inspired_creations's comments

More on Bipolar Disorder

09 Feb 2006 12:04 AM

I remember once reading a book (although now I wished I never had) where the author was a psychiatrist who didn't believe in mental illness whatsoever. He believed that every behaviour that humans display is done so by choice...what a load of rot that is!! I would never "choose" for even my worst enemy to have bipolar disorder, let alone myself!!

What is Bipolar Disorder?

08 Feb 2006 11:59 PM

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder about 9 months ago. I think the thing I STRUGGLE with the most is the guilt, shame and self-hatred that come in the wake of mania, when I can think straight enough to realise just what I've done!! Another thing I can't handle very well is other people's perceptions that manic behaviour is an indicator of irresponsibility and stupidity.

Depression-Symptoms and Treatment (1)

06 Feb 2006 10:56 AM

The one issue I have with diagnosis of depression (probably because I have fallen victim to this) is the number of people who have bipolar disorder but who are wrongly diagnosed as having unipolar depression. I guess it just comes down to the thorough-ness of the doctor in taking a thorough case history.

5 ways to beat stress

06 Feb 2006 10:51 AM

It's quite funny...in a strange way, having mental health issues has had a positive effect on my life - because it's made me more conscious of eliminating unnecessary stress from my life, the benefits of meditation and relaxation etc...it's true that sometimes you need a bit of a wake-up call to become aware of these things!!

Food and Mental Health

06 Feb 2006 10:43 AM

I agree wholeheartedly with the feel-good factor of exercise!! I always exercise at the end of the day, because no matter how bad a day I've had I always feel better (even if marginally) after working out.

Anorexia - Symptoms and Treatment

06 Feb 2006 10:38 AM

I'm not sure if people outside Australia have heard of her, but Bronte Cullis and her mother Jan are well-known in Australia and extremely inspirational to those affected by anorexia. As a teenager, Bronte came terrifyingly close to dying of anorexia, before being treated in the U.S then setting up treatment facilities in Australia.

Recovering from a Breakdown (1)

06 Feb 2006 10:35 AM

"The thing we must not do now is to think: “All I’ve done is made the bed. I’m pathetic.” On the contrary, you are a great success. Yesterday, you did not make the bed. Today, you did. That’s a 100% improvement rate."

I really appreciate this advice, as it's something I can really relate to. In the second half of last year I completed my first semester of university after being sick for most of the first half of the year. My marks were average, and at first this disappointed me - until I considered the fact that I'd passed everything, when I was sure at more than one point I wouldn't even see the semester out, let alone pass everything.

The Benefits of Positive Thinking

06 Feb 2006 10:30 AM

One of my theories (I have many!!) is that you can be an optimist or a pessimist - but it's far better to be a realist. This frame of mind enables you to enjoy positive experiences for what they're worth, while not letting negative ones drag you too far down and adopting a pragmatic approach to dealing with them.

Recovering from a Breakdown (2)

06 Feb 2006 10:17 AM

Beth, I've read a few of your blog entries on recovering from a breakdown tonight - and they are just wonderful. I wish I'd had this kind of sensible, generalised, common-sense advice when I was sick...instead of everything being referred back to my condition specifically.

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

06 Feb 2006 10:15 AM

OCD is one of those things that you can read about and hear about, but have VERY little insight into until you see it in action, so to speak. I have a very good g/f who has OCD, and from the little bit I've seen and heard (not to mention my friend's own experiences!) it's something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.