BRAVELY BATTLING BIPOLAR

Bravely Battling Bipolar

By: Stephanie Anne Allen, NAMI Connections Recovery Support Group Facilitator

            Bipolar disorder, often called manic depression, can be a very deliberating illness to such a degree that the individual is unable to function normally in life. The symptoms of bipolar disorder are divided into two categories: depressive symptoms & symptoms of mania.  There are also two types of bipolar disorder.  Bipolar I and Bipolar II.  Also, suffering with the illness is inevitable, but so is the hope of recovery.

            Symptoms of depression include loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable, changes in sleep and eating habits, hopelessness, helplessness, crying spells, and suicidal thoughts and attempts.  Often someone suffering with depression describes that “a dark cloud has distended over their head”.  They often suffer from low self-esteem and self-worth.  They believe that life has no purpose.

            Symptoms of mania include impulsive and risky behavior, with an inflated self-ego and delusions of grandeur.  They may believe that they are a saint or God or have some other “higher status”.  They may spend excessively, gamble away their entire paycheck, or engage in irresponsible sexual behavior.  They may speed to a great degree while driving.

            When an individual experiences both mania and depression at the very same time, it is called a mixed episode and this can be the most dangerous state for a bipolar person to suffer with.  The mania may be saying that they a martyr, while the depression is saying that suicide is not a choice.  Combine both of those and you have a suicidal person who believes that their life’s purpose is suicide and that when they commit it they with be seen as a hero.

            A person with Bipolar I experiences at least one episode of full-blown mania with depression.  While someone diagnosed with Bipolar II has a lesser degree of mania (hypomania) with bouts of depression. 

            Treatment of bipolar symptoms include both psychiatric medications and various forms of therapy.  The meds, normally mood-stabilizers, will level out the symptoms of this mood disorder.  Therapy will help a person to problem solve and turn their lives around.  A combination of both of these things is highly recommended. 

            Recovery is definitely possible.  I am a prime example of someone who achieved recovery through resilience.  If I can overcome this, I know that you can.  You must be strong, and you must never give up.  Someday my friend, you will be “in the light” again.  You can get your life back!  And that is what I wish for you.

(Stephanie Anne Allen is the author of My Mental Madness Memoir, How to Survive Depression, How to Survive Bipolar Disorder, & How to Survive Schizophrenia)

Check out all of Stephanie Anne Allen's Book here!
www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie

Defeating Devastating Depression

Defeating Devastating Depression

  By Stephanie Anne Allen, NAMI Metro Connections Recovery Support Group Facilitator

I could sit here and quote textbooks, but I want to write this from a “real person” point of view.   Not only do I have a degree in psychology, but I also have much personal experience with mental illness.  I was a victim, and then I became a warrior, and now I am proud to say that I am a survivor. 

Depression is a devastating mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide.  It does not discriminate, affecting all ages, nationalities, social-economic statuses, and both sexes.  It can ruin a person’s life, but only if they allow it too.  There is treatment, and there is hope of recovery. 

The symptoms of depression range greatly among individuals.  Most sufferers state that they “feel extremely sad”.  Others state loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy.  Some comment that their sleep and diet are affected.  Many times, those with depression will say that all they want to do is cry. 

            Many of the depressed find it difficult to do just the basics in life including taking care of themselves, and often times holding a job becomes a great challenge.  They lack the ability to concentrate.  They explain that a “dark cloud” has extended over their heads.  They often lack self-esteem and self-confidence.  They seem to approach life in a negative way.  They often are hopeless and helpless.  They see no purpose to their lives or a reason to be alive.

            Depression can be life threatening, because many people with depression become suicidal with ideations and attempts.  I never want to see it go that far.  I want people with depression to reach out and ask for help.  Most depressed people do not really want to die.  What they do want is help, and many are afraid to ask for it, due partly to the stigma attached with having a mental illness. 

Depression is said to be caused by both environmental and biological components.  I honestly believe that so much more research needs to be done on depression and other mental illnesses.   We seem to be in the “stone-age” when it comes to the knowledge we have on mental conditions.

Please reach out for help if you think you many have this illness.  Be not ashamed.  It is like any other illness.  It is a physical condition that just happens to affect the brain.  And remember that you are not alone and that you can achieve resilience and recovery.

            If you suspect that someone you love suffers from depression, please encourage them to seek treatment, but do not force it upon them.  People with depression often feel like they are not in control of their own lives and if you force them to get treatment they will retaliate by resisting treatment.  Approach them with compassion, understanding, and unconditional love.  This is of the greatest importance.  And if you yourself have been there you can also use an empathetic approach.  That is the most effective way. 

            If someone threatens suicide, please take them seriously.  Maybe you don’t think they’d really ever do it, but when someone says they are going to kill themselves, it is really a desperate call out to you for help.  We have lost so many to this senseless act, and we don’t need to lose any more souls that have purpose and worth in this world.

