I wrote it to explain how I turned the darkness that bipolar episodes can bring, into light. And so people reading feel less alone, so stigma can fall. So important to talk about our illnesses once we are better, so that it isn’t so hard to understand.
Living with severe mental illness like bipolar psychosis. mania or suicidal depressions can be very challenging. However, they do not have to be your entire life. For me, medication and therapy over time have helped me. Its different for everyone.
If you would like to read my story or gift it to a friend to help them, please see Amazon or other well known bookshops.
And remember- we are never truly alone although being ill can feel unbearable- hold on to hope if you can:
Addiction is a multifaceted problem that can impact individuals from all walks of life, irrespective of their age, gender, or background. Whether it’s substance abuse, alcohol addiction, or behavioural disorders, seeking help is the first step to recovery. In this article, we will explore five ways to combat addiction and pave the way to a healthier, addiction-free life. Whether you’re personally grappling with addiction or you’re supporting someone on their path to recovery, these insights will provide valuable guidance for understanding and combating addiction effectively.
Seek Professional Help
The journey to recovery from addiction frequently commences with the essential step of seeking professional help. Therapists, counsellors, and healthcare providers play pivotal roles in guiding individuals toward a healthier, addiction-free life. For those dealing with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders, specialised treatment centers, known as dual-diagnosis treatment centers, offer a higher level of care and a tailored approach to recovery. These centers are equipped to assess and address the root causes of addiction, including the often complex interplay of underlying mental health issues.
Build a Support System
In the journey of addiction recovery, building a robust support system is an invaluable asset. Building a support system involves connecting with loved ones and friends or engaging in support communities, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). The path to recovery is undeniably challenging, and having a network of individuals who understand and care can make a significant difference.
Sharing experiences and challenges with others who have faced similar struggles can provide a unique bond and a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and alienation that often accompany addiction. This shared journey toward recovery cultivates a sense of hope and resilience, proving to individuals that they are not alone in their pursuit of a healthier, addiction-free life.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Behavioral therapy (CBT) is a known and highly effective method used in addiction treatment. CBT zeroes in on identifying and transforming negative thought patterns and behaviors intricately linked to addiction. Through collaboration with a therapist, people gain the ability to explore the seated origins of their addiction, which are frequently connected to past events or instances of trauma.
This profound self-reflection is a crucial initial step toward recovery. CBT equips individuals with the tools to challenge and modify self-destructive habits and beliefs, empowering them to break free from the cycle of addiction and pursue a life of lasting sobriety. CBT is not merely a therapeutic intervention; it’s a transformative journey that enables individuals to regain control over their lives, nurturing emotional resilience and self-awareness as they navigate the path to recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted therapy (MAT) contributes to aiding individuals in their quest to conquer addiction. This comprehensive strategy combines counselling and behavioural therapies with specific medications designed to reduce cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Substances like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone can be prescribed as part of MAT, tailored to an individual’s unique needs. MAT is a significant aid in addressing the physical aspects of addiction, facilitating a more comfortable and effective journey toward recovery. By helping to manage the intense cravings and symptoms of withdrawal, MAT can make the process more manageable and increase the chances of successful, long-term recovery.
Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care
In the pursuit of addiction recovery, the role of lifestyle changes and self-care cannot be overstated. A healthy lifestyle is a cornerstone for maintaining lasting recovery. Incorporating regular physical activity, adopting a balanced diet, and ensuring adequate sleep are fundamental steps in restoring both physical and emotional well-being. These changes not only promote physical health but also contribute to emotional stability, fostering a more robust foundation for recovery. Additionally, self-care practices such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and stress management techniques play an instrumental role in reducing the risk of relapse.
By nurturing mental and emotional resilience, individuals can better cope with the challenges they may encounter on their journey toward a healthier, addiction-free life. These practices instill the necessary tools to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional triggers, ultimately enhancing an individual’s ability to make healthy choices and maintain a life free from addiction.
Conclusion
Overcoming addiction is a demanding yet crucial path for individuals battling it and their families. Seeking professional help, building a support system, engaging in therapies like CBT, considering medication-assisted treatment, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly improve the chances of recovery. It’s important to remember that addiction is a treatable condition, and with the right strategies and support, a fulfilling, addiction-free life is achievable.
Most people know at least a bit about bipolar disorder. It has come into the mainstream more in recent years and many people have it.
BPD treatment is available for those who want or need it. There are many clinics and doctors who are willing to help those who are showing signs of this disorder.
If you have a bipolar disorder diagnosis or you know someone who has, there are some takeaways on treatment options about which you should know.
