If you love animals and making things (crochet, knit, quilt or sew) then you will probably be interested in The Snuggles Project. It's making and donating blankets for animals that are in shelters, where the floor can be cement or other harsh, cold environments. Check it out!
http://www.snugglesproject.org/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
Showing posts with label stuff I read. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stuff I read. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Monday, November 16, 2009
My bipolar so coordinates with my cycle.
It was news to me to finally have it put in my face by my fabulous book 'A Brilliant Madness' by Patty Duke that the above statement is true for many people.
In a way, it's a no-brainer. Sure you get cranky during your cycle, that does not necessarily indicate that you are bipolar of course.
But if you are bipolar, Lord help us all when some of us get our cycles. It's already a cyclical illness and it seems that now there is scientific proof that they are linked.
In my life, it seems obvious now that it is clearly played out that way. Even when I look back on my imood - oh, tired one week, feeling great the next. Oh, they are so linked. I am nearly shocked at the obviousness of it yet how much I never really thought about it, until I read about it.
(For better clarification, scientific proof and case studies see that book 'A Brilliant Madness').
In a way, it's a no-brainer. Sure you get cranky during your cycle, that does not necessarily indicate that you are bipolar of course.
But if you are bipolar, Lord help us all when some of us get our cycles. It's already a cyclical illness and it seems that now there is scientific proof that they are linked.
In my life, it seems obvious now that it is clearly played out that way. Even when I look back on my imood - oh, tired one week, feeling great the next. Oh, they are so linked. I am nearly shocked at the obviousness of it yet how much I never really thought about it, until I read about it.
(For better clarification, scientific proof and case studies see that book 'A Brilliant Madness').
Friday, October 30, 2009
A little oasis.
I started seeing a new therapist this week.
I had actually seen my old therapist for 10 years and then one Friday three weeks ago I talked to her and she said the next week was her last week. Just like that. But for some reason I haven't grieved over that, although I think I might be mad (just trying to gauge what emotions I am having) at how lousy the County system is.
I'm getting out of the County system that I have been in for 15 years and going to use my private insurance that I now have after my marriage. It's taken their charging unbelievable amounts of money for services and being pushed out of the system to finally get me to do it. So maybe it was a good thing that she bailed on me.
So this new therapist experience is really amazing. I think I may have mentioned months ago how I was blown away by the waiting room alone (I saw her once then we had to get an insurance issue fixed, so seeing her this week was our second meeting). It's full of positive sayings, real chairs with pillows, a little waterfall, beautiful music playing and positivity oozing all over the place. So it's like walking into a little oasis off the street.
My new therapist seems very understanding of bipolar. She discussed that she feels that bipolar can be a difficult illness to treat and that for some mental disorders meds don't seem as important as they do for bipolar. That it's 60% importance of the meds, 40% talking/psychotherapy - which I agree with. As a person who has been doing this for twenty years (taking meds and do the talking therapy) I see that assessment and agree with it, for myself.
I seem to cry every time I see this woman. I think she is still trying to assess me, well I know she is, so she has to ask a lot of stirring up questions.
I cried this time having to do with why I relate to Patty Duke's 'A Brilliant Madness' so much when I was feeling my lowest (I couldn't do much more than breathe or surround myself with Pugs on the couch and then I picked up that book off my shelves and Could Not put it down. Read like 80 pages without thinking about it). I tried to tell the therapist that I cry thinking of the larger picture of bipolar, what a monster it is, then I stop crying as I tell her about the book, because someone understands so completely as they honestly recount their life going through it, leaving no detail unspared. I love Ms. Anna Michaels (Patty's real name) for it. Thank you, Anna.
I had actually seen my old therapist for 10 years and then one Friday three weeks ago I talked to her and she said the next week was her last week. Just like that. But for some reason I haven't grieved over that, although I think I might be mad (just trying to gauge what emotions I am having) at how lousy the County system is.
I'm getting out of the County system that I have been in for 15 years and going to use my private insurance that I now have after my marriage. It's taken their charging unbelievable amounts of money for services and being pushed out of the system to finally get me to do it. So maybe it was a good thing that she bailed on me.
So this new therapist experience is really amazing. I think I may have mentioned months ago how I was blown away by the waiting room alone (I saw her once then we had to get an insurance issue fixed, so seeing her this week was our second meeting). It's full of positive sayings, real chairs with pillows, a little waterfall, beautiful music playing and positivity oozing all over the place. So it's like walking into a little oasis off the street.
My new therapist seems very understanding of bipolar. She discussed that she feels that bipolar can be a difficult illness to treat and that for some mental disorders meds don't seem as important as they do for bipolar. That it's 60% importance of the meds, 40% talking/psychotherapy - which I agree with. As a person who has been doing this for twenty years (taking meds and do the talking therapy) I see that assessment and agree with it, for myself.
