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August 2024

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Understanding Bipolar Disorder

The Difference Between Bipolar 1 and 2

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The Difference Between Bipolar 1 and 2 Blog posts and articles about the differences between Bipolar Disorder 1 and 2 (BPD) are among the most common types of content regarding BPD. At BP Harmony, BPD 1 and 2 are understood in a way that does not label a person with the diagnosis forever by defining them as “acute phases” of mental illness. By offering a brief history of the diagnosis and insider perspectives on a more empowering narrative, BP Harmony offers a path forward for recovery and moving away from making BPD a part of one’s identity. Brief History of the BPD Diagnosis Written records of symptoms related to what is termed bipolar disorder in the 21st century have existed in medical texts since Ancient Greece and Medieval Persia. However, in 1952 the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) coined the term “Manic-Depression,” to form a conception that serves as the modern origin of BPD today. In 1968, the diagnosis evolved to “Manic-Depressive Illness,” and in 1980, it was again changed to bipolar disorder. In the 2023 version (DSM-5), there are three diagnoses: Bipolar I disorder: diagnosed after one manic episode Bipolar II disorder: diagnosed after one depressive episode and one hypomanic episode Cyclothymic disorder: diagnosed after shifting between hypomania and depressive symptoms more frequently, and with less intensity, than in bipolar I or II disorders To better understand the differences, it helps to know how the DSM-5 defines episodes. Manic episode: period of at least 1 week of extreme highs or irritability, in addition to other behavioral changes Hypomanic episode: less severe mania that need last at least 4 days Major depressive episode: period of at least 2 weeks with a set number of specific depression symptoms For a full breakdown of the history and understanding, search for a copy of the DSM-5 online. BP1 vs BP2: Breaking Down the Differences The Mayo Clinic offers a great chart that summarizes the DSM-5 presentation of BPD1 and BPD2 well. The BP Harmony Interpretation of BP1 and BP2 BP Harmony represents a collection of voices ranging from medical professionals, people who have received the diagnosis, and families who support loved ones who live with BPD. A few observations must be stated:  For the lay reader, texts on BP1 and BP2 can be misinterpreted. It is imperative to work with a licensed medical professional who is legally authorized to offer a diagnosis.  There are no quantitative measures to determine if one has BP1, BP2 or any diagnosis at all. Notice the chart above does not have any measurements from typical markers such as the blood, saliva, urine, fecal matter, tissues, bones, etc. Rather, a diagnosis depends on the training, experience, and biases of the medical professional who simply observes the behaviors and reports of the patient. Hence, it is advisable to get a variety of opinions.  Understanding the differences between BP1 and BP2 is useful to identify the stage of mental illness the individual is in and can help the individual craft a recovery plan with medical support, therapy, and mental health services like BP Harmony. However, the diagnoses are NOT the permanent station the person is stuck in forever. Individuals can receive a diagnosis of BP1 one year, BP2 another year, additional diagnoses another year, or even no mental health diagnoses in later years. In other words, one does not have to live with these labels forever.  Modern Psychiatry uses these distinctions to decide which medication and dosages to give the patient. One must take precautions in accepting a diagnosis as they nearly always come with highly addictive drugs that harbor strong side effects. Moreover, psychiatrists receive little to no training on how to get individuals off safely. More posts related to this challenge are coming soon.  In conclusion, The DSM-5 is an important resource for anyone trying to understand BPD; however, seeing that the diagnosis was coined only in 1980, there is much room to continue to evolve the understanding of BPD from medical professionals, wellness leaders, and the people who have intimately lived the acute phases of BP1 and BP2 and found their way out.

Parenting and Family Support

Why Do People With Bipolar Disorder Sometimes Say Hurtful Things?