More is Known About Bipolar Disorder than Ever Before
First, it’s crucial to know that medical science has advanced to the point where more is known about bipolar depression. The brains of individuals who have it have been studied. This has led to a wealth of information that doctors and clinicians can use when developing more advanced and effective treatments.
Those Who Have It Can Often Live Normal Lives
It’s also true that those who have received a bipolar disorder diagnosis can usually live normal lives. They can often take care of themselves. However, there is a much better chance of this if the person who has received the diagnosis is willing to communicate regularly with a medical professional or team of professionals who can help them when needed.
Refusing Treatment Can Lead to Serious Problems for the Diagnosed Individual
It’s worth mentioning that if someone who has received this diagnosis does not want to get help, they could then become unwell. Part of bipolar disorder is that sometimes, those with it can suffer from the depths of depression. They can also experience dizzying highs of a manic phase.
Mania can be quite a dangerous time for the person with bipolar and treatment such as Lithium will be needed to return them to wellness.
A Medicine Regime Can Help
Most medical doctors agree that the medications that are available now can help someone who has received a bipolar disorder diagnosis. A mix of medicines including mood stabilisers, anti psychotics and anti depressants is usually what it takes to keep such a person on an even keel.
These medicines might not be the first choice of the person who has received the diagnosis. Sometimes, those who have bipolar disorder may not want to take medication.
Being a parent is challenging, but being a parent who is homebound can be incredibly isolating and stressful. With the added pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, homebound parents have been struggling with their mental health more than ever before. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are several mental health support strategies that parents can implement to help them cope with this challenging time and help them continue to provide their children with the love and care that they deserve.
Prioritise Self-Care
Self-care practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and exercise can help homebound parents manage their stress and maintain their mental health. They can schedule regular exercise routines at home, and practice deep breathing and meditation during their downtime. It is essential for homebound parents to set boundaries and take care of their well-being to increase their capacity to address the demands of parenthood.
Seek Professional Help
Homebound parents who are struggling with their mental health should consider seeking the support and guidance of a mental health professional. They can benefit from online therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, or taking medication that might help them feel better. There are also many mental health hotlines and online resources available to parents struggling with their mental health.
Connect with a Support Network
Homebound parents can engage with online support groups where they can share their experiences, offer and receive advice, and connect with other people going through the same thing. It is also a good idea to connect with friends and family members for emotional support. Social connection is vital to maintaining good mental health.
Utilize Home Health Care Services
Home health care services can provide support and assistance for parents who are struggling with their health. These services can include anything from medication management to helping with household chores and providing much needed respite care for parents. Home health care services can also help parents navigate local resources to receive additional support.
Practice Stress-Reducing Activities with Children
Homebound parents can engage their children in various stress-reducing activities such as sensory play, guided meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga. These activities can help children learn how to manage their emotions and provide a calming environment for both parents and children.
Being a homebound parent is challenging, but it becomes even more challenging when mental health struggles are involved. Still, it is essential to prioritise self-care and seek professional help when needed. Engage with a support network, consider utilising home health care services, and perform stress-reducing activities with children.
These strategies will significantly empower homebound parents and help them cope with the challenges of parenthood effectively. With the proper support, homebound parents can provide the love and care their children need and deserve.
This article was written by writer Lizzie Weakley.
This World Mental Health Day, clinical experts in bipolar have today announced that successive failings in government policy could have led to a significant reduction in quality of care for those living with bipolar in the UK.
Despite vast improvements in key areas of mental health, the average age for people to get a diagnosis of bipolar is 34 if someone was diagnosed within the past five years, compared to 26 if someone was diagnosed 30 or more years ago.
“It is shocking that today people are living with undiagnosed bipolar for longer than they were when the charity was formed 40 years ago. The current average delay to diagnosis is 9.5 years. That’s nearly a lost decade where people are struggling with confusing symptoms without getting the vital bipolar-specific treatment and support they need,” said Simon Kitchen, CEO of leading charity Bipolar UK.
“This delay is having catastrophic consequences, with the Bipolar Commission finding that more than a third of the 2,458 people surveyed had attempted suicide because of this delay. This is backed up by research which shows that ‘time to treatment’ is significantly associated with hospitalisations and lifetime suicide attempts.
Tragically, global research estimates that up to 1 in 5 people will take their own life and 60% of people with bipolar will attempt suicide at least once during their lifetime.
It is well established that bipolar has the highest risk of suicide of any mental health condition, yet it is only mentioned once in the Government’s recently published national suicide prevention strategy.
CEO of Bipolar UK CEO, Simon Kitchen, said, “Since Bipolar UK was founded as a charity 40 years ago, we have never stopped campaigning on behalf of those living with bipolar and their families.
