On being just crazy enough
This is a great TED talk on being bipolar. Check it out. Let me know what you think.
Books
I have updated the book section of the blog so that there is a little more content to use. I will be adding more soon so keep checking back. If you have any suggestions that I have missed please, let me know.
Bipolar Disorder…what is it?
It dawned on me that some people that view this blog may not know what bipolar disorder is. Here is the DSM-IV definition that I found on line. It is for Bipolar-I. Here it is:
The essential feature of Bipolar I Disorder is a clinical course that is characterized by the occurrence of one or more Manic Episodes or Mixed Episodes. Often individuals have also had one or more Major Depressive Episodes. Episodes of Substance-Induced Mood Disorder (due to the direct effects of a medication, or other somatic treatments for depression, a drug of abuse, or toxin exposure) or of Mood Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition do not count toward a diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder. In addition, the episodes are not better accounted for by Schizoaffective Disorder and are not superimposed on Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform Disorder, Delusional Disorder, or Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. . . .
check out Wikipedia as well: Bipolar
Manic Article
I’ve often wondered if we can be stable while also being manic. In fact, it would be convenient and productive if we could pull it off. The danger of this thinking is that we generally can’t control our own mania without the help of medications. I certainly can’t…at least for now. Take a look at this interesting article and tell me what you think.
Get Moving!
The late great James Brown had an instructional song, “Get up off of that thing.” Good on ya James, I agree. Dancing makes you happy. So get on the good foot and feel better.
The Manic Youth Logo
This is the logo for the new blog. Please leave your comments in any of the blog pieces you think are interesting or useful.
Exercise your…polars (body and mind)
Today I worked out like the devil. I’m not sure how the devil really works out but you get where I’m going with this. I busted my chops so to speak. Walks, gym, playing with my dog, you name it…I did it. If you’re bipolar or have any other mental illness it feels real good to get some exercise. That’s what I find; I also find that my mood picks up. Work it out, get better.
What do you think?
Music to our ears…continued on TED
I love music. (Particularly gritty, soul-y Motown esque beats to be precise) The more evidence that is popping up about music and the brain is astonishing. This TED talk gives a more scientific reason why and it’s about as moving as TED talks get. Please watch.
Music to our ears
In past bipolar episodes I have always found that music is a great thing to have around. It lifts spirits and distracts from a lot of the negatives that come with an episode. While this video illustrates how music has helped an elderly man “come alive” the same principles can be applied to mental illness. Take a look:
Homeland and Bipolar
Apparently the show Homeland has a prominent character with bipolar. Check this article out and if you like watch the show and let me know what you think.
Forum