Bi-polar Disorder - Manage it Day to Day
Bi-polar disorder can be managed. Here are real-life tips from Andrea Landry, a novelist who recently published Affairs to Remember available through www.publishamerica.com and online through Amazon, Borders Books and Barnes and Noble.
She has lived with the symptoms of the disorder since she was age 13. She has overcome the distractions associated with it to write two novels with two more on the way and spoke with me about her challenges:
"I experience my emotions, thoughts and fears to extremes. For example when I'm depressed (low) I get so deep to the point of suicidal tendencies and attempts. When I'm happy (high), I'm exhaustively happy (to everyone around me) and can become self destructive.
"I know some of you say, 'C'mon we all get this way.' Yes, everyone has their highs and lows, but you are able to control those emotions and function in your everyday lives. Imagine being so hyper you are talking 100 miles an hour without taking a breath. Staying awake for 2 days or more and still being energized. Going on shopping sprees that break you for hundreds of dollars... I think you get the picture.
"For those of us who suffer from this disorder, here are tips to give you a better quality of life when you're a "Maniac."
1. Take a long scenic drive. No special destination, just enjoy the open road for about an hour. It helps clear your racing mind because you're enjoying your surroundings.
2. Sing Karaokee - go to your local sports bar or coffee house and sing to your hearts content! This helps to utilize some of that energy and can relax you as you have fun.
3. Play card or board games Interacting with friends and family can help expell some of that energy.
4. Dancing - turn on some music at home and dance around with your kids or go out dancing with your spouse/significant other or friends.
5. Crafts - with all the different thoughts floating around in your head this is a good way to put them to use. Create everything! Painting, making jewelry, scrapbooking, etc... The ideas are limitless!"
Andrea advises friends and relatives of the person with the disorder to remember that it is not the person they're seeing, but the effects of the illness itself.
Published by Don Simkovich
Works with small business owners to keep them healthy and run healthy businesses. Don interviews small business owners, writes about those who shape the culture around Los Angeles, and journals his hikes and... View profile
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