            Treatment consist of medication and various forms on therapy.  Antidepressant meds are the most effective medication for depression but if other mental conditions exist as well, a combination of different medications can be used in treating the condition(s).

            Therapy can help a person get in touch with themselves and sort out their issues.  It can offer a person to explore problem solving techniques.  A therapist is not there to tell you what to do.  They are there to help guide you and help you to  formulate solutions for yourself. 

            Recovery is definitely possible with meds and therapy.  Please also get involved with others who suffer from depression.  This will help you to not feel so alone and gives you the opportunity to form a reliable support system for when you are in need.

            I hope you feel that I have been “real” with you.  I have been there, and I feel empathy for all those who suffer.  But I also feel great hope that you can, and you will, recover. 

Stephanie Anne Allen is the author of: 

My Mental Madness Memoir

How to Survive Depression

How to Survive Bipolar Disorder

How to Survive Schizophrenia

www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie

HALF-PRICED MY MENTAL MADNESS MEMOIR!

My Mental Madness Memoir as an ebook will be 50% off from May 1st to May 7th!  This is an incredible account of insanity in the first degree and perseverance at its very best!  Get it then or get it now!  It is available in kindle, ebook, paperback, and audiobook.

Get it NOW!
www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie

Please remember that you are not alone!  And never give up!  Battle on my dear friends!

Please share this with everyone!

--Stephanie Anne Allen

INSIGHT INTO THE INSANITY OF SCHIZOPHRENIA

Schizophrenia causes its victim to detach from reality!  They may have delusions and/or hallucinations.  They begin to believe these delusions and create a new falsified world of their own.
I've been through this as well.  It is a very serious thought disorder!  What is it exactly?  How can you cope? 

Please check out my book titled How to Survive Schizophrenia now!  Contained in this book as as follows:

• Introduction
• Schizophrenia Defined
• Causes
• Symptoms
• My Own Personal Struggle with Schizophrenia
• How to Cope 
• Recovery and Outcome
• Inspirational Quotes
• Author's Note to Readers

You are not alone!  And those who are suffering may not even be aware that something is wrong with them.  They may think the problem lies in everyone else and that everyone is out to hurt them.

Get this book today!  www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie

Please spread the love by forwarding this to everyone who you think may benefit!

Kind Regards,

--Stephanie Anne Allen

COMPASSION & EMPATHY FOR BIPOLAR VICTIMS

Do you suffer from bipolar disorder or know anyone that does?   I have been there and I know many who are bipolar as well.  Frankly speaking, it "sucks".  So I turned it around and now I am inspiring others through my book How to Survive Bipolar Disorder. 

The content of this book is as follows:

• Introduction
• Definition of Bipolar Disorder
• Causes
• Symptoms
• My Own Personal Struggle with Bipolar
• Tips on How to Cope Successfully
• Recovery and Outcome
• Inspirational Quotes
• A Message from Author

This book is written by someone who has both professional and personal experience with mental illness.  The author gets right to point and hides nothing.  This book is written by someone who is "REAL" and has been there!  

If you know anyone who needs this book (you?), please forward this email to as many people as possible! 

Get it now!  www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie

Thank you for spreading the love my friends.

--Stephanie Anne Allen

AN EMPATHETIC VIEW ON CLINICAL DEPRESSION

Hello Friends! 
You've all heard the word "depression" thrown around.  Someone can be sad to be depressed after a death or any mishap in life.  But what is Clinical Depression.  What is its causes and symptoms?  How can we cope with it?  Is there hope of recovery? 

I have the answer to that and so much more!  But why should you listen to me?  Because I have a degree in psychology and first and foremost I have had depression for almost my entire life.  This gives me both professional and extensive personal experience when it comes to depression.

Depression can drain you and frankly make you feel like "shit".  You loss all interest in life and the things you used to enjoy.  Sometimes you dwell on thoughts of suicide and self-harm. 

Now what?
I wrote a book especially for those with depression.  It offers insight and inspiration into the illness.
This is what this How to Survive Depression contains:

• Introduction
• Definition of Depression
• Causes
• Symptoms
• My Own Personal Struggle
• How to Cope
• Recovery and Outcome
• Inspirational Quotes
• A Message from the Author

This book is available in kindle, ebook, paperback, and audiobook!

Get yours now!

www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie

Much love to you all!

--Stephanie Anne Allen

Newly released Audiobook of How to Survive Bipolar Disorder

The narrator, Holly Holt, does an amazing job of presenting How to Survive Bipolar Disorder in such away that keeps the reader engaged from the very first word to the very last!  She brings this powerful self-help book to life!  Join Holly and Stephanie as they take you on this incredible journey into the mental illness of bipolar disorder!
Check it out!