Somewhat, responses to asks might still be slow considering I’m busy with tests and finals are coming up fast for me. I’m not too sure about Kat since I haven’t talked to her in a bit. But we’ll try our best to respond as fast as possible.
-Xan
- April 29
- , 2013
Anonymous wondered:
If someone who didn't have bipolar took bipolar medications (abilify, lithium, etc) what would happen? Would they become manic, psychotic, etc?
That depends on the medication you’re taking. “Bipolar medicine” implies a mood stabilizer, like Lithium, Depakote or another anti-seizure medication, or one of the atypical antipsychotics, like Seroquel, rather than antidepressants. None of these medications is used exclusively in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
If you don’t have bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety or a sleeping disorder, you will probably experience at least some side-effects of the medication without receiving much benefit. You may or may not feel less aggressive, overall; you may or may not experience cognitive (thinking) difficulties; you may or may not experience weight gain; you may or may not feel sedated or sluggish. There are a host of other, more transient, side-effects that vary by medication.
Sudden discontinuation of a mood stabilizer by someone who’s really bipolar can lead to a relapse in symptoms, potential for reduce efficacy (effectiveness) when restarted, and possibly a long recovery period.
If you’ve been diagnosed bipolar, but simply disbelieve the diagnosis, be aware that this type of denial is very common. If you’re questioning your doctor’s assessment, please discuss your concerns directly with him or her.
-Xan
- April 24
- , 2013
Anonymous wondered:
Xan I saw you got an ask about dissociating. A shower helps a lot too.
- April 24
- , 2013
Anonymous wondered:
I get awkward when people describe something as "manic". My mom suffers from rapid cycling bipolar and when someone says "the gig was so manic" or whatever I hate it. Is there anyway I can get over this?
man·ic
- Showing wild and apparently deranged excitement and energy: “manic enthusiasm”.
- Frenetically busy; frantic: “the pace is manic as we near our deadline”
Sadly, the word manic isn’t solely for the purpose of describing a symptom of Bipolar disorder and it can be used to describe other things as well. I’m sorry that the use of the word bothers you so much, trust me I get bothered by plenty of words used all the time. But mostly when they’re used wrong etc. And I think those people might be using the word right. Just try your best to ignore it, or if it bugs you that much ask the person using the word nicely to use another word since it bothers you etc. And explain to them why if you have to even.
-Xan
- April 24
- , 2013
Anonymous wondered:
God Bless this blog. Kat, Xan, you're wonderful human beings.
apapergirl wondered:
Hi. I was just wondering how you go about getting an official diagnosis? I know my anxiety is social and I definitely know I'm depressed. And my doctors give me meds but no one has come out and said anything official? It just kind of confuses me and makes me feel worse.
Well, the way psychs are able to tell if you have a certain disorder aside from what you tell them (symptoms etc) they have to find out from how you react to certain medications as well. Unless you have severe symptoms, are hospitalized for them etc, they are not that likely to diagnose you instantly. It takes time in order to find the proper diagnosis. And honestly, receiving a diagnosis isn’t as important as the treatment itself. Just focus on your treatment and try not to worry on the diagnosis for now <3
-Xan
- April 24
- , 2013
Sorry we haven’t been on recently. Both me and Kat have been very busy. And I have finally managed to get my anxiety as well as everything else in check. I’ll be answering asks soon as well as posting up submissions. Thank you all for being so patient with us. And we are very sorry for those of you whose questions have not been answered.
-Xan
Anonymous wondered:
I was wondering if you or any of your followers can tell me if they stopped maladaptive daydreaming and how and why
Followers?
- March 27
- , 2013
itsspat wondered:
(tw, self harm, knives) Hi, i don't know if you will see this. I saw you post some things regarding self harm before, and I wanted to try messaging, though. I have a friend on here who's about to buy a knife and cut herself. We're far apart and I've tried to help but, what can i do to help her focus on something else and not cut right now, if anything at all? I don't know what to do to help her. I'm sorry that this is sudden but it is happening right now. :-(
TW: MENTION OF SELF HARM
Hey there, I’m sorry if this is late.
All you can really do here is offer her distraction, talk to her, show her our master post on preventing self harm and hope for the best. Unfortunately you can’t do a whole lot here, because in the end it’s still her decision whether or not she wants to do it.
I hope this helps a bit.
-Kat
- March 27
- , 2013
jibun-kakumei wondered:
I am working on setting up an appointment to talk to someone finally. If I say that I have been having suicidal thoughts how likely is it that they will make me be hospitalized? I really don't want to be hospitalized. thank you guys for always answering questions and running this blog, its really helpful!
Hey there. Don’t worry too much about hospitalization. Unless you’re a serious risk to either yourself or others, they cannot hospitalize you against your will.
Thank you for your kind words and I hope this helps!
