nightrainbow on September 4th, 2006
Life is ripe with storms–they stir up, gain momentum, and often slam you when you least expect it.
It has been like that lately for me, and I was reminded tonight that this too shall pass. It’s a hard thing to remember when the darkness descends upon you.
Friends are often hard to find when this happens–mainly because we cut them off. We don’t speak up and let them know we need their support. A kind word, a smile, a reminder that they do care is often all it takes to make it easier.
I need to remind myself–and those of you who feel the winds whipping at your hearts–to look around. Don’t be afraid to say “I need you.”
The storm will ease, the sun will shine again–and you’ll be greatful you held onto the anchor your friend was so happy to give–because you were willing to ask.
nightrainbow on July 23rd, 2005
Every person is different and bipolar disorder takes many forms, each with its own set of symptoms and strength. For this reason, one person may never have to take medication, another may only have to take it for a short time, and still another may need medication their entire life. A lot depends on how the bipolar disorder shows up in you and whether or not you have other conditions that sometimes come along with bipolar disorder. As a child, you can not make your own decision on whether you need to take you medication. That choice becomes yours somewhere between the age of fourteen and eighteen, depending on where you live. It is good to understand medications and what each does so that, when you can make the decision, you can do so with understanding.
Kinds of Medications
The most likely medicine you will be given is a mood stabilizer. These medicines help even out the brain chemicals that rule moods and help keep you from having extreme highs and lows.
Some bipolar people are given anti-depressants to help with depression. These types of medications, however, are not being given as often, especially to children.
Other types of medications you may hear about are anti-anxiety and anti-psychotic medications. These often help with symptoms that are present in in some people and can be very strong.
When you are younger, your parents and a doctor makes the decision on whether you need these medications. You can, however, be a very important part of the decision-making.
Your Input Is Needed Too
Parents and doctors can see how you act when taking a certain medication, but only you know how the medication makes you feel inside. It is important that you talk with these adults and be honest about what you are feeling. If the medicine makes you feel sick or dizzy, if it makes you too sleepy or unable to sleep, you need to let the adults in charge know so they can help. If there is anything about the medicine that does not seem right it is better to mention it than let it go. Medication should make you feel better, not worse.
Things to Remember
It is important to keep taking your medication as long as a doctor prescribes it, even if you feel better and don’t think you need it. Stopping some medications quickly can cause you to go into a severe case of mania or depression. Other medications can cause very bad health problems unless they are stopped slowly. If you feel a certain medication is not helping, talk with your parents or doctor and see if they can change the medication.
Even if someone else is also bipolar, you must never take their medication or share yours with them. Each of you is different and medications that help one person may actually harm another person. Never share medication and never take more than is prescribed. You should also never take any medication that is not given to you by a nurse, doctor or your parents, unless your parents have given you permission to do so.
Maybe one day you will no longer need to take medication for bipolar disorder and that would be wonderful. However, if you should always need it, that is also okay. Nobody enjoys taking medication every day, but if it can help you live a full life, it is worth it.
nightrainbow on November 30th, 2004
Holidays can be hard on everyone. The routines you are used to get all turned around, people who you barely know visit and want to play with your things, give you hugs and make lots of noise. Your parents may be nervous and you might pick up part of their mood to add onto your own. There are ways you can make holidays easier and more enjoyable. Some things you can do on your own, but others will need your parents help. Find a time before things get hectic to sit and talk with them and let them know what you are feeling. They can’t help if they do not know something disturbs you.
On your own, take a look around your room. If there are things you really don’t want to share because they are special or you are afraid they may be broken, carefully put them away in a drawer or the closet. This way, if other kids visit, you won’t have to worry about these things. Think about places in your home that are more likely to be quiet. Not having a place to get away from the festivities will make you feel more upset. If you know beforehand that there is some quiet place to go to, you will be able to relax easier.
Many bipolar people don’t like to be touched a lot. While your great grandmother may be hurt if you don’t give her a hug, other friends and relatives may be happy with a handshake. Talk with your parents about this. Let them know if hugs from others make you uncomfortable and ask if they can discuss this with others before they arrive. A simple handshake and smile will go a long way in showing adults not only respect, but also acknowledgment of their feelings. This could be the best way to keep everyone, including you, feeling happy.
You don’t have to figure out everything all by yourself. Parents usually want to help and will be glad you came to talk with them. They want you to enjoy the holidays. Holidays happen, we can’t change that and probably wouldn’t want to. They don’t have to be horrible events to endure, but can be pleasant happenings with a little bit of planning.
nightrainbow on July 31st, 2004
You have been told you have something called bipolar disorder. Right now, you may be feeling confused, scared or angry. Maybe you feel all three. This is okay. You have many questions and that is also okay. I will try to answer some of them for you.
What causes bipolar disorder?
Everybody’s brain contains chemicals that make their body and brain work like a machine. These chemicals help your body grow and change. They tell you when something hurts or when you are in danger. They also help you feel emotions like happiness, sadness, anger or love. Most of the time, these chemicals work without us noticing they are there.
In some people, the chemicals that help control moods (neurotransmitters) don’t work as expected. When your brain produces too much of one chemical you become too happy. Happy is good, but too happy can create problems. This is called mania. Your brain then tries to even out your emotions and may produce too much of another chemical or stop producing the one that made you feel manic. When this happens, you can become too sad. This is called depression. Going from mania to depression, then back to mania again is called cycling. Cycling is the main symptom of bipolar disorder.
Does this mean I’m crazy?
No!! Bipolar disorder is a difference in the working of your brain. This does not make you crazy, bad, or anything like that. It just means your brain works differently. Many times you will need medication to help your moods become less drastic, but people take medications every day to make there hearts work better or to keep their blood pressure from going too high or too low. Many intelligent, productive people have bipolar disorder.
How did I get bipolar disorder?
Nobody knows for sure why some brains work differently than others. Scientists do know bipolar disorder is genetic, just like eye or hair color. This means if one of your parents or grandparents have it, your chances of having bipolar disorder are greater. Someday, scientists may be able to change this. For now, they just know that nobody caused this disorder, it just happened.
Will my bipolar disorder go away?
Doctors have not yet found a way to get rid of bipolar disorder. There are many things you can do, however, to control it and live a very productive life. The doctor will probably want you to take some medicine. This will help your brain create the correct chemicals. You may also be asked to talk to a counselor for a time. This person will help you understand better what is going on inside you. Best of all, this person will help you learn what things you can do to become the best person you can be.
Do I have to take medication?
Most people find medications helps them deal with the changes of bipolar. There are some, however, who do not take medication. They have learned how to manage their symptoms without aid of medication. Taking medication is what is most often recommended, but that will be a decision you need to make for yourself. Ask questions and learn all you can about any medication suggested, then you will be able to make a better-informed decision.
We will talk more about bipolar disorder in future articles. The most important thing to remember right now is that you have bipolar disorder, but it is only part of the wonderful human being you are. It is scary at first, but the more you learn, the less scary it gets. Work with your parents and doctor and, in time, you will be able to see this difference can be a good thing once you have it in control.