“To help prevent the high rate of suicide in those with bipolar and to reduce this unacceptable waiting time for a diagnosis, we are currently campaigning for the Government to commit to prioritising bipolar in the implementation of their national suicide prevention strategy and to commit to reducing the average delay to diagnosis to five year within five years.”
The Bipolar Commission’s Bipolar Minds Matter report launched in parliament in November 2022 includes several recommendations that experts in bipolar and clinicians believe will reduce diagnosis time, improve the quality of life and reduce the high risk of suicide for those living with bipolar.
Kitchen added; “The current care system for bipolar is broken, resulting in an ineffective and inaccurate pathway to diagnosis.
“It is shocking that diagnosis delays are worse now than when Bipolar UK was founded 40 years ago.
“Although we are providing as much support as we can, we desperately need the government to sit up and take action before we lose even more people to suicide.”
In today’s fast-paced, stress-laden world, it can be a real challenge to keep yourself mentally and physically balanced. It’s easy to overlook the impact of your lifestyle choices on your overall well-being and end up feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and burnt out. However, maintaining a healthy mind and body is crucial for long-term happiness and success. This post intends to explore tips and tricks for prioritising your mental and physical health and keeping them in balance. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or just seeking a more balanced lifestyle, there are answers to follow.
Eat Healthily
The food you eat keeps your body in shape and can significantly impact your mental health. Research shows that eating a balanced and nutrient-rich diet can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Try incorporating more whole foods, fruits, greens, and lean proteins into your diet, and steer clear of processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats. If you want to take it a step further, try meal prepping always to have healthy food when you’re in a rush.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is one of the best ways to balance your body and mind. Whether going to the gym, taking a yoga class, or going for a run or walk, exercise releases endorphins that lift your mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Make sure to find something you enjoy that you can stick to long-term. Even if it is just 30 minutes of physical activity daily, you’ll notice a huge difference in your overall well-being.
Rest and Relax
With life’s stressors always looming, finding time to rest and relax can be challenging. However, taking care of yourself by getting enough rest is crucial to balancing your mental health. Ensure you are getting enough sleep, aiming for around seven to nine hours per night, and take other measures to relax, such as massage, a bubble bath, or indulging in your favourite hobbies.
Prioritise Your Mental Health
Mental health is just as important as physical health. If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or another mental health problem, it’s essential to prioritise your mental health. Seek professional mental health care if necessary, talk to trusted friends and family about any concerns, and make sure you take time each day to do things you love. Self-care and meditation can also work wonders to quiet your mind, reduce stress, and ease feelings of anxiety.
Find Balance in Your Relationships
Achieving balance in your relationships is also crucial for mental health. Sometimes, unhealthy relationships can lead to unhealthy habits that throw you off balance and make you feel worse. Make sure you only surround yourself with people who support you, respect you, and have your best interests at heart. Ensure you set boundaries, say no when necessary, and openly communicate your needs and feelings.
Keeping yourself in balance mentally and physically is an ongoing process that requires continual effort and investment. However, the rewards of prioritising your mental and physical health can be nothing short of life-changing. By taking care of yourself and making sure you are eating healthily, exercising regularly, getting enough rest, prioritising your mental health, and finding balance in your relationships, you can achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. So, try some of these tips, and watch yourself grow into the best version of yourself yet.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance blogger, researcher and writer.
Being a mother, let alone a new mother, is no easy task. New moms might find themselves flustered with the idea of being a parent for the first time ever. No longer do they only have to care for themselves but also a little one, too, who depends on them. Frustration, stress, and lack of sleep are all common for new mothers. So, how can they fix this? Here are some tips.
Sleep in the Same Room as Baby
Waking up every few hours in the night is no easy task. Having your sleep disrupted when in a groggy state is several times easier when your baby is close by to you.
Keep a crib or bassinet right next to your bed or at least a few feet away to reduce long walks throughout the house to tend to your baby in the night. This way, you can resume sleep as soon as possible.
Prepare a Feeding & Changing Station Before Bed
Another way to ensure proper rest and sanity as a new mom is to keep a feeding and changing station stocked before going to bed for the night. Keep diapers, wipes, rash cream, baby powder, and a change of clothes nearby. Also keep clean bottles and formula (if applicable) within close reach.
Don’t Skip the Bubble Baths
Good hygiene provides relaxation, which in turn, helps us feel more put together and well-rested. There’s nothing quite like soaking in a calming bubble bath to ease those tense muscles.
