try this, we'll see how it works...

I hope all is well with everyone out there.

Life Sentence

2007-08-16T21:25:00.000-05:00

I'm not usually a fan of this type of story, but this got to me. Well written, the pain and emotion came through. I had tears running down my cheeks.

Life Sentence

A Positive Place

2007-08-15T18:46:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning, still under the weather with a minor flu that's kept me down for a day and a half, but finally with some creativity and motivation. These days my cycling comes around to give me ideas and energy way too infrequently. I'm excited, and hope to get caught up on blog posts, BipolarConnect shareposts, and making the rounds of other's blogs. I may even get a chapter or two written.

I love it when this frame-of-mind rolls around.

8 Random Facts

2007-08-15T11:53:00.000-05:00

I rarely do memes, but after being tagged by BamaGal, I couldn't say no.

8 Random Facts about me:

1. I have been on TV several times, most memorably serving as a guide for the Governor for a televised fishing competition.

2. I have never been arrested, an amazing fact given my past history of alcohol and substance abuse, and wild & crazy behavior.

3. I have hunted with a famous and controversial rock and roll musician who shall remain nameless.

4. I am in the process of writing 3 books, all of which are in various stages of progress.

5. One of my greatest pleasures in life is listening to good music. Out of the hundreds of shows I've seen, one of my all time favorite concerts was The Doobie Brothers, with opening act Bob Seger, in 1976. My younger brother gave me the tickets for my birthday, and I took him to the show. Seger hadn't exploded into stardom yet, and he kicked ass. The 'Doobs still had Jeff "Skunk" Baxter on guitar, one of the greatest guitar players ever, and they kicked ass. And - I saw the show straight. Quite an accomplishment given my personality back then.

6. It took me 5 years to graduate from college, the first few years being on and off academic probation. After year 3, with a GPA under 2.00, I decided it was time to get serious. I set a goal, and made it - graduating with a GPA of 3.001, one of the accomplishments in life I'm most proud of. I have since taken many classes, including the equivalent of an associates degree in programming, never getting a grade other than "A".

7. I used to drive a '72 Chrysler Imperial, the longest production car made at over 22 feet. I loved that car. Once I got it over 135 mph on a lonely interstate in Illinois while my wife slept sprawled out on the huge front seat beside me. Given the condition of the tires at that time, we're both lucky to be here today.

8. I used to own a retail store, with some of the most amazing and memorable customers you could ever imagine. They included:
- A scientist on a nobel prize winning project.
- A cold-blooded murderer.
- A lottery winner.
- An elderly couple who were never apart since she was a precocious young lady who won the heart of a priest who left the priesthood to marry her.
- A musician who played with and headed up bands backing virtually every major R&B and jazz musician since the fifties. He told some amazing stories.
- 2 people shot dead by police in separate incidents, one semi-deserved, the other a screw-up by a young officer that spawned a cover-up involving planted cocaine.
- Countless others, from gang-bangers to federal agents, Hells Angels to homeless people, professional athletes to politicians.

I won't tag anyone else to do this meme, but I couldn't let BamaGal down. And, I kind of enjoyed it.

The Linux Experiment

2007-08-11T22:52:00.000-05:00

A while back I picked up a Dell Workstation that wasn't working. Great system, P-4, fast, but I had to fix it. After it sat around for a year, I finally got motivated to fix it, loaded up an old copy of Windows 2000 I had laying around, and ended up with a cheap, but excellent quality system.

I started to get this idea that I'd like to play around with Linux, and this was a great opportunity to do that. For those who don't know, Linux is a free, open source, operating system. It's used instead of Windows. Where a full copy of Windows XP or Vista might cost $200, Linux is free. Of course, programs made for Windows won't always run on Linux, such as Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office, and so forth. But there are options - Firefox browser, Open Office, and others take their place, and are also free. And the best thing? It's not Microsoft.

If there is any interest in this subject at all (doubtful), leave a comment and I'll start listing some geeky details.

As I move forward with this I'll let you know how things are going in the great Linux experiment.

By the way: This post was made using my new Linux system - Linux Mantriva Gnome, Dell workstation, D-Link wireless PCI network card - I could go on...

Church response to the mentally ill

2007-08-11T11:20:00.000-05:00

An excellent article I found via Liz Spikol's blog.

Church response to the mentally ill

By Peter Andres

Are people of faith with a mental illness different from those who have a physical illness? Much about mental illness still remains a mystery. That's one of the reasons people are tempted to spiritualize the problem. They hope that the person with mental illness would be able to gain spiritual strength and thus gain victory over the illness.

What remains hard for many to understand is that having a mental illness and being a strong person of faith is no different than having a serious physical illness and being a strong person of faith.

How can church leaders encourage support of people with a mental illness? What does a person with a mental illness need to help him or her feel accepted and part of the congregation? How does the Christian message and experience take on meaning under these circumstances? What exactly is mental illness, anyway?

Marja Bergen, in her book Riding the Roller Coaster (Northstone, 1999), describes her experiences living with bipolar disorder. She talks about the many important factors that helped make her life with this illness tolerable and manageable. Having a supportive husband, friends, and service systems were critical, but she also acknowledges the importance of a spiritual home.

Her church friends learned to understand her illness and provided spiritual nurture, especially during difficult times. She speaks about friendships which include a common belief as being the most valuable ones she'll have. But she also admits that she was fortunate in this regard.