I seem to cry every time I see this woman. I think she is still trying to assess me, well I know she is, so she has to ask a lot of stirring up questions.
I cried this time having to do with why I relate to Patty Duke's 'A Brilliant Madness' so much when I was feeling my lowest (I couldn't do much more than breathe or surround myself with Pugs on the couch and then I picked up that book off my shelves and Could Not put it down. Read like 80 pages without thinking about it). I tried to tell the therapist that I cry thinking of the larger picture of bipolar, what a monster it is, then I stop crying as I tell her about the book, because someone understands so completely as they honestly recount their life going through it, leaving no detail unspared. I love Ms. Anna Michaels (Patty's real name) for it. Thank you, Anna.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
A really good article that made me feel not alone. (It's so hard to name these posts:)
My life has been very busy lately. I'll get to that in another blog post.
Right now, I have two big thoughts on my mind, one I might share, and one I am definitely sharing Right Now! I am SOOO EXCITED to have found this wonderful article, right off the bat, of all things, in the Yahoo 'Most Popular' section, which frankly means something to me because I never see a well-written mental health article on Yahoo, let alone in 'Most Popular.' My opinion and I'm entitled to it.
Please go here http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090726/ap_on_he_me/us_med_stopping_schizophrenia/print
I have printed this article for my own purposes and taken two different color highlighters to it.
I think the title is little presumptuous, as the article even admits that that they are nowhere near 'stopping schizophrenia,' as they are still talking brain scans and that it is way too early to draw conclusions on what studies they are conducting.
I am willing to get over the typical media over-blown title designed to grab your attention (and that's why this will be listed under my 'some more from the Liberal God_amn Media' label, take it as you will) but read the article, and you will find gems on what the "prodrome" is - the beginning of psychosis, where you understand those odd thoughts aren't right - and a little discussion of psychosis, where that is all out the window and you are believing your odd thoughts (my paraphrase).
Most importantly, and heart-breakingly, and to me oh-so-powerful, you read about the nurse asking the student about the thoughts he/she has been having and the UTTER RELIEF it is for that person to know they are not alone, they are not the only one who has been having these thoughts, they are not the only one the T.V. has ever talked to, for instance - that someone knows enough to ask them these questions and that there is help.
I am also very interested in the hope that researchers are finding in psychosocial treatments, which is precisely what Trillium Center is all about, and I can't wait to show this article to our Director. I still believe in the meds, but this just confirms the power of the social arena for the mentally ill.
I swear it's the nature of these illnesses for us to isolate ourselves and I know how hard it is to hold onto friends while you're in the depths of hell, and this article specifically talks about keeping social contacts as extremely important to holding onto sanity. I know firsthand that is not easy.
Actually, I know firsthand that it is true, as I have had my bouts with psychosis and God only knows (ok my family, too) how the heck I have turned out pretty well despite not knowing anything about anything and somehow surviving it and almost getting to the point where I am thriving (well sometimes. Sometimes it STILL seems touch and go).
The good news is that life goes on. You can survive a hell of a lot, you can make new friends, you can make a new life for yourself.
You are NOT alone. I am not alone. And that means a heck of a lot to me.
Thank God, we talk to each other more now, thank God for that program they're talking about in the article that taught a nurse to recognize a student's real anguish. If all we do is help each along the way, well let's just say, that's the stuff that heartens this 'Tart's heart. It heartens my heart.:)
Right now, I have two big thoughts on my mind, one I might share, and one I am definitely sharing Right Now! I am SOOO EXCITED to have found this wonderful article, right off the bat, of all things, in the Yahoo 'Most Popular' section, which frankly means something to me because I never see a well-written mental health article on Yahoo, let alone in 'Most Popular.' My opinion and I'm entitled to it.
Please go here http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090726/ap_on_he_me/us_med_stopping_schizophrenia/print
I have printed this article for my own purposes and taken two different color highlighters to it.
I think the title is little presumptuous, as the article even admits that that they are nowhere near 'stopping schizophrenia,' as they are still talking brain scans and that it is way too early to draw conclusions on what studies they are conducting.
I am willing to get over the typical media over-blown title designed to grab your attention (and that's why this will be listed under my 'some more from the Liberal God_amn Media' label, take it as you will) but read the article, and you will find gems on what the "prodrome" is - the beginning of psychosis, where you understand those odd thoughts aren't right - and a little discussion of psychosis, where that is all out the window and you are believing your odd thoughts (my paraphrase).