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Why Do People With Bipolar Disorder Sometimes Say Hurtful Things? “Where did that come from?!” This is a common expression I would hear during my recovery journey. Some small comment or noise would irritate me beyond control, and I would lose my temper and say hurtful things to the person who was unfortunate enough to be around me. Often it was a family member, and I would unearth disputes from the distant past, making them feel as if I had been harboring ill feelings for many years. So, if you are a husband thinking, “Why is my wife yelling at me” or thinking about someone else who unusually snapped at you, you should look at why it happened instead of jumping to conclusions.Let me begin by saying a lot is going on in situations like this. I mention in my book that both the person struggling with bipolar and the people in their life must proceed with a spirit of love and build healthy systems of communication. However, let me share with you from an insider’s perspective: for someone dealing with bipolar disorder, saying hurtful things is a lot more common than one might think.I begin with the position that after having your first manic or depressive episode, you stay unstable for some time. A person regains balance but can easily be tipped over. They can vacillate between two extremes constantly and can even experience both states at the same time! The cumbersome task of managing oneself with a new range of emotions as well as becoming really sensitive feels like one is learning how to operate in a brand-new world. I would explain to people that just like the world is new and scary for a child it was like that for me too. For that reason, I would ask people to grant me some space as “I learn how to walk again.” But what exactly imbalances a person with a bipolar diagnosis? Sleep Deprivation Insomnia is a salient characteristic of BPD. Think of how difficult your day is if you don’t get a good night’s rest. Now imagine not sleeping well for days, weeks, or even months in a row. Due to racing thoughts, feelings of euphoria, tense muscles, and other chronic symptoms, the person has immense difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and getting rest even if they do fall asleep. This kind of sleep deprivation leads to crankiness and plays a huge part in irritability. Now imagine dealing with the demands of life with such little sleep. Answers to questions like bipolar people mean the hurtful things they say don’t count if sleep deprivation is a factor for an erratic mood. Pain Poor sleep can also cause pain around the shoulders, neck, and head. It also does not allow for the vital organs such as the liver to detox during the night, which can cause internal pain in the body. This pain can make someone irritable. What’s most frustrating is that no one can see that the person is in pain; therefore, when the person snaps and says something hurtful, it comes as a complete surprise. Poor Diet People with bipolar disorder often have issues with their gut health. This is driven by eating highly processed foods and poor hydration, which greatly affect one’s mood. Indigestion, heartburn, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea can occur as well as lethargy, anxiety, and dizziness. All of this can make a terrible recipe for emotional outbursts. Trauma When a person is going through mania and depression, the nature of the state is extreme sadness, fear, anxiety, paranoia, anger, and euphoria. Often these feelings are not connected to any incident or memory, so the person searches for deeper wounds to attach the intense feelings. This could be turned into a whole article but essentially the person unearths traumas from the past (which is good in the long run to identify and address). When a person is inwardly going through such turmoil, they can likely improperly snap at others in a desperate attempt to call for help. Isolation Because the experience of bipolar is so internal, it is difficult to understand what the person is going through. The person feels that nobody understands what they are going through, and then they become isolated and bitter because of it. In this state, when someone checks in on them, they may lash out with an emotional response. Shame Mania is often attributed to poor decision making and depression is often associated with not performing at one’s best. Both of these foster shame in the individual and lead to further feelings of isolation. If someone tries to encourage them to forgive themselves there is a likelihood to get an emotional response because of the overwhelming feelings of grief due to losing a job, relationship, or even reputation. You may hear things like, “I feel like I can never show my face in public again.” Conclusion The unifying thread for all of these reasons is pain. Hence, the adage, “hurt people hurt people,” becomes applicable with a slight modification: hurting people hurt people. The temporary agony and turmoil of mania, depression, and everything in between drags the person into a state of misery. The person experiencing the symptoms does not wish to hurt people, but the severity of the symptoms and the difficulty of navigating a new world leads to verbal and even physical abuse. As a consequence, the cycle of pain festers the wounds within, further isolates the person, and traps them in the manic-depressive cycle. One question that people need answers for is, how to tell a bipolar person they hurt you? But This is a topic for another blog post. I will conclude this blog with two pieces of advice on how to move forward. Firstly, the person with bipolar must take ownership of identifying their triggers and learning how to navigate the world again while the person on the other end should show patience instead of arguing with a bipolar person. BP Harmony’s