Sadly, many people with mental illness who look for spiritual help during difficult times face ignorance, stigma, avoidance, and judgment. The spiritual counsel and prayer these people receive frankly do more harm than good.

Understanding mental illness, even from the professional, scientific perspective, is still very much a work in progress. Schizophrenia and its related disorders, bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression), major depression, panic and obsessive-compulsive disorders, are all considered mental illnesses. It is estimated that between 15 percent to 20 percent of North Americans will, at some time in their lives, experience a mental illness. Most of these will suffer debilitating depression.

Evidence suggests there are probably organic (biochemical) reasons for the illness, or psycho-social origins -- or a combination of the two. Treatments that deal with the symptoms include medications, psychotherapy or a blend of both.

What is clear to people working in the field is that the experience of the illness goes far beyond living with the symptoms. While a person who has a physical illness -- even cancer -- suffers discomfort and anxiety related to the illness, those who have a mental illness suffer from a constellation of additional issues. These all affect their ability to return to wellness. One of them is stigma, both internally and externally imposed. There's also the loss of self-worth and self-efficacy that might come with a loss of job, friends, marriage and the feelings of being separated from God.

How can the church assist someone in a situation as devastating as this?

1. Church leaders and church members need to know that a mental illness is not the same as a spiritual crisis. Nor is the absence of healing, especially after fervent prayer, a sign of judgment or lack of faith.

2. There should be no judgment about the use of mood altering medications. Medications are commonly needed to treat the bio-chemical causes for the disorder and radically help many keep their symptoms under control.

3. Quality of life for a person suffering from mental illness does not depend on a complete remission from the illness.

What church members need to know is that many experience a recovery which allows them to return to an active and fulfilling life -- but still continue to experience times that are difficult. Recovery from mental illness means: the return of a positive sense of self, usually through meaningful endeavour (work, vocation), a circle of meaningful relationships, a place to live that the person can call his or her own, and a spiritual life that feels a reconnection with God.

The recovering person can be experiencing personal brokenness and limitations, yet have valuable gifts to offer to the church community.

Peter Andres is a regional director for MCC Supportive Care Services, a non-profit charitable organization which supports people with disabilities -- including people with mental health issues. He can be contacted at peter@mccscs.com.

Psych News Headlines

2007-08-09T14:54:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've perused the world of Psych headlines, and I needed a good laugh today. So here we go...

Facial Expressions May Confuse

A new Northwestern University study of electrical activity in the brain supports this ibelief confirming that deciphering the facial expressions of a person who is trying to conceal fear or other emotions is tricky business.

Ah yes, a well funded study that confirms what every married man knows - when you think you've read her correctly, you're usually wrong.

Breast Implants and Suicide

A recent study suggests the risk of suicide is tripled for women who have undergone cosmetic breast implant surgery.

C'mon - is this trying to tell us that implants really aren't the key to true happiness?

A Mouth Full Of Stress

Experts in the field of periodontology have discovered a strong association between stress and poor oral health.

Smile, and show those pearly whites!

How Women Perceive Men
Do we REALLY want to know?

Hostility Puts Men's Hearts at Risk

Ten years of frequent hostility and depression may harm men's immune systems and put them at risk for heart disease, a U.S. study found.

So it's not a stereotype, the high-strung, hostile men really are at higher risk for heart attack? How much did this study cost?

This Is A Health Central Top Site!

2007-08-02T18:24:00.000-05:00

I'm stoked right now. I received a Top Site award from The Health Central Network. The Health Central Network is one of the world's premier health information web destinations. I've been writing for them for over a year, but had no clue this was coming, or that they even knew of my personal blog. From their site:

Bipolar Top Sites
Below are the web’s very best sites dedicated to bipolar disorder and depression as determined by our team of experts. These sites include small websites and individual blogs and were chosen based on their candid and informative content. In giving these awards, we hope to recognize the individuals and organizations who share our vision in providing comprehensive, interactive and personal healthcare advice. HealthCentral.com would like to congratulate our 2007 winners and sincerely thank them for producing high-quality, influential sites in the Bipolar and Depression community!

The Trouble with Spikol
Liz Spikol, managing editor and columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, has translated her award-winning column into a blog humorously highlighting everything from struggling with mental illness to how to use a mop.

Dr. Deb
Dr. Deb posts fresh, interesting, and current issues and articles that impact the human psyche.

McMan's Depression and Bipolar Web
Health Central expert John McManamy devotes McMan's Bipolar Web to helping intelligently manage depression and bipolar disorder.

Wing of Madness
A current and informative Web site and news blog on mental health topics by site creator and HealthCentral Depression Expert Deborah Gray.

Bipolar World
Providing a friendly, interactive environment for members to obtain information, news and support.

Depression Fallout
Anne Sheffield's wisdom, support and compassion helps spread her vision of knowledge as power.

PsychEducation.org
Dedicated primarily to Bipolar II, PsychEducation.org provides, "quality education on topics where information on the Internet is scattered or non-existent".

Mood Garden
Secure, interactive community providing "Information, Support and Fun"

Living with a Purple Dog
Patient Expert G.J. Gregory's site covers everything from living with bipolar disorder and raising a bipolar son to musing on current events, music, technology and pop culture.

Nassir Ghaemi
Psychiatrist and writer Nassir Ghaemi's blog is a mix of literary exerpts and current news commentaries written from a philosophical, psychiatric, and mental health perspective.