Keep Your Mental Health in Check
After having a baby, your mental health is of utmost importance. When you’re in a bad mental health state, it’s difficult to get quality sleep at night. You may have problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or may be oversleeping. Either way, you find yourself feeling unrested.
Right now, your wellbeing and your baby’s well being matter most. A pile of dirty dishes? Leave it for tomorrow. Now is the time to prioritize your physical and mental state in the form of good rest. Unless there’s broken glass on the ground or a horrible stench in the house, the chores can be put off.
Get Physical
Even simply going on a walk around the block can be a great way to get exercise in. This in itself can be a relaxing activity. And as everyone knows, getting exercise can also allow you to get a better night’s rest.
Drinking Calming Teas
Turning to herbal teas like chamomile or lavender can be great ways to unwind after a hectic day as a new mom. Never underestimate the power of a hot beverage filled with calming herbs, especially before bedtime.
Conclusion
Being a new mother is going to be a challenge no matter how you look at it. However, what a mom can do differently to make things easier is to ensure she gets proper rest. With the latter tips, any overwhelmed, exhausted mom can get the rest and relaxation she needs to feel rejuvenated after a long day of parenting.
As long summer days wind slowly into the peacefulness and darker evenings of Autumn, us Jews around the world celebrate Rosh Hashanah, Jewish New Year. Although, it is not so much a celebration with fireworks and partying, but a time to come together for introspection of the year that has been and looking to the new year ahead. We gather with family, pray, give charity and eat lots of apple and honey (and honey flavoured treats) for a sweet year. They say that on Rosh Hashanah, your fate for the year ahead is written, but you have time to change that.
It has been a fulfilling year- with many twists and turns, ups and downs. This year, two sweet nephews were born and my best friend had a baby too- which were joyous. We celebrated birthdays, engagements and weddings. We travelled to Cyprus on holiday (which was wonderful) and went on a steam train for Robs birthday. We went to the theatre numerous times and the cinema too! We met new people, made new friends and had new experiences too.
We lost relatives and people we loved this year. This year was a year of growth but also of endings, as well as beginnings.
The blog has been busy this year and it is amazing to still be blogging after 7 years!
I know that Jewish festivals can be a hard time for people’s mental health and are a time for reflection. Please reach out for support if you need it from loved ones or helplines like the Samaritans 116 123.
This year, I pray for health, happiness and goodness in all areas of life.
The decision to seek help for alcohol use disorder is an important one. It takes courage to admit that you need assistance, and taking the first step toward recovery can feel like a daunting task. One of the early steps of recovery is an alcohol assessment centre, which can assess your condition, provide treatment recommendations, and connect you to ongoing support. However, navigating an assessment centre can be overwhelming, especially if you are feeling vulnerable or uncertain. In this post, we will discuss some tips for maintaining your mental well-being while navigating an alcohol assessment centre.
Educate Yourself
Before entering an assessment centre, take some time to educate yourself about the process and what to expect. This can help to ease anxiety and provide a sense of control in an unfamiliar environment. You can research online, check out the centre’s website, or speak with someone who has been through the process before.
Prepare Mentally and Emotionally
Entering an assessment centre can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it’s essential to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. You might consider bringing along a trusted friend or family member who can offer support and help you stay grounded. You can also practice mindfulness or deep breathing exercises to help you stay centred.
Speak Openly and Honestly
It’s important to be honest about your alcohol use, even if you feel embarrassed or ashamed. The professionals at the assessment centre require accurate information to provide the best treatment options for your specific needs. Honesty also helps to build trust and openness in the therapeutic relationship between you and your counsellor.
Focus on Your Goals
Entering an assessment centre can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to focus on your goals for recovery. Discuss your goals with your counsellor, and work with them to develop a plan for achieving them. Remembering why you’re seeking help and what you want to achieve can help motivate you and make the process easier.
Take Care of Yourself
Finally, remember to take care of yourself while going through an assessment centre. It’s essential to prioritise your mental and physical well-being, which can include eating well, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough rest. Self-care also means taking breaks when necessary, practicing healthy coping mechanisms, and setting boundaries with those around you. Navigating an alcohol assessment centre can be overwhelming, but it’s an essential step towards recovery from alcohol use disorder.
By educating yourself about the process, preparing yourself mentally and emotionally, speaking honestly with your counsellor, focusing on your goals, and taking care of yourself, you can maintain your mental well-being while going through the process. It is highly recommended to reach out to facilities where you are, like A Better Choice Counselling/ Alcohol, Drug & Assessment Center, for more information or to answer any questions you may have.
Remember, seeking help for alcohol use disorder is a brave decision, and with the right support and resources, recovery is possible
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