Don't Take Those Pills!

It's the bipolar Chick again! Just to start off, I call myself the bipolar chick because truthfully, I embrace my disorder in order to preserve sanity. If I focused on my disease and all it does or could do, I think the white jacket would soon be on the way. Some people say life is what it is; well I say life is what I WANT IT TO BE. The mind is very powerful, so I embrace everything in this sweet and not so sweet mind of mines. I am on a mission in making bipolar as sexy as it can be. I hope that we can get together to talk about mental health issues, in the same manner as we do HIV/AIDS, cancer or heart disease; without the fear and stigmas attached.

In 2008, when diagnosed with bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder, the first thought to mind was all the zombie drugs I would have to take. I was afraid that I would be dead on dead, leave the world and be on a float coasting through heaven with a halo and wings on. Next, I figured I would have to plan the funeral service for my sex drive, which would lead to the divorce between my husband and me; because sex...well it is kind of a regular event between us. I will honestly admit that the stigmas almost won.

Having such a great doctor and the will to live peacefully with my disorder until a cure was announced, I choose to research and learn everything I could about every medication I was prescribed. I also researched the stigmas associated with medications for people with mental health disorders. Side effects such as drowsiness, lightheadedness, change in moods, avoid sunlight, urine color change, weight gain/loss, or hair breakage; were on some of my other medicine bottles already at home.

So what was really the big problem with people taking anti-psychotic or mood stabilizing drugs? The ADJUSTMENT PERIOD was the issue. It's okay starting off on your new medication. You feel the new onset of side effects and you allow them to take you wherever they would like to haul your body and mind off too. You wrap your mind around the fact on how much you need the medicine and how much it will help you. You stick with the medication for about three to five days and suddenly, you blow a gasket. "I can't do anything, I'm missing too much work, where is my sex drive, I am not as creative or quick on my feet! What in the heck is this medication doing? It is making things worse!"

NO! Do not stop taking your medications! Follow these steps to ensure you will have a successful adjustment period to your new medication.

Mentally prepare yourself for what you are about to go through. Accept your diagnosis, and create positive mental energies. The positive energies will promote increased energy and a greater well-being. Do not view your diagnosis as a death sentence of the person you are. The whole objective is to create a better you.

Adjust your work schedule and responsibilities. See if you qualify for FMLA or ask your boss to adjust your work schedule. Remember, may companies have policies against employees working under the influence of any drug, so be honest and inform your boss of your medications and the side effects they tote. If issues arise, contact your human resources department or seek legal advice.

Communicate with family and friends about your condition. If you have children, make sure they understand how important t heir help would be. Remind them on the upkeep of their chores and other assigned duties.

Grab a pillbox and set your cell phone to remind you of your medication doses. The most important process of the adjustment period is making sure you ingest your medications the same time(s) each day. If you miss a dose, refer to the instructions on the bottle or consults with your physician.

Get plenty of rest. Remember, you will not be down for long, but if the sleep fairy waves the wand over your head, then go to la-la land. You will not be productive doing anything half-awake. Your body needs this rests.

Keep a journal. Journaling your moods and actions help your psychiatrist evaluate how the medications are helping or maybe not. From this point, the doctor can make dosage adjustments or change your medication.

Pay attention to pharmacist instructions. Inform your doctor and pharmacist of any other medications you currently take. Doing so will reduce the chance of having a reaction to the medication(s) prescribed.

Always call in your medication re-fills 1 week prior to your supply depleting. Some offices take 3-5 days to fill prescriptions. You are not their only patient, so always plan. The key to successful mental health care is avoiding interruption of you medication regimen. If you stray from taking your medications on a regular basis, you will have to start the adjustment process all over again.