Emotional Health, Bipolar Disorder, and Britney Spears
by I think we probably have all suffered from some degree of emotional health issues in our lives.
Whenever someone talks to me about feeling depressed or anxious, the first thing I say to them is...you are not alone. We've all been there in some way or another. I also think that acknowledging you have a problem is half the battle. And that doesn't make you "insane" or "crazy". Really...How many "crazy" people realize they're crazy? I think the most sane thing a person can do is admit they are feeling depressed or anxious, and reach out for help.
The Internet is a great place to get information, and there are a lot of sites with articles on dealing with stress and anxiety.
WebMD is a good place to start...
Ten Secrets to a Stress-Free Life
It's important to understand that some types of depression can be worked out on your own, but others require medical attention and sometimes medication (this is nothing to be ashamed about). Here is a link to an article on knowing the difference between just feeling blue, and clinical depression.
Because of what has been going on with Britney Spears, we've been hearing a lot about Bipolar disorder in the news lately...
This is from Robin of DC Metro Moms - Britney Spears and Politics
I know. I know. Everyone is getting tired of hearing about Britney Spear's issues.
So, I'm not actually going to talk about HER issues.
I am going to talk about the issue itself. I think it's safe to assume that she is experiencing some kind of mental illness or mental issue that appears to be preventing her from leading a typically normal life as a person and mother, family member and friend.
In a way I am glad the media is covering the issue. But they aren't covering it the way I'd actually like to see.
I'd like to see the media talk about mental illnesses themselves. I'd like to see the media bring attention to how hard it is to treat mental illness. And it's hard on for so many different reasons.
Also See...
Our kids and teens get depressed too.
Coming Out of the Dark - A place where I could share my thoughts and feelings without anyone passing judgment.
There is so much more to this topic, but I could never touch on every aspect of mental health in one post. BlogHer will be coving the issue of "healthy mind" throughout the month though.
Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
CatherineBlogs, The Political Voices of Women, Care2 Election Blog
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Comments
Your Mental Health and Life Satisfaction
Your Mental Health and Life Satisfaction
Relationships are one major reason depressed people come to me for counseling. Having trouble in your personal life or unresolved problems with your partner may seriously reduce your life satisfaction. Undiagnosed chemical imbalances can also play a role.
Stresses of daily living with parenting, teens, job, extended family, and finances also take a bite out of you. Traumatic life events and transitions (such as death, divorce, job loss, childbirth, marriage, and infidelity) frequently become the focus of counseling.
Often, people seeking professional mental-health services discover helpful new ideas and support in about 4 –12 sessions. Translated, with work and an investment of as little as 3-9 hours, many gain tools and insight to increase life satisfaction.
And individuals with long-term issues and problems from childhood often experience progress sooner than you might think. Medication, when needed, can be useful to support talk therapy.
One excellent resource to locate a qualified mental-health professional in your area is www.therapistlocator.net. This is the site for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).
Take charge of your life satisfaction. Check out www.DrCoachLove.com for relationship coaching tips.
(Copyright 2008 P.H. Pickett. All Rights Reserved. Contact DrCoachLove@CenturyTel.net for permissions.)
Diagnosis Not Excuses
Mood changes are for everybody. Feelings change. They are supposed to do that. If someone has a mood problem, it is because of the degree and/or speed of swing--- combined with the inability to CHOOSE appropriate or desired behavior when his or her mood is swinging.
Proper diagnosis is an explanation and not an excuse. You do not need an excuse. You are not weak or damaged goods. You need understanding, a path of change, and possibly medication if prescribed. Most of all, you need to take action.
No one but a pro (M.D. or licensed therapist) can make any diagnosis.
Sure, your partner, friends, and family can share their casual opinions--- you are nuts, everybody's nuts, they are nuttier, that's just the way you are, etc. etc. That may be comforting, but not particularly helpful. Anecdotal reports from your intimate circle, however, can provide valuable information.
You may have years of undesired behavior patterns built up. These habits and patterns will not disappear necessarily or immediately even if you take medication. Remember, other people in your life have participated in these patterns with you. Those in your intimate circle are both shaped by and help to shape your behavior. Relationship patterns can take a while to shift. People in your life have adapted to your ups and downs.
“Bouncy moods" certainly have the potential to be an asset at times. But if your bouncy moods get you into trouble in your life and relationships, bipolar diagnosis or not, you may want to take action to change.
People can improve their lives significantly with the right efforts-- medication evaluation/prescription and professional therapy combined with consistent work.
I offer relationship-coaching tips to consider on my new blog www.FamilyandRelationshipCoachblog.com. Please check it out and offer your comments.
Regards, Dr. Coach Love