BipolarBreakdown

Breaking down the Mental Illness stigma one post at a time

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Archives for January 2019

Bipolar and a High Functioning Lifestyle

Being high-functioning when you have a mental illness can be both a blessing and a curse. 

It’s a blessing because in many ways, you can continue with your days without the all too frequent mood swings and aftermath of those mood swings.  What I mean by this is that with my medication, I would say that my diagnosis is managed and I am at an “even-keel.”   I can work and keep up with relationships – more often than not – as if I didn’t have a mental illness at all.    (This isn’t to say that I ignore my triggers and symptoms when they rear their ugly heads, but on a day-to-day basis, I can function.)

Properly taking my medication is KEY for me.  I’ve been diagnosed for over 20 years and I know that without my medication, I am not high-functioning.  In fact, I would wager to say that if I didn’t take my medication on a day-to-day basis, I wouldn’t be able to work or carry on the relationships that I currently have. 

However, I will tell you that this high-functioning life can be a curse, because when I am down and out, due to a trigger or a depressive episode, I hear the judgment and disbelief in people’s voices; “you don’t act like you have a mental illness,” “I don’t believe you have a mental illness,” or simply, “huh, can’t you just put a smile on and go to work?”

I get these responses from people that see me on a regular basis and tend not to see me when I’m in melt-down mode (because I take off of work or avoid people during those times). 

Would I rather not be high-functioning?  My answer is no.  I am glad that I can maneuver through life with somewhat of a regular dependency on my brain, my moods and my self.  I can remember how out of control I felt before I was diagnosed, how much I ruined relationships and the people that I have lost.   

I guess when it comes down to it, while I know I have to live with my diagnosis, I also know how important it is to have a support network and daily medication management in my life. 

Work on a Puzzle

Sometimes, all I want to do is concentrate on something, by myself and in an essence, “lose myself” for a few minutes or a few hours.  What a better way to do this than work on a puzzle?  If you are a visual person and like to see progress happening, so that you can keep moving forward, then completing a puzzle is just the thing for you!

puzzles pieces in a pile

Depending on your level of ability – you can choose something easy (150 pieces) or something a bit more challenging (1000 pieces).  The choice is yours! Not to mention that the fun can be had with almost any subject matter out there.  So if you’re a fan of Harry Potter or tropical fish – look for what you like, and get to fitting those pieces together!

Make a Delicious Fruit Salad

I am one of those people that could eat fruit all day, every day.  The summer is the perfect time to purchase some fruit and make a delicious fruit salad for yourself.  Not only are the colors beautiful, the fruit is good for you and tastes great! 

Picture of fruit salad

Sometimes, when I’m depressed, it’s a chore to cook – or even get out of bed.  But if I can make it to the kitchen and cut up some fruit, I feel better knowing that I’m doing something that will help my body stay nourished. 

Sleep and a Weighted Blanket

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I’ve mentioned in my blog before, that I often have difficulty with sleep.  Either I sleep forever, or it seems to elude me. 

I’ve recently seen a lot of buzz around weighted blankets and desperately wanted to try one and see if it would alleviate some of my sleep related issues.  While they are a bit on the expensive side, I was lucky enough to receive a few gift cards to Amazon, for my birthday and Christmas, giving me the ability to afford one.  (Thanks B and N!)

After seeing the quality of the blanket I ordered, I can understand why they are as expensive as they are, but I think they are well worth their price!

Puppy in a blanket: My experience with a weighted blanket

Differences in Weighted Blankets

If you’ve ever searched for weighted blankets, you know, there’s a lot to consider.  First and foremost is the weight of the blanket.    I’ve seen blankets come in 10, 12, 15 and 20 pound variations.  A few of the retailers that I looked at said that a weighted blanket should ideally be 10% of your body weight. 

The next thing to consider is the size.  I wanted my blanket for my Queen bed, so I ordered the 60 X 80 size, and it fits on the bed perfectly.  However, keep in mind that if you just want to use it on the couch, you can get away with ordering a smaller size and still get the comfort.  Also, another consideration is that weighted blankets do come in children’s sizes as well (7 pounds). 

Once I decided the weight and size of my blanket – I looked at construction of the blanket and what gave it its weight.  My blanket has small glass beads that are quilted into small square pockets to evenly distribute the weight throughout the blanket.  On a side-note: one of my colleagues asked me if I could hear the glass beads in the quilted pockets.  I sure can’t, it’s a peaceful and quiet sleep, even if you move around a bit to get adjusted. 

Now, keep in mind, a blanket with glass beads should never be put in the washing machine or dryer.  My worry was that my dog would end up soiling the blanket with his dirty paws and I’d not be able to clean it.  So, my next item of concern was a duvet cover, and one that would stay put!  The weighted blanket that I chose comes with a duvet cover that has straps inside to be tied to the weighted blanket.  Believe me, it stays put!

My Experience

I’ve had the blanket for 3 weeks now, and I just love it.  The weight is ideal for me and I do feel as if I get a more restful sleep, with the evenly distributed glass beads.   When I lie under the blanket, my feet are “weighed down” as much as my torso or arms.  This makes me feel as if I’m being encircled in a huge comforting hug. 

Now, admittedly, weighted blankets may not be for everyone, but they work for me and my sleep issues.  If you’re one who doesn’t like to be touched or hugged, this might not be for you, but the comfort I get from sleeping under my weighted blanket is really life-changing, as my sleep patterns have begun to even out. 

If you’re interested in a weighted blanket, click on the Amazon image above or this link: weighted blankets.

Go for a Swim!

I’m not sure about you, but I love the water.  I tend to gravitate towards days on the beach, or near a pool.  I also belong to a water aerobics class and love exercising in the water.  Somehow the water refreshes me and reminds me that I can be fluid and graceful – even if it’s only by the cover of water. 

Picture of water - says go for a swim!

Not to mention that the exercise is good for your body and your mind!  So, get to a pool – check your local college or high school for open swim nights – and get in the water!  It might do you some good!

Get Dancing!

I’m not sure about the rest of you – but I can tell you that when I hear good music, my feet start to tap and my body starts to move.  I may not be graceful or have a lot of dance moves, but I sure do feel better, after I’ve felt the music for a while. 

16 Upbeat songs when the world is beating you down

I think it’s a combination of the music, the beating of my heart and the moving of my body that starts to make me feel like anything is possible and reminds me that I am alive.  See my upbeat playlist here, if you need something to dance to!

You needn’t go out or to a club, but as long as you can move your feet and feel the music, I have no doubt you’ll increase your mood!  So, get dancing!