-Kat
- March 27
- , 2013
Anonymous wondered:
Hi! In case you keep track of your follower count I just wanted to let you know that I unfollowed on one of my accounts just because I've been following on another one and they have become rather separate in content. You haven't lost a soul! I still love your blog and really appreciate what you do. :)
Don’t worry about it! Even if you, or any other follower for that matter, unfollowed completely, we respect that. I’m sure every unfollower has their own personal reasons for doing so and we don’t judge them based on that.
Still, it’s nice that you told us. I’m also glad you enjoy what we do here!
-Kat
- March 17
- , 2013
silentlyscreaming98 wondered:
Is it true that hypnotherapy can help the patient recall repressed memories of past trauma?
As with most, if not all, types of treatment and therapy, what works for one person doesn’t have to work for the next person. There are people that have benefited from it and recalled repressed memories and such, while it did nothing for others. You should talk to a professional that does hypnotherapy to find out if it’s the right thing for you.
-Kat
- March 17
- , 2013
Anonymous wondered:
Thank you for the glitter jar post. From the 10 times I had urges to cut this week I actually cut only 5. That is 50% off. Thank you for the support and loving words you have for the people who come into your askbox
TW: CUTTING
I’m so glad the post helped you so much and I’m so proud of you for taking such a big step towards recovery!
Thank you for your kind words, they’re much appreciated <3
-Kat
- March 17
- , 2013
Anonymous wondered:
Ok I'm the same anon that asked about feeling "normal" moods with bipolar disorder... I'm just curious if it's possible to feel full of energy but psychically tired during a manic episode if you've had a busy couple of days/week? This thought just struck me and I thought you or your followers may be able to help :-)
Welcome back, anon!
I personally have no experience with it, but that sounds like something that could happen. Even if the manic episode is giving you the feeling that you have all the energy in the world, your body is still susceptible of feeling physically tired.
I hope that helped!
-Kat
To our followers: Any input?
- March 16
- , 2013
**Trigger warnings apply to all podcasts listed.
→ Brattleboro
Podcasts and radio shows, primarily dealing with adolescent mental health, from the Brattleboro Retreat in southern Vermont.→ Conversations About Mental Illness
Monthly conversations about mental illness from NAMI Athens, Ohio. Our conversations feature local and national voices of those who are coping with mental illnesses themselves, or those who care for loved ones with mental illnesses.→ Flipswitch
Flipswitch: The Bipolar and Depression Connection is a weekly show run by teens and young adults that talks about issues relating to growing up and thriving while dealing with bipolar disorder and/or depression.→ Holistic Mental Health and Healing
Holistic Mental Health and Healing is a weekly radio program hosted by Tyler Woods, Ph.D. board certified holistic health practitioner through the American Alternative Medical Association. Holistic mental health is an ongoing journey of discovery and ultimately is about living better, being healthier, and striving for wholeness.→ The Julie Fast Radio Show
The Julie Fast Radio Show offers interesting and lively conversations based on Julie’s experience with a mental illness. Guests range from those with a specific diagnosis, their family, friends and health care professionals, as well as writers, mental health organizations and just darn interesting people!→ The Many Voices of Mental Illness
6 episodes: Accessing Mental Health Care, Mental Health Therapies, Suicide and Involuntary Commitment, Concurrent Disorders-Mental Illness and Addiction, Mental Health Care in the Community, Living Well With Mental Illness.→ The Mental Illness Happy Hour
Weekly online podcast interviews with comedians, artists, friends, and the occasional doctor. All exploring mental illness, addiction, and depression, especially among creatives. Hosted by comedian Paul Gilmartin.→ MUSC
Mental health podcasts with medical professionals from the Medical University of South Carolina.→ Not Alone
War changes a person. Soldiers who suffer from the aftermath of terrible stress fight a war after the war - a war to come to terms with the lifelong symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In these stories, soldiers talk about how they have have learned to cope with PTSD. They offer wisdom and hope for soldiers and families struggling with the aftermath of coming home from war.→ NPR
Stream or download audio versions of National Public Radio’s articles on mental health-related topics.→ One Hour AT a Time
Recovery, whether it is from substance abuse or a mental illness, requires a treatment plan, which in many cases is as effective as treatments for other chronic illnesses. “One Hour AT A Time” will increase awareness about recovery and decrease the discrimination against individuals in the recovery process.→ Reframing Mental Illness
Reframing Mental Illness challenges our views about mental illnesses and questions why mental illnesses are still treated differently than other health care conditions. With first person stories and expert insight, this program sheds light on the latest medical research and resources, explores obstacles to treatment, gives guidance about accessing services, and provides hope and support to individuals and families coping with mental illnesses.→ Royal College
The Royal College of Psychiatrists broadcasts the very latest breakthroughs and discoveries in neurosciences, psychiatry and psychology.→ SANE Australia
SANE Podcasts complement the SANE Factsheets, providing comprehensive interviews on a growing range of mental health problems and related issues.→ UCTV
Lectures (in audio or video) from the University of California on a variety of topics in mental health and psychiatry.
