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Warning Signs of BipolarMany feel that it's best to seek help at the first warning signs of bipolar manic depressive episodes. I personally learned to get further 'directions' for my journey toward wellness when, "I notice my mind is foggy and when my voice becomes sharp." More of these first warning signs of bipolar, experienced by other bipolars, are shared below. While reading this list, ask yourself, "When do I need to seek help for my depression?" I suggest keeping your own "travel" journal. Intense Mood Swings If you are already keeping a "travel" journal, you know by now that unlike ordinary mood swings, bipolar disorder clients experience much more intense and disruptive behaviors that affect everyday functioning: affecting your emotional and physical energy, your activity levels, your judgment, and your responsibilities.
During a manic episode, you might impulsively quit your job, blame everybody but yourself for your fate in life, charge huge amounts on your credit cards, and feel "rested" after two hours of sleep. Self-loathing Usually - but not always - the disorder also involves periods of depression. Then during the depressive episode you feel a strong sense of self-loathing. It is indeed a vicious cycle. So it is important, during your journey toward wellness, to know the warning signs of bipolar episodes. In a typical case, a person with bipolar disorder cycles between these two extremes - experiencing recurrent episodes of both elevated and depressed mood which is what this page is about: watching for those signs of bipolar that precede episodes of depression and regret, the first mile toward wellness. Keep A Journal This criteria comes from those who have kept a travel log of their emotions and feelings they have recognized as their warning signals for when they should seek help for their depression. Warning Signs of Bipolar Disorder episodes: The above list is thanks to the research compiled by Mary Ellen Copeland,M.S., author ofThe Depression Workbook. What are your early warning signs of bipolar episode that indicate you may be be headed for the ditch rather than that beautiful scenic tour you've dreamed about? Difference between Women and Men with Bipolar Disorder Most woman, when traveling, feel it's best to get directions as soon as they know they are lost. Men on the other hand may travel down quite a few roads before they finally relent and ask for directions. It's the same with bipolars, though generally woman believe it's best to seek help at the first warning signs (precedents) of depression. Men may have to heed more of the warning signs of bipolar before they finally choose to get help. The general feeling seems to be "The sooner the better." One client said that she seeks help "when all my usual attempts to help myself aren't working."
When do you think would be the best time to seek help for warning signs of bipolar manic depressive episode? Check the list above again and determine the criteria you use to determine the right moment to seek help for yourself. I encourage you again, when all your usual attempts to help yourself or not working, ask for directions, get help as soon as you can. Do it before you find yourself down a dark and lonely road completely lost. The best plan I find is to have a caring and careful listener, whether friend or doctor. Those of us that experience depression most need people who will try and understand us and not label us as lazy or weak willed or inferior. It helps to confide in a close friend who is aware of warning signs of bipolar manic depressive episodes, someone who will listen and not judge or "enable" us in our depression.