Most importantly, and heart-breakingly, and to me oh-so-powerful, you read about the nurse asking the student about the thoughts he/she has been having and the UTTER RELIEF it is for that person to know they are not alone, they are not the only one who has been having these thoughts, they are not the only one the T.V. has ever talked to, for instance - that someone knows enough to ask them these questions and that there is help.
I am also very interested in the hope that researchers are finding in psychosocial treatments, which is precisely what Trillium Center is all about, and I can't wait to show this article to our Director. I still believe in the meds, but this just confirms the power of the social arena for the mentally ill.
I swear it's the nature of these illnesses for us to isolate ourselves and I know how hard it is to hold onto friends while you're in the depths of hell, and this article specifically talks about keeping social contacts as extremely important to holding onto sanity. I know firsthand that is not easy.
Actually, I know firsthand that it is true, as I have had my bouts with psychosis and God only knows (ok my family, too) how the heck I have turned out pretty well despite not knowing anything about anything and somehow surviving it and almost getting to the point where I am thriving (well sometimes. Sometimes it STILL seems touch and go).
The good news is that life goes on. You can survive a hell of a lot, you can make new friends, you can make a new life for yourself.
You are NOT alone. I am not alone. And that means a heck of a lot to me.
Thank God, we talk to each other more now, thank God for that program they're talking about in the article that taught a nurse to recognize a student's real anguish. If all we do is help each along the way, well let's just say, that's the stuff that heartens this 'Tart's heart. It heartens my heart.:)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Recession is the mother of invention.
Please see here for an article from the NY Times about people using their entepreneurial spirit to create jobs for themselves. They are making business plans rather than sending out resumes and experts say it is good for our economy.
Have a Great Saturday.:)
"...many people will focus on serving immediate needs for individuals and
businesses.
“It’s a very painful thing,” he said of the pressure people
feel
to find new ways to make money. “But it’s a healthy thing.” "
This sort of thing fascinates me. I'd love to have the energy and the stamina to head my own business. That is why Ebay is the closest thing like it to me.
Have a Great Saturday.:)
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
'You can't live a life without impact.'
This is one of the messages of the new book 'Handle With Care' by Jodi Picoult. I'm not selling/advocating the book, I am really interested in this thought.
As much as I have tried to personally implode into my own little world I hope that I make a good impact on the world and there is still hope that Iwill get better and I will leave my house and live a more productive life one of these days. Besides my blog, I try mostly during the day to live and not bother anyone. I wanted to help Drop-in center but my efforts seem to not have made much impact there, and I guess that's to be expected. Nothing comes easily.
Simply put: I am grateful for the impact of the lives of the bloggers and people I have met through this blog. Your lives impact me.
As much as I have tried to personally implode into my own little world I hope that I make a good impact on the world and there is still hope that Iwill get better and I will leave my house and live a more productive life one of these days. Besides my blog, I try mostly during the day to live and not bother anyone. I wanted to help Drop-in center but my efforts seem to not have made much impact there, and I guess that's to be expected. Nothing comes easily.
Simply put: I am grateful for the impact of the lives of the bloggers and people I have met through this blog. Your lives impact me.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Simple definition of Bipolar I Disorder.
Bipolar I Disorder is an illness with symptoms thought to be caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals.
People who have Bipolar I Disorder tend to experience extreme mood swings, along with other specific symptoms and behaviors.
These mood swings, or "episodes," can take three forms: manic, depressive, or mixed episodes.
Common symptoms of a manic episode are: feeling extremely happy, being very irritable and anxious, talking too fast and too much, and having more energy and needing less sleep than usual.
Common symptoms of a depressive episode include: feelings of overwhelming sadness or emptiness, low energy, a loss of interest in things, trouble concentrating, changes in sleep or appetite, and thoughts of dying or suicide.
A mixed episode includes symptoms that are both manic and depressive.
Source-- this from an information sheet about Abilify, in my 'People' magazine.
People who have Bipolar I Disorder tend to experience extreme mood swings, along with other specific symptoms and behaviors.
These mood swings, or "episodes," can take three forms: manic, depressive, or mixed episodes.
Common symptoms of a manic episode are: feeling extremely happy, being very irritable and anxious, talking too fast and too much, and having more energy and needing less sleep than usual.
Common symptoms of a depressive episode include: feelings of overwhelming sadness or emptiness, low energy, a loss of interest in things, trouble concentrating, changes in sleep or appetite, and thoughts of dying or suicide.
A mixed episode includes symptoms that are both manic and depressive.
Source-- this from an information sheet about Abilify, in my 'People' magazine.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Proud to be an American woman.
I'm glad that I live in a country that values freedom, and in a culture that encourages me as a woman to learn and be educated. And lets me budget my own money. Whether I am married or not.
