Questions: Bipolar version

Talking with family is a big help for me. My wife is my rock, and she knows everything I deal with.

Since the election went for Trump, what is the biggest policy change you would like to see? In a positive light - we have to live with the choice, so it'll be good to keep an upbeat perspective.

That the current president had absolutely no power and will be filibustered out the wazoo.

What is the thing that concerns you the most about the election outcomes (this could be related to propositions or anything election related)

Everything.

I have no question. Or anwers.

I am most concerned that I will lose benefits--SSDI or Medicare. Or the medicaid expansion I have when I am hospitalized or have unusual bills.

Do you have a family history of drug/alcohol abuse?

Only my cousins, although my Dad does drink a lot and has done for many years but he is very functional and able to not drink if he needs to drive or whatever. I have a history of substance and alcohol abuse too.

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Australia?

ummm...can anyone jump in? I've never done this but get the gist of it.

Yes, I have a family history of drug/alcohol abuse - mine. Am adopted so unsure of bio family. Adopted family - my bro had drinking probs but not like mine.

Q: are you messy or neat?

oh shoot, how do I jump in?

You did great Blue MOnday. There was a question before yours so I'll answer yours and repost the other since I can't come up with something not fairly stupid for Wander's question .

I am neat when I can be and messy when I can't handle coping with mess. I have my mom's help with cleaning every few weeks.

Wander's question: What is the first thing you think of when you think of Australia?

Was it Kangaroos and Koala's?

Of course and that is so embarrassing I can't believe I'm admitting it.

I will say that another one is some blog I read had a story about visiting Australia and whatever hotel they stayed in provided complimentary goldfish upon request. And I know you have some good figure skaters but not a lot of funding for skating...Ooh, and you got rid of guns.. Is that better ?

Are you a poor citizen of the world?

I don't know about the gold fish but we are good at sports but have little snow to practice Winter Olympics type stuff. In 1996 we got rid of all semiautomatic guns and to get a gun you need a legitimate reason like farmers and competitive shooting. Not a single massacre since 1996 and we had plenty before that.

You did well!!

I'm richer than some and more poor than others.

What is your current biggest obstacle in life?

having no goals or plans

not really helpful in the longrun when I am asked what do you want to do with your life, and I don't have any idea what so ever.

have you been good to yourself this week?

Not really. I've been destructive. I'm trying to be better though.
I love the question tho, so I'm passing it on...
Have you been good to yourself this week

I'm doing my best and think I have room for improvement but could also we worse to myself so it's a draw and pretty neutral.

If you could change one thing right now, what would it be?

I would get rid of my physical illnesses; Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. If I was to be unselfish I would find a cure for all mental illnesses so we can all live to our full potential. oh, and of course world peace, perfect health for all and healing for our planet...I could go on...

Do you feel more spiritual when manic?

Sometimes yes and sometimes no. I have some personal reasons for not expanding on that topic and think I should follow my gut and refrain from the 3 page response I could give.

Who do you trust most to know if you are manic or simply hypo? Do you trust yourself to make the distinction?

sometimes trusting myself is all I have, so I don't have much of a choice

how many therapists have you had. 1, or more than 1

Since my guidance counsellor in High School I have seen 20 (in total) counsellors, therapists, church people who label themselves as counsellors, psychologists, Occupational Therapists and Social Workers. My current T is a Social Worker who is a trained psychotherapist and qualified to prescribe medication in the USA (but not in Australia as we have different laws). He is also a university professor on medication amongst other things. I have been seeing him for 6.5 years now. He has saved my life. Most of the other 19 either did nothing or caused me harm.

When you listen to music, do you focus on the lyrics or the music...or both?

the lyrics.

their are plenty of singers who I don't like their voices, but the lyrics are good

of course, I do also like the odd instrimental- especially richard claterman

can you laugh at yourself?

Oh yes, I can be quite silly and while sometimes the things I laugh at should be considered more sad than funny, I still find humor in some odd places.

Do you have a good sense of humor objectively? Do other people consider you funny?

Yes and yes.

Your vision of the future for MI.

Less stigma, more dialogue. More knowledge, more quality care providers.

What do you give back to the mental health world?

I am a Befriender for the local Mental Health Organisation and I work with young people with emotional problems.

Question: Is it easy for you to access services for mental health in your area if you chose to do so? If not why is it hard?

Good and confronting question. I guess I give by being open and honest about my condition to those I trust won't judge me. I try to explain what it is like to have BP and PTSD in a way that demonstrates it is an illness of the mind, not a lifestyle choice. Really trying to break down the stigma. I also make posts on Facebook occasionally to raise awareness and hopefully help those who are silently struggling reach out. For several years I have been mentally working on a book but I am not ready to write it. I am studying writing at University to gain the skills to be able to a) get work writing and b) have the skill to write a great book on mental illness from the sufferers point of view. Know there are heaps already out there but each one reaches different people.

Can you meditate when manic or depressed?