[GaBabyBear]

So I know that I have this disease and I am in fact not the disease. But why do I so desperately feel as though Bipolar Disorder has completely consumed my being. I would love to have just an afternoon with no thoughts about going in or coming out of an episode.

I recently came out of a very dark 6 mon depression. One where I would go for days without getting out of bed. After getting out of the hospital for the 3rd time in 6 mon a couple of weeks ago, I have started to feel somewhat better. Mind you, I am attempting to take baby steps. You see, I know that I am rapid cycling. Which is somewhat okay with me, since it is not the dark hole that I lived in for so long. The problem is that I am scared to death that mania is right around the corner. And of course when one goes up one must come down. It just is all so overwhelming.

Sorry, it feels like I am talking in circles.

[BipolaRNurse]

You're fine. We bipolars understand what you've said perfectly well...it's the rest of the world that doesn't get it.

I felt the same way when I was first diagnosed in late February, and only recently have stabilized enough to be able to get on with my actual life, not just the bipolar part of it. It gets better, truly it does.

[GaBabyBear]

Thanks BipolaRNurse. Sometimes its just nice to hear that I'm not alone in this journey.

And the older you get, if you continue your medications, the better you're going to be.

Somehow, age has a way of slowing down the inflammation of the portion of the brain that fires too rapidly. I'm just hoping it doesn't cut one life's span short because of the rapid-firing in youth!

Seriously, though, you can control much of what's happening. I've been able at
times to thwart a rapid-cycling manic episode by drinking purified water--just as much as I could hold. All of that tells me that it's largely in the diet, folks, that
bipolar illness gets its source of fire for causing episodes.

Research indicates now that a much higher percentage of neurotransmitters are located in the digestive system than they are in the brain (like 90% more).

Try to cut back on cheese (all kinds), white flour products, all milk products, and
add more fish and chicken to your diet, along with a large, fresh salad every day.
The reason is that foods which are digested as acid-reacting are more inflammatory
for the system.

Cut out the coffee and please use no alcohol. According to my psychiatrist, they both make the illness worse. (And some researchers say that bipolar patients often have an atrocious diet--I'm one of that type, so I have to work at it constantly, but the rewards are outstanding.)

Keep thinking, "fresh water to drink, fresh foods to eat, and get my exercise and rest." You can't beat that for going into remission.

Here's one other little known fact: Himalayan salt and French sea salt (not any of
the American refined sea salts or regular table salts contain these) have a very high
level of trace minerals which are missing in American refined products. The benefit
of Himalayan or French (or Hawaiian)sea salt is that it helps to remove acids from
around brain cells. That's a huge help in reducing symptoms. If you consistently use it in salting foods and even letting a few pellets melt on the tongue at night before
going to bed, that sea salt is soporific--it helps to induce sleep. It's well worth the
little more to spend to get it than to purchase American refined salt or sea salt--which is still refined and lacking in trace minerals. (You'll find some researches who will tell you that many, many illnesses are caused by lack of adequate trace minerals ingested.)

Genetic

Originally Posted by GaBabyBear

So I know that I have this disease and I am in fact not the disease. But why do I so desperately feel as though Bipolar Disorder has completely consumed my being. I would love to have just an afternoon with no thoughts about going in or coming out of an episode.

I recently came out of a very dark 6 mon depression. One where I would go for days without getting out of bed. After getting out of the hospital for the 3rd time in 6 mon a couple of weeks ago, I have started to feel somewhat better. Mind you, I am attempting to take baby steps. You see, I know that I am rapid cycling. Which is somewhat okay with me, since it is not the dark hole that I lived in for so long. The problem is that I am scared to death that mania is right around the corner. And of course when one goes up one must come down. It just is all so overwhelming.

Sorry, it feels like I am talking in circles.

this resonates with me I cry I am not sorry

[cocoabeans]

You don't always have to end up depressed after some mania. It is possible but in my experiences, not necessary.

[GaBabyBear]

Thanks all of you. Some good information genetics. I have to admit, my diet is a weakness.

[Roblovescats]

In addition to the diet I know that one of my biggest problems is not having a regular sleep routine with enough hours of shut eye. My wife can function on six hours so she thinks I'm lazy because I need more. I know sleep plays tricks with my mind because I mostly get into my manic weird thinking as I get tired.

Just because I love cats doesn't mean I don't have room on my heart for you too!

[Marshellette]

Originally Posted by Roblovescats

In addition to the diet I know that one of my biggest problems is not having a regular sleep routine with enough hours of shut eye. My wife can function on six hours so she thinks I'm lazy because I need more. I know sleep plays tricks with my mind because I mostly get into my manic weird thinking as I get tired.

Just because I love cats doesn't mean I don't have room on my heart for you too!

Sleep has to be the worst part of BP and a defining symptom. I look forward to it getting better with age as I continue on my 2,000 mg a day.

[Roblovescats]

I'm super old and I don't feel any better... Sorry. Not sure we all get better with age... Some of us just go sour!

Just because I love cats doesn't mean I don't have room on my heart for you too!

[swheaton]

Chasing sleep is such a big part of BP.