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Scientific Perspectives

Can Eyes Reveal The Truth About Bipolar Disorder

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Can Eyes Reveal The Truth About Bipolar Disorder Is there such a thing as having bipolar eyes? At the root of the question for people struggling to identify bipolar disorder in themselves or someone they know is a search for a guaranteed marker for the diagnosis. While this article dives into general tendencies of the eyes during mania and depression, I find it difficult to say that these patterns provide any such hallmarks at all. Even current medical experts who write for lifestyle magazines say that evidence for “bipolar eyes” is inconclusive; Moreover, I cannot find a reputable medical journal that reports on the issue. Finally, in my years working with psychiatrists, none of my doctors checked my eyes when I was experiencing mania or depression.  Hence, I’m inclined to take the position that “bipolar eyes” are a myth while general characteristics can offer some guidance to help you, or your loved ones, identify imbalances. It is by no means a necessary characteristic for someone experiencing mania, depression, and everything in between.  General Eye Characteristics during Depression Bipolar Depression is a complex experience that is unique to each individual who experiences it. While I experienced brain fog, poor memory, migraines, feelings of worthlessness, suicidal ideation, and anxiety, others mention feeling loss of appetite, asexuality, loss of energy, a great void of nothingness. Here is a list of general eye characteristics for someone experiencing a depressive episode: Avoiding Eye ContactDue to the inner pain and turmoil a person feels, one avoids eye contact not to expose the great storm within. Often there are feelings of shame and worthlessness for not being able to uphold life’s responsibilities. Looking DownwardI have often heard people say depression makes everything in the body feel heavy. The body turns downward in the classic sad posture, the imagination narrows, and one feels that looking, even looking, even looking upward is a heavy task. Blank StareOne of the most common features of depression is rumination. The depressed person is often plagued by one or multiple negative thought loops. The person becomes so consumed by this snare that their eyes zone out, not focused on any particular object, and stare for long intervals. Physical Symptoms Due to Poor Sleep Dark circles or shadows under the eyes A hollow or depressed appearance beneath the lower eyelid Visible blood vessels under the eyes A tired or aged appearance Bags or puffiness under the eyes Squinted Eyes General Eye Characteristics during Mania Dilated PupilsThis can happen due to the adrenaline and the subsequent feelings of euphoria that occur in mania. It can also be due to the lack of sleep, substance abuse, and fits of rage and hysteria. Sparkling Eyes, or eyes that appear more liquid than usualThe world becomes a fascinating place during mania. Your senses feel like they are on overdrive and there is a pleasurable tingling all over your brain. With such a feeling, you look at the world and others with a sense of wonder and amazement. It can be fun for the individual but unsettling for others to witness. Eyes that Change Color or Become BlackI had read anecdotal reports of people’s eyes changing colors during manic episodes; however, I could not find a medical journal that mentions this. Some do mention that a manic person’s eyes dilate so much that the entire eye appears to be black. Again, there are many reasons for the eyes to dilate, so it doesn’t necessarily mean a person is manic if their eye color changes or their pupils dilate. Understanding it All You might have noticed that many of these general characteristics of “bipolar eyes,” can be found in other states of health and wellness. Our pupils dilate in the dark in order to let in more light, our eyes can look narrow when we have a migraine, and bags can form under the eyes due to sinus pressure or allergies.  My conclusion again regarding “bipolar eyes,” is that science has not yet made a conclusive connection between eyes and bipolar disorder. The above general characteristics occur with better symptoms of mania such as thoughts of grandeur, hypersexuality, and insomnia. Nonetheless, if you or your loved one shows a patterned change in their eyes during periods of mania or depression, then note it down and discuss with a qualified health professional what it means. However, if the physician does not give it much credence, lean in on your intuition to use it as a clue to help yourself maintain balance.

