Posted in Read Along
I’ve been ridiculously sick all week, which is why I haven’t been posting too much. I came down with some sort of kidney infection that I fortunately got treated before it got too bad, but man it was rough. I finally have my appetite back and no more throwing up (Thank God) but it was a tough few days. As I sweated/threw up/cried/slept, I had someone taking care of me:
Fluffernutter (AKA Fluff) stayed by my side, slept near me and gave me lots of kisses. I really was surprised by how attuned to my illness she was. They say animals can sense your stress and anxiety levels and I’ll say Fluff definitely knew what was going on. It warmed my heart to hear her meow and feel her snuggle up to me.
Glad to report I’m feeling about 60% better and hoping to get going on a new DIY to share with you all. Also looking forward to bringing you a guest post from a fellow mental health blogger!! Take care and enjoy your weekend!!
Filed under: Wellness Warriors Tagged: illness, love, pets, wellness
Posted in Read Along
I can’t tell you how many times I have felt like this!! Please BP family reach out to our fellow friend. If we can save one person, that enough right??
Originally posted on My Online Journal:
Posted in Read Along
This week my guest blogger is Jcrowe79. Visit her AWESOME blog, and make her apart of our BP family!
Thanks JCROWE!
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So you have a mental illness.. Which one?
I’m Bipolar 1-Mixed and Eating Disorder
When were you diagnosed & how old were you?
I was diagnosed in October of 2008 after a highly manic episode that caused me to leave my husband an turn to other vices, then one day I woke up and it was all over and I had nothing left. It was at that point I needed help. I was 29 at the time of this incident.
How do you cope with your mental illness?
The positive ways I cope with this illness is I take my medicines, I NEVER go without them! I use talk therapy, I see a dietician, I read books, crochet, take walks, exercise, and I use this blog as a way to express myself. I learn every day a new way to cope as it is a constant process.
What are 3 words that you would describe how your illness makes you feel?
Broken, Flawed, and deep
What are some ways you relax from your illness?
I love to write. In fact my blog has made it much easier to write as I can do so much more typing than using a pen. I love playing with my children. They love me for being mommy, they don’t see me as any of those three things above and it is the happiest and most normal I ever feel. I attend church and read different Christian literature and fiction literature to keep me grounded and strong in my faith, but to also keeps my creative side flowing.
What is some advice you would give to your fellow soldiers fighting this fight?
Take your medicines! This is the first step. I understand that side effects can be disruptive, but work with your doctor to find the right balance. Understand that the medicines can only do so much. So you need to work with a therapist and talk it all out. It feels amazing! Find something that helps you escape, that is healthy and just for you. Get your rest, sleep is crucial. Lastly, slowly work on finding the courage to come forward and speak your truth. When you come out with your disorder there is a certain liberation that allows you to be freer and who you are; it un-cuffs you from the chains that can keep you down in the dark.
Tell us your blog or how we can keep in contact with you:
Follow my blog at jcrowesite.wordpress.com
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Well, we finally got a day of our very own: Sunday, March 30th, is the inaugural observation of World Bipolar Day, sponsored by the International Bipolar Foundation. The date was chosen because it’s the birthday of artist Vincent Van Gogh, who is said to have suffered from manic depression (although how they can diagnose it posthumously is beyond my understanding). It’s a day to raise awareness and—hopefully—begin to erase the stigma that surrounds bipolar disorder, and indeed ALL mental illnesses.
I hope my readers will join with me in commemorating this first-ever World Bipolar Day and maybe even start a dialogue with others who may not know a lot about this much-misunderstood illness. And while you’re at it, why not hug a bipolar you know and love? :-)
Posted in Read Along