Catherine

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Catherine
3
Thu, 09-08-2005 - 11:30am

How do you feel today? I hope you feel better. I'm sorry I didn't get to talk to you yesterday. Didn't your meds change? Are they going any better? Why did you have to go off Abilify?

Hang in there, honey.

Love and Hugs,

Keli

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-10-2003
In reply to: keli003
Thu, 09-08-2005 - 12:11pm

Hi Keli,

Well I did have a Pdoc appointment yesterday and he put me back on Abilify (he took me off of it just to see what would happen... thinking maybe I only needed Lamictal, from what I gathered...) He upped my Lamictal and prescribed Klonopin for panic.

Weirdly enough, I haven't filled the prescriptions yet but I feel better today anyway.

I'm starting to think that a lot of my mood swings are situational... and if I could just learn to be more aware of triggers I could manage a lot better.

I've been all over the web searching for alternative ways to handle bipolar and I also have a Tdoc appointment next week (haven't had a Tdoc for a few years...)

So, for today, things are pretty good (I even slept through the night last night :-)

Catherine

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: keli003
Thu, 09-08-2005 - 12:34pm

well, if you learn any tips that work that don't have anything to do with meds, please tell me what they are...i'm at a loss here.

:) hugs,

k.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-10-2003
In reply to: keli003
Thu, 09-08-2005 - 12:50pm

Keli,

I attached below some of the things I've been reading about... I'm sure you've heard most of them before, but I, for one, am not too good at FOLLOWING some of them (regular exercise for example!) even though I know it would help!

I also found an interesting web-site called bipolarhappens.com (the lady herself is bipolar, writes books and has a "health-card" system of dealing with bipolar (which I'm considering right now, just to try something different...) In general, I am trying to learn anything and everything about bipolar...

Catherine

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Omega-3 fatty acids have been getting some attention as a possible complementary treatment of bipolar disorder. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in marine or plant sources, such as fish oil and flaxseed oil. Preliminary studies suggest that people with bipolar disorder who take omega-3 fatty acids have a significantly longer period in which their mood is stable with no episodes of depression or mania (remission).1

There are few, if any, negative side effects of taking omega-3 fatty acids; loose stools were reported most often. Researchers think that omega-3 fatty acids may block signals in the central nervous system that trigger depression and mania. However, more research needs to be conducted before there is sufficient evidence that omega-3 fatty acids improve the course of bipolar disorder.2

Getting enough exercise. Try moderate activity for at least 30 minutes a day, every day, if possible. Moderate activity is activity equal to a brisk walk.

Getting enough sleep. Keep your room dark and quiet, and try to go to bed at the same time every night.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet. A balanced diet includes foods from different food groups , including whole grains, dairy, fruits and vegetables, and protein. Eat a variety of foods within each group (for example, eat different fruits from the fruit group instead of only apples). A varied diet helps you get all the nutrients you need, since no single food provides every nutrient.

Control the amount of stress in your life. Manage your time and commitments, establish a strong system of social support and effective coping strategies, and lead a healthy lifestyle. Techniques to relieve stress include physical activity and exercise, breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, and massage.