Coping Strategies and Recovery

A Vital Connection: Hydration and Bipolar Disorder Recovery

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Hydration & Bipolar Disorder Recovery | A Vital Connection Bipolar disorder presents unique challenges on the path to recovery, requiring a comprehensive approach that addresses various aspects of health and well-being. While medication and therapy are vital components of treatment, holistic practices such as hydration play an equally crucial role in managing symptoms and achieving stability. In this post, we’ll delve into the significance of hydration specifically for individuals living with bipolar disorder. According to the Mayo Clinic, adult males must drink 3.7 Liters (125 oz or 0.97 gallons) and adult females should drink 2.7 Liters (91 oz or 0.71 gallons) every day. This number is crucial to meet for people on the bipolar recovery journey.  Bipolar Disorder Recovery and Hydration Before diving into why proper hydration, my advice is to invest in a good reusable bottle like Yeti, Hydroflask, Stanley, and Owala and electrolyte mixes such as Trace Minerals, Liquid IV, and Nuun. These items help you stay accountable for your daily water intake! For more information on nutrition related to bipolar disorder recovery, check out my book, The Five Pillars of Bipolar Recovery. Let’s dive into why proper water intake is key for bipolar disorder recovery: Mood Regulation: A Key Role for Hydration One of the most significant ways hydration impacts bipolar disorder is through mood regulation. Dehydration can exacerbate mood swings, making individuals more susceptible to episodes of mania or depression. By ensuring adequate hydration, individuals can help stabilize their mood levels and reduce the risk of mood fluctuations. Medication Effects and Hydration Many medications commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder, such as lithium, can affect kidney function and increase the risk of dehydration. It’s essential for individuals taking these medications to prioritize hydration to mitigate potential side effects and maintain overall health. Adequate fluid intake can also support the effectiveness of medication in managing symptoms. Cognitive Function and Hydration Cognitive impairment is a common challenge for individuals with bipolar disorder, impacting memory, concentration, and decision-making abilities. Dehydration can further exacerbate cognitive difficulties, making it harder to manage the condition effectively. By staying hydrated, individuals can support cognitive function and enhance their ability to cope with the challenges of bipolar disorder. Energy Levels and Hydration Fatigue and low energy are prevalent symptoms of both bipolar disorder and dehydration. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining energy levels and combating fatigue, which can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. By prioritizing hydration, individuals can support their energy levels and improve their ability to engage in self-care practices and activities.  Sleep Quality and Hydration Quality sleep is crucial for managing bipolar disorder and promoting overall well-being. Dehydration can disrupt sleep patterns, exacerbating mood instability and symptoms. By maintaining adequate hydration, individuals can support better sleep quality and enhance their ability to manage the challenges of bipolar disorder. Bottom Line: In conclusion, hydration plays a vital role in the holistic recovery of individuals living with bipolar disorder. By prioritizing adequate fluid intake, individuals can support mood regulation, cognitive function, energy levels, and sleep quality—all of which are essential for managing symptoms and achieving stability. Incorporating hydration into daily routines alongside other holistic practices can contribute to overall well-being and enhance the journey toward bipolar disorder recovery. Remember, small changes in hydration habits can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.  

