Bipolar........It's a conspiracy!

But, you know, there are a few folks out there that think Bipolar is just in our head! (And it is! How perceptive!) Though I don't mean it as a pun. There are those who think Bipolar is a farce, an excuse at best. No, they aren't stupid, or ignorant, but either uninformed or they just choose not to accept Bipolar as a diagnosis for someone they know or love. I believe "denial" is the word I am looking for.

For some out there, illness is a weakness, and Bipolar is no different in their eyes. That is okay. Not everyone is of the same opinion in every aspect of life, and those who feel this way are, after all entitled to their own opinion. I have known those who think that a loved one, or friend, is simply looking for attention when they are sliding into a depression, or have gone a bit manic. It is unfortunate to the Bipolar individual for this attitude does nothing in the form of support. I know. I have been in that same situation, and I know this is farer from the truth than you can imagine. When I am slipping, calling attention to myself is the last thing I want to do. In fact, just the opposite becomes true for I want nothing more than to find a place to be away from everything, and everyone.

I suppose I need not say this, but I'm going to. (You should know me well enough by now!) This is not the way to live! The good news is, there is no need too. Really. Oh I am not going to blow smoke up your, you know what, by telling you I have all the answers, or even a couple of them. Nope! I won't, and cannot do that, but what I can do is continue telling you what helps for "me". Maybe, if you try some of these ideas, one or two might work for you as well. (Wouldn't that just be a hoot?)

In my last Hub, Winter Hum Drums Give Bipolars Ho Hums, I gave you a list of herbal supplements. I bet you thought I was going to just leave it at that. Not so! I am going to actually explain these herbal supplements, and maybe even a few other things you might try. In just two shakes. But first, there is an important book I think every home should have on a shelf somewhere.

I am refering to the book entitled, "Physician's Desk Reference." PDR for short. In it, you will find every pill and medication made. What good is that, you ask? The thing is, every pill and medication has side effects, and contra-indications concerning them. That is, every pill will have a possible adverse affect, and not all drugs can be mixed. The same is true of herbal supplements and prescription drugs. You just can't go around taking handfuls of pills, and not expect something adverse to happen. Remember, I keep saying that educating yourself is probably the best thing a Bipolar can do to help them manage their Bipolar. Learn all you can because it will help in the end. The PDR lists adverse reactions, side affects, and well, just a wealth of information about all medicines, and it is updated quite often to include newer drugs as they arrive on the market.

I suppose a good place to start is with the list of herbal supplements I mentioned a moment ago. So, let's do. Beginning with Bupleurum and dong quai which are ingrediants in a Chinese herbal formula that helps reduce anxiety, irritability and depression. The suggested amount to take is 1,000 milligrams two or three times a day. I believe twice is plenty, once in the morning and once at night. (Unless you are having a particularly raunchy day!) Now, here is the secret for this supplement. You only take this for two weeks a month. For women, Bipolar or not, taking this formula, in particular during the two weeks prior to the menstral cycle is very helpful.

Ginko Biloba increases the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain which helps in reducing depression, not to mention the benefits to other cognitive tasking. (It helps you to remember stuff.) Especially helpful in remembering to take 40 to 60 Milligrams twice a day, three if you are over the age of fifty.

Kava Kava can ease mental anguish and anxiety. 150 milligrams a couple times a day, morning and evening, should do the trick. This herb can cause drowsiness and it is not suggested to take more than the bottle tells you. You also should not use this herb if you are nursing or are pregnant, or if you have Parkinsons disease, or if you are taking a prescription for depression or anxiety. Please pay attention to this warning. Remember I did say that you can not mix some drugs together with herbal supplements, and this is one of those cases.

Oat Straw is high in silicates. Vital for supporting and strengthening the central nervous system. About 1,000 Milligrams a day.

St. John's Wart alters the brain chemistry to improve mood and ease depression. 300 miligrams two to three times a day usually is about all you need. However, it can be taken up to four times a day if needed in stressful times.

Siberian ginseng improves the balance of important neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and epinephrine in the brain. An extract is best, containing 0.5 percent eletheroside E. Take 100 miligrams in the morning, and at lunch.

Lastly is stinky old Valerian Root! I know it comes in liquid form, but as bad as the pills smell, I can not imagine what it may taste like! But this stuff works if you take 200 miligrams an hour or so before going to bed, and another 200 when you lay down to go to sleep.

Good grief. Now that is a lot of pills! Yup, and I am not saying that you should take everyone of them either. You could try a regimen of taking some of them every other day. The main thing is they are available, they are legal, they are not going to cause you harm, and they do work. Try some if you care too, but pay attention to yourself if you do. Evaluate the effects. These are safe supplements to consider if you care to be free of medications that may very well be harming you, irreversebly.

I am reminded of one particularly cheery therapist who informed me that "Bipolars normally die of either the affects of their medications, or by their own hand." How optomistic. I suppose it is my goal in life to prove him wrong. On both counts.

Another important thing to remember about controling Bipolar, or managing it, is to try to keep on a level keel. Reduce stress, or have an avenue to release it. (Screaming at someone, though gratifying at times, does not qualify as an acceptible release. So I am told.) With this in mind, allow me to mention nutrition. Proper diet is essential to trying to keep on a steady path. Eat healthy. (Nothing wrong with an occasional Ding Dong or a HO HO, but don't make a meal of them, and be sure to wipe the chocolate off your mouth!) Plenty of protien, lots of veggies, and plenty of water. Cut back a little on the caffiene. Caffiene has a tendency to make it difficult for the body to extract the nutrients from your food, and can aid in the loss of electolites in the body. These electrolytes are essential, and especially in a Bipolar. (I am out of whack as it is, and caffiene can make it worse, though I do drink liquids containing it. Shame on me!)

Whoo hoo. I think I pretty much covered everything here I wanted too! I can't believe it. (I only lost my direction two or three times!) Please do remember though, these things have worked for me, and are only suggestions. If you are taking prescription medication, do some research before you decide to try some of them. Talk to your doctor and voice your concerns and wants. If they are worth the money you are paying them, they will listen and will offer their opinions. They are the professionals, not me.

One more thing, did you know Axl Rose, Charlie Pride and Robert Lowell all have one thing in common? Bet you can't guess what it is! Yup! All Bipolar! You get a gold star. Happy Bipolaring.