I remember, one time I was really low (depressed with a capital "D". I was experiencing a great deal of emotional pain. I had no idea of where this came from but one thing I knew I no longer wanted to go on putting on a mask and pretending everything was alright. Everything was not alright. My house was a wreck, my kids were out of control, I had a hubby I felt like killing, a job that was demanding and where I felt unappreciated. Everything was crashing in. I'd day dream to escape my "reality." Fears real or not converged on me. I couldn't sleep at night. I would tear at my fingernails. I was completely negative and couldn't see anything positive any more. I not only wanted to do away with my husband but wanted to divorce the whole human race. My body was fatigued, had no energy (the reason the dishes were piled high in the sink) and was exhausted. I saw everything as black or white. All color had gone out of my life. Fortunately, I had a very nice friend who saw I was struggling. She saw the red flashing warning signs of bipolar in my life. And she did a wonderful thing. She came over. Held my hand a few minutes then said, "where's thedish soap, I'll get these dishes washed up for you." She washed the dishes, wiped down the counter, stove and sink, plus the kitchen cabinets. She then finished by mopping the kitchen floor. She organized and cleared the kitchen table and finished with placing a vase of lovely flowers on the table. Before she left she said, "God knows all about what you're going through. He will direct you in the way in which you should go. He will lead you to where you need to go to get all the assistance you need. My prayers are with you." And she was gone. Wow! I did feel much better seeing the kitchen clean and organized. Through the pretty bouquet I was reminded that "Beauty is God's signature." After that I realized I was having a major problem. I finally recognized these warning signs of bipolar therefore shortly after, I admitted myself to Rapha Clinic in Houston, TX. But my friend is the kind of friend you need, she doesn't condemn, doesn't lecture, does something visibly positive and uplifting, yet gently leads you towards the help you need. I hope to be that friend. You may need more than
natural treatments for bipolar disorder
initially. But take a look around you. What flashing warning signs of bipolar had caused the breakdown of you "engine:" mind, body and soul? If you need a friend or doctor help you pinpoint the exact disconnection leading to your chemical imbalance great. Go get it. But be reminded of this: getting back to the hot engine in the car analogy. If your red warning light comes on indicating you are low in oil what do you do? Do you put the needed oil in the engine or do you take it to the mechanic and have him check out why the oil light is on? What is it you expect the mechanic to do? You expect him to fix the problem (indicated by the red warning light going out) right? What do you think of a mechanic that gets your red light to go out by snipping the electrical wiring or taking out the light all together? Has he fixed the problem? Sure he has because you expected him to get the red warning light to turn off. But when you get home you notice the engine is still getting hot. You see the symptom (the red light) is out and you don't understand why the engine is still getting hot. The reason is because he only fixed the symptom NOT the CAUSE. It is the same when you go to a doctor. He can fix the symptom with a quick drug prescription but has he fixed the problem? No. As with the mechanic he needs to find the underlying problem with the warning light. Was the light on because the oil was low? Or was the light on because there was a short in the wiring? Or was the light on because a switch was turned on? Or was the warning light on because someone had wired the car wrong in the first place? You see, your doctor needs to know what the underlying problem is: what red lights are flashing in your life. Then you will get fixed. Remember symptoms are our body's way of sending us a message and that message is we are doing something that is against the natural or universal laws of health. Take heed to these warning signs of bipolar and take appropriate action. That's why it is important to go to a qualified licensed counselor or physician who has the time to help you work out the underlying problem of your depression. If anyone of the natural laws of health are broken you can be pretty sure that is the first place you need to look to fix your problem. You can get a jump start with a caring friend which is ideal, but don't stop there. Jump starting your battery over and over can put a strain on your whole engine system and on your friend's relationship. If your warning light comes on decide what is the underlying cause and fix that. Please look over the page
No ZZZs?
to determine if sleeplessness may be one of the caution signs of bipolar you need to heed before you can continue on your journey toward wellness. Lack of sleep can trigger any one of the above thoughts or feelings which may lead to a manic depressive episode. When you notice such signs of bipolar, there are simple, noninvasive, safe, and inexpensive techniques you can use to slow or halt the downward road. By being aware of your early signs of depression and taking action early, you may indeed, be able to avoid plummeting into the ditch of depression. Warning: Bon Voyage, The author of this website is not an M.D. and therefore must post this required FDA disclaimer. None of the statements, self testing, nor recommended alternatives to overcoming bipolar symptoms have been evaluated by the FDA. Therefore, the tested and proven experiences, testimonies, supplements and alternative and natural therapies are for informational purposes only and does not purport to prescribe, diagnose or cure any mental or physical condition.
Though as a licensed counselor she does advise her clients to be informed and involved in the recovery of their physical, spiritual and mental health. The above information has transformed many lives and the same can happen for you, but you alone are responsible for the decisions you make concerning all aspects of your health. Signs of Bipolar to No More Bipolar Disorder
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Dr. Cares™
Catherine Sinclair, PhD., uses the trade name Dr. Cares™ . She is a licensed pastoral counselor. The information contained in this website is not to be taken as a substitute for professional advice from your qualified medical "practitioner." 