Mental Health and Spirituality

Journal Prompts for BP Disorder

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7 Journal Prompts for Bipolar Disorder The experience of Bipolar Disorder is deeply internal and unique to each individual. In the beginning, one struggles to articulate the new range of emotions in addition to managing mood shifts through the misery of mania, depression, anxiety, and pain. When I was in the thick of it, I would often complain that I felt like a baby, so unfamiliar with how to handle my emotions. My mentor advised me to begin journaling as a way to learn how to express this new reality. She also advised me to purchase a physical journal that had some personality. Navigating Bipolar Emotions: Your Personal Journaling Guide I remembered people were really into Moleskines because of the quality, but I ultimately selected the Decomposition Book because of the cover art and this idea that a mental health crisis can be treated as a metamorphosis, one that entails decomposition before re-birth. I’m grateful that I followed the advice and captured my thoughts and feelings; many of the seeds I planted then blossomed into my book, The Five Pillars of Bipolar Recovery. If you are struggling in your mental health, I encourage you to search for a journal that resonates with you.  Here are a few more links to get you started: Paperage, Mead, Intelligent Change, Biuwory, Yansanido. Dealing with the acute phases of bipolar disorder can present unique challenges, and journaling is a mindfulness practice that can be a valuable tool to navigate the complexities of mood fluctuations. Whether you’re seeking self-reflection or looking for a way to track your emotions, these seven journal prompts are designed to help individuals struggling with bipolar disorder gain insights and maintain mental well-being: 7 Journal Prompts for Bipolar Disorder: How am I feeling on a scale of 1 to 10? Begin your journaling journey by exploring your daily mood. Consider describing your emotional state on a scale from 1 to 10 and identifying any specific influences or triggers. This reflection can provide a valuable snapshot of your mental state and aid in recognizing patterns. Do I have any mood patterns? Dive deeper into your emotional landscape by reflecting on recurring patterns in your mood cycles. Are there specific situations or triggers that often precede shifts in your mood? Identifying these patterns can empower you to anticipate and manage mood fluctuations more effectively. What are my healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms? Reflect on coping strategies that have proven effective during both manic and depressive episodes. Compile a list of strategies and explore how you can incorporate them into your daily routine. Establishing consistent coping mechanisms can contribute to stability and eliminating unhealthy ones contribute long-term wellbeing. What am I grateful for today? Despite the challenges you may be facing, take a moment to identify three things you are grateful for today. Focusing on gratitude can shift your perspective and provide a positive anchor, even during difficult times. Most importantly, gratitude is a powerful antidote to negative thinking that can quickly spiral out of control. What seems to be helping me to recover? Assess the self-care activities you engaged in recently. Is it sleep hygiene, eating healthy, exercise, or something else? Determine which activities were most effective in promoting stability and well-being. Develop a plan to prioritize self-care, especially during periods of heightened emotions. What do I wish to express to my support system? Your friends and family may not be accustomed to the changes in your personality. This can create friction and long-term resentment unless you communicate your needs and challenges to your support system. Consider the quality of your relationships and how your support system can assist you during challenging times. What are my goals this week? Look ahead by outlining three small, achievable goals for the upcoming week. Tailor these goals to align with your current energy levels and mood. Remember to be merciful with yourself if you don’t reach those goals. For any unreached goals, consider making them your goal the following week. Conclusion: To conclude, each person’s journey is unique, and finding what works best for you is an ongoing process. Journaling is just one tool in your mental health toolkit, and it can be a powerful step toward understanding and managing the acute phases of bipolar disorder. Wishing you health and happiness,  