I found this today in the New York Times concerning the large amount of Iraqi women who are now widows and how the government wants to deal with the problem.
"If we give the money to the widows, they will spend it unwisely because they are uneducated and they don’t know about budgeting. But if we find her a husband, there will be a person in charge of her and her children for the rest of their lives."MAZIN al-SHIHAN, director of a city agency in Baghdad, on his plan to pay men to marry Iraqi war widows.
That makes me sick. Be proud ladies that you are in charge of your own money and that your government lets you be responsible for your own life. Who knew it was a luxury?
I found this today in the New York Times concerning the large amount of Iraqi women who are now widows and how the government wants to deal with the problem.
"If we give the money to the widows, they will spend it unwisely because they are uneducated and they don’t know about budgeting. But if we find her a husband, there will be a person in charge of her and her children for the rest of their lives."MAZIN al-SHIHAN, director of a city agency in Baghdad, on his plan to pay men to marry Iraqi war widows.
That makes me sick. Be proud ladies that you are in charge of your own money and that your government lets you be responsible for your own life. Who knew it was a luxury?
Friday, January 9, 2009
A little Serenity.
West Highland Terrier, Webshots 
Cougar in Winter, Montana, Webshots 
Carrizo Plain National Monument, California, WebshotsI woke up very early this morning. My life is different without Seroquel ~ I can actually get up in the morning and I think I have a fighting chance at losing some weight. It’s amazing how one’s life can change.
I thought about if I had had a kid a couple of years ago, how they would have seen their Mom struggle to get up in the morning. I think about what could be, if I try a little harder to at least be up in the morning and then maybe to work out more.
It isn’t complete laziness, it was the medication and depression that kept me a sleeping beauty for years. I have worked hard in the past, worked at jobs, getting my degree, working jobs again. I have had a weird setback or more in life and it has taken babysteps to get back on the right path. It seems I dropped out of life and am trying to slowly get back in it on my terms. It’s a slow process.
I can do some things, just not all things that a job requires. I am finding my own way in what I can handle and what I cannot. The wise words ‘to accept the things I cannot change and the courage to change the things I can’ come to mind. These words are finally beginning to seep in.
It’s true that it’s easy to lose ‘focus’ when you are home all the time. But you also redefine what ‘focus’ means. The things I want to do. The things I am capable of doing.
And I am thankful that I don’t have to answer to much of anyone throughout the day, except to keep myself busy and to keep my life going. Because it would upset others if I quit, even if I get to point that I think quitting myself is a not a big deal. I’m so lucky because I have that balance and freedom.
A friend told me yesterday that when she is at home and has to take care of things, she does one thing that she doesn’t like to do, and then rewards herself with things she does like to do, even it’s playing a game of solitaire on the computer. Some small reward. That is good advice for getting going when you don’t want to ~ have something backed up as a reward that you like to do to get over it.
Got the cat on my lap right now.
I’m into Suze Orman of late. In other words I read some downloaded material this morning. I’m just glad to be able to read and process at this time. I used to love reading and could suck in reading material. Now I admit I am getting back into the groove again.
I thought about if I had had a kid a couple of years ago, how they would have seen their Mom struggle to get up in the morning. I think about what could be, if I try a little harder to at least be up in the morning and then maybe to work out more.
It isn’t complete laziness, it was the medication and depression that kept me a sleeping beauty for years. I have worked hard in the past, worked at jobs, getting my degree, working jobs again. I have had a weird setback or more in life and it has taken babysteps to get back on the right path. It seems I dropped out of life and am trying to slowly get back in it on my terms. It’s a slow process.
I can do some things, just not all things that a job requires. I am finding my own way in what I can handle and what I cannot. The wise words ‘to accept the things I cannot change and the courage to change the things I can’ come to mind. These words are finally beginning to seep in.
It’s true that it’s easy to lose ‘focus’ when you are home all the time. But you also redefine what ‘focus’ means. The things I want to do. The things I am capable of doing.
And I am thankful that I don’t have to answer to much of anyone throughout the day, except to keep myself busy and to keep my life going. Because it would upset others if I quit, even if I get to point that I think quitting myself is a not a big deal. I’m so lucky because I have that balance and freedom.
A friend told me yesterday that when she is at home and has to take care of things, she does one thing that she doesn’t like to do, and then rewards herself with things she does like to do, even it’s playing a game of solitaire on the computer. Some small reward. That is good advice for getting going when you don’t want to ~ have something backed up as a reward that you like to do to get over it.
Got the cat on my lap right now.
I’m into Suze Orman of late. In other words I read some downloaded material this morning. I’m just glad to be able to read and process at this time. I used to love reading and could suck in reading material. Now I admit I am getting back into the groove again.
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