Information and opinions on Bipolar from Angie at BipolarConnect.com. The HealthCentral Network, Inc. (www.HealthCentral.com) is one of the top health destinations on the Web, with more than 35 condition-specific, wellness and general health Web properties. http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/4829 http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/4829/rss self application/xml en-us 15 120 19 http://www.healthcentral.com/images/hc_logo_sm.gif http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/4829 http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/4829/11694/brain-loss-manic Wed, 25 Jul 2007 09:14:00 -0400 Angie Hi All, This story is making the headlines right now among psychology news alerts.  I have some mixed feelings about it.  First, validation that we do have a brain disease is always welcome if good science.  Next, fear that the next episode will shave off a few more memories and worsen my already questionable driving skills.  And third, how does this bipolar shrinking brain compare to the normal aging process?... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/4829/11694/brain-loss-manic http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/4829/11353/stop-relapse Sat, 14 Jul 2007 15:14:00 -0400 Angie I am looking for advice on how to stop smoking and stay stopped.  Do the patches really work?  I have tried cold turkey several times and can't get past the second week.  And my attitude changes with my moods.  My biggest one is:  I've had to give up all my other bad habits, this is the only one left.  Stupid I know.  HELP!!!Angie http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/4829/11353/stop-relapse http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/4829/11327/creative-moving Fri, 13 Jul 2007 13:19:00 -0400 Angie Hi All. Yesterday I discovered that my cable modem was not getting enough power from the splitter in the living room.  This has been the only place I have ever used the computer, but I do have a port upstairs, and yes, it has more power.  Fortunately it is an old Dell laptop and easily moved. BUT!  I am not a teenager lying on her bed typing.  And I'm not going to move the monster desk with eons of clutter... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/4829/11327/creative-moving http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/4829/11326/words-suffering Fri, 13 Jul 2007 12:58:00 -0400 Angie I came across a scrap of paper in one of my books.  On it I had written a quote that I must've found somewhere back during my hospital-work days. "I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches.  If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise.  To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openess and the willingness to remain vulnerable." ---Anne Morrow Lindbergh http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/4829/11326/words-suffering http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/4829/11315/kids-poem-lea Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:07:00 -0400 Angie These kids. With their hungry voices calling for attention using noisy arms and legs. And when that Fails, Whispering eyes peek under my pillow. Because- They are outgrown babies, But, still trying to fit in Mommy's sad bed. And pretend to be adults, and pretend life is easy because you can drive yourself to the ATM.   July 3, 2007       http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/4829/11315/kids-poem-lea http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/4829/11306/visit-doctor Thu, 12 Jul 2007 20:49:00 -0400 Angie Hi All-- I had another regularly scheduled visit with my psychiatrist today. Everything is as it should be.  At last visit, I was moving up into Super-Mommy-Mania in anticipation of having my children with me for the summer.  I have four, ages 15, 13, 11, and 9.  They live with their father. Within 3 weeks I was channeling Joan Crawford's Mommie Dearest.  I had to let them go.  I know it was the right thing to... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/4829/11306/visit-doctor