Coping Strategies and Recovery

7 Steps to Stop a Manic Episode

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7 Steps to Stop a Manic Episode Living with bipolar disorder is like surfing in many ways, especially when it comes to mania. You feel powerful, confident, euphoric, sexy. It’s a thrill and you start to feel invincible. However, the adept surfer knows sometimes there are waves that they are not prepared to ride, and there is always a moment to stop riding the wave to prevent harm to oneself and others. Similarly, when riding the highs of hypomania, it is important to be aware of when it’s time to reel it back before falling into full blown mania.  How to Deal With Mania and Manic Episodes [7 Steps] These days my schedule is quite chaotic. Maintaining a full time job, investments, this small business of mine, and some social life has filled my cup to capacity. I had two nights in a row where I went to bed past midnight and had trouble sleeping because my mind was swirling with all the things I wasn’t finishing on time.  I felt I was in a hypomanic state and quickly accelerating towards mania. Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, especially when trying to prevent manic episodes. However, with the right strategies in place, it’s possible to maintain stability and avoid these intense episodes. Last week, I successfully employed the following steps to prevent a manic episode, and so can you. If you like what you read here, there is more in-depth advice in my book, The Five Pillars of Bipolar Recovery. Alert Your Support Group Take Control of Your Sleep Take Your Medication Eat Well Take Supplements Practice Breathwork and Meditation Consider Alternative Medicine Step 1: Alert Your Support Group I recommend alerting your support group that you are feeling energetically imbalanced and asking them to keep you accountable in your recovery plan by checking in on you every day until you feel better.  I called my mother and father and told them how I was feeling and exactly what I needed from them to help me recover. In the past, I would inform my psychiatrist as well. Having regular check-ins allowed me to reflect on how I got to a hypomanic state and receive feedback on whether I was doing the right things to quickly recover. Step 2: Take Control of Your Sleep Sleep plays – in my view – the most important role in managing bipolar disorder. By maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and ensuring an adequate amount of rest each night, you can help regulate your mood and reduce the risk of manic episodes. Be disciplined about when you go to bed and when you wake up, aiming for at least 8 hours of sleep per night. Go to bed at a set time and get out at the same time. Limit stimulation like music, TV, social media and do not look at any screen at least one hour before going to bed.  Even if you don’t sleep the whole time, retrain your body to rest and recover during your set hours. I highly recommend Matthew Walker’s book, Why We Sleep, for sleep hygiene best practices. But what do you do when you can’t sleep? Consider the remaining steps below.  Step 3: Take Your Medication There is no shame in taking medication to help prevent a manic episode. Work with your licensed healthcare professional if you need to adjust your medication. Typically, people with bipolar are on some combination of mood stabilizers, anti-psychotics, sleep aids, and pain medication. Consistently taking prescribed medication is essential for managing bipolar disorder, and if you think you may need one, then contact a psychiatrist or psychologist immediately. I liberated myself from regular medication under the guidance of my psychiatrist, but I took one last week because I was unable to get my sleep under control despite the natural methods I employ and write about in my book. In addition to medication, I took a painkiller to help with the migraine I developed due to poor sleep.Genexa andAdvil are my go to brands but generic store brands work well too. Fortunately, due to my integrative recovery plan, I only had to resort to medication once. Step 4: Eat Well Nutrition plays a significant role in overall health and can impact mood stability. Aim to maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. You can get my version of a modified paleo diet in my free E-book.  My advice also is to completely avoid consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and sugary foods, as these can exacerbate manic symptoms. Eating regular, nutritious meals can help support mental well-being and reduce the likelihood of manic episodes. Finally, try to eat your final meal four hours before going to bed to prevent indigestion. Step 5: Take Supplements Certain supplements may complement traditional treatment methods and support mood stability. Reishi mushroom, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Fish Oil are my go-to supplements because they are among the supplements that have aided my recovery time and time again. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure safety and effectiveness. Step 6: Practice Breathwork and Meditation Mindfulness practices such as breathwork (Pranayama) and meditation can help promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance emotional regulation during hypomania and mania. Incorporating these techniques into your daily routine can provide a sense of calm and balance as you try to bring yourself down to a stable level of energy. I did Yoga like the following video on my YouTube channel and repeated key affirmations that kept me positive through the discomfort and motivated me to recover. After years of practicing these affirmations, I’m super excited to release to you my latest mindfulness tool: 10 Affirmations for Better Mental Health. These affirmations have helped me still my mind during the highs and pulled me up from the lows of bipolar disorder.  I also employ a Pranayama practice popularized by Wim Hof; he even shares some of his practices for free

Inspirational Stories and Role Models

10 Famous Bipolar Geniuses

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10 Famous Bipolar Geniuses One of the things I worried about the most was whether or not I could live fully again with bipolar. It was remarkable to find people today and in the past to live full and successful lives with BP. If you are looking for a useful tool to cultivate a growth mindset while enduring the ups and downs of BP, check out my 10 Affirmations for Better Mental Health.Living with bipolar disorder can be a daunting challenge, but it doesn’t define a person’s potential for greatness. Throughout history and in contemporary times, numerous individuals have not only coped with bipolar disorder but have excelled in their respective fields, leaving an indelible mark on society. Here, we celebrate the lives and achievements of 10 remarkable public figures who lived with bipolar disorder: Vincent Van Gogh: Despite struggling with mental health issues throughout his life, Van Gogh’s artistic genius flourished, producing some of the most celebrated works of art in history. Virginia Woolf: The English writer and modernist, known for her groundbreaking novels such as “Mrs. Dalloway” and “To the Lighthouse,” grappled with bipolar disorder while revolutionizing literature with her experimental writing style. Winston Churchill: As the stalwart Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II, Churchill’s leadership and resilience guided his nation through one of its darkest periods, despite battling with bipolar disorder. Carrie Fisher: Beyond her iconic role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars saga, Fisher was an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness, openly sharing her struggles with bipolar disorder and addiction. Stephen Fry: The British comedian, actor, and writer has been candid about his experiences with bipolar disorder, using his platform to raise awareness and challenge stigmas surrounding mental illness. Ludwig van Beethoven: Despite facing profound personal and professional challenges, the legendary composer Beethoven created some of the most enduring and influential music of all time while grappling with bipolar disorder. Ted Turner: As the visionary media mogul behind CNN and founder of Turner Broadcasting System, Turner’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovation reshaped the media landscape, all while managing bipolar disorder. Patty Duke: The acclaimed actress and mental health advocate, known for her roles in “The Miracle Worker” and “The Patty Duke Show,” bravely shared her journey with bipolar disorder, becoming a beacon of hope for others facing similar struggles. Russell Brand: Through his comedy, writing, and activism, Brand has become a prominent voice for social and political change, openly discussing his experiences with bipolar disorder and addiction with honesty and humor. Mariah Carey: With her extraordinary vocal range and chart-topping hits, Carey has solidified her place as one of the best-selling music artists of all time, all while managing bipolar disorder and advocating for mental health awareness. Bottom Line: These extraordinary individuals remind us that living with bipolar disorder is not a barrier to success, creativity, or making a meaningful impact on the world. Their stories inspire hope and serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. By sharing their experiences, they have helped to break down stigma and foster greater understanding and empathy for those living with mental illness.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Myths and Facts about Bipolar Disorder

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Myths and Facts about Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, there are still many misconceptions surrounding bipolar disorder. Does a person switch from highs to lows in an instance? Is the person trustworthy? Is the person destined to live a life of mind-numbing medication and hospitalizations? Should a person apply for disabilities? It can be overwhelming to navigate these questions when wading these new waters. In this blog post, I’ll debunk some common myths and shed light on important facts to promote understanding and empathy. If you’d like to learn more, I encourage you to check out my book and masterclass, The Five Pillars of Bipolar Recovery.I built this course for myself in mind when I was hurled into the world of mania, depression, and everything in between. Now, equipped with knowledge and technique, I enjoy great health without the aid of medication. If you wish for this kind of recovery or for someone you love, then consider joining the BPH community. Myths about Bipolar Disorder 1. Bipolar disorder is just mood swings: Contrary to popular belief, bipolar disorder is not simply a case of mood swings. It involves distinct episodes of mania and depression, which can have severe impacts on a person’s life. The diagnosis is not yet isolated to one specific gene, blood test, or any other quantitative measure but rather a combination of things we will talk about later. 2. It’s just extreme moodiness: While individuals with bipolar disorder may experience mood swings, it’s essential to recognize that it’s not just a matter of being moody. Moodiness is a symptom of various factors such as poor sleep hygiene, bad nutrition, stress, lack of exercise, poor relationships, etc. It’s a serious mental health condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment as well as major lifestyle changes.  3. Only extreme cases need treatment: Bipolar disorder exists on a spectrum, and even mild cases can benefit from treatment. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and improve long-term outcomes. I err on the side of making lifestyle changes before taking medication; however, treatment is the physician’s territory, so my advice is to find a holistically trained doctor (search integrative doctor or holistic psychiatrist) that will only resort to medication when absolutely necessary.  4. People with bipolar disorder are always either extremely high or extremely low: While manic and depressive episodes are characteristic of bipolar disorder, individuals can also experience periods of stability. It’s not a constant state of extreme highs or lows. People living with BP also experience mixed states where they feel high and low at the same time! 5. It’s just a phase: Bipolar disorder is a useful framework to regain stability. I believe recovery is possible, but lifelong vigilance is necessary should one wish to avoid the extremes. I have asthma; however, I haven’t had to use an inhaler for over 20 years. In the same way, I believe my five pillars can help you regain and maintain health. It is definitely not just a phase. Facts about Bipolar Disorder 1. Genetic predisposition: Bipolar disorder tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component. Understanding the genetic factors can help in early detection and intervention. This by no means there is a guarantee, but just like diabetes, heart disease, blood pressure, etc. run in a family, BP does as well.  2. Chemical imbalance: Changes in neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine play a role in bipolar disorder. Medications targeting these neurotransmitters can help manage symptoms. Mania is often but not always an excess of dopamine while depression is often a severe lack thereof. However, medication such as mood stabilizers and anti-psychotics mask the underlying cause. 3. Triggers: Stressful life events, substance abuse, and disruptions in sleep patterns can trigger episodes of mania or depression in individuals with bipolar disorder. Identifying and managing these triggers is crucial for symptom management. 4. Treatment options: Bipolar disorder is treatable with a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Finding the right treatment plan may take time, but it’s possible to effectively manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. At BP Harmony, we move past mere symptom management and strive towards recovery! Conclusion: By debunking myths and understanding facts about bipolar disorder, we can combat stigma, promote empathy, and encourage individuals to seek help and support. It’s essential to spread awareness and foster a supportive environment for those affected by this condition. Together, we can create a more compassionate and understanding society for people struggling with BP disorder.

Lifestyle and Exercise

The Bipolar Diet

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The Bipolar Disorder Diet Hey everyone, welcome back to the blog. Today, we’re diving deep into the fascinating world of bipolar wellness and how nutrition plays a pivotal role in optimizing mental and physical health. I’m thrilled to guide you on this journey toward understanding the science behind a diet that optimizes recovery during the acute phases of bipolar disorder. I should confess from the start that there is no concrete bipolar disorder diet. However, there are key principles to help you eat in a way that not only prevents mood swings but also recovers such imbalances. If you are interested to learn more, check out my free e-book where I provide a free meal plan! Foods to Eat and Avoid with Bipolar Disorder Now, when it comes to bipolar disorder, we’re talking about a condition characterized by extreme mood swings, often rooted in biochemical imbalances within the brain. But here’s where it gets interesting: emerging research from top-notch institutions like Harvard and the Cleveland Clinic reveals a strong link between gut health and brain function. That’s right, folks – what you eat directly impacts your mood and cognitive clarity. The Bipolar Diet Breakdown So, let’s get into it. What exactly does a Bipolar Diet entail? Well, it’s all about fueling your body with the right nutrients to support optimal brain function and mood stability. Here’s a breakdown of some ideal proteins, carbs, and fats to include: Proteins: • Pasture-raised chicken • Lean sirloin steak (preferably grass-fed, antibiotic/hormone-free) • Wild-caught fish • Eggs (preferably pasture-raised, organic) • Beans and lentils Carbohydrates: • Quinoa • Sweet potatoes • Brown rice • Fresh fruits like berries, apples, and oranges • Vegetables such as kale, spinach, and bell peppers Fats: • Avocado • Extra virgin olive oil • Raw nuts like almonds, walnuts, and brazil nuts • Flaxseed meal • Chia seeds All these are carefully selected to nourish your mind and body, providing essential nutrients for optimal brain function and mood stability. Putting Theory into Practice Now, I’m a big believer in actionable steps, so here’s what you can do: start by incorporating these nutrient-rich foods into your daily meals. Swap out processed junk for whole, natural ingredients, and pay attention to how your body responds. Remember, this isn’t a quick fix – it’s a lifestyle shift aimed at long-term wellness. Long story short: Eat natural, whole foods. Avoid processed foods such as vegetable oils, processed sugar, and excess carbs. Drink 100 – 125 ounces of water. Bottom Line: As we wrap up today’s discussion, I want to leave you with this: the Bipolar Diet isn’t just about what you eat – it’s about empowering yourself to take control of your health and well-being. By nourishing your body with the right nutrients, you’re not only supporting your brain’s biochemical balance but also laying the foundation for a vibrant, fulfilling life. So, here’s to mastering bipolar wellness through the power of nutrition. Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring the science of Bipolar Disorder and Nutrition.

Parenting and Family Support

Imran Ghani’s Bipolar Recovery Tips for Moms on Not Your Mama’s Podcast

Leave a Comment / Parenting and Family Support /

Imran’s Bipolar Recovery Tips for Moms on Not Your Mama’s Podcast Exciting news! I recently was invited to the Not Your Mama’s Podcast as a guest, where I discussed strategies for supporting children with bipolar disorder. In this podcast, I covered essential tips focusing on sleep hygiene, nutrition, exercise, and building a robust support network. If you’re a mom seeking guidance on how to help your child manage bipolar disorder naturally, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in to the full episode and empower yourself with valuable insights. Thanks for being part of this supportive community!

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