Information and opinions on health from HeyJude at HealthCentral.com. 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/profiles/c/57591/index http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/57591/rss self application/xml en-us 15 120 19 http://www.healthcentral.com/images/hc_logo_sm.gif http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/57591/index http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/57591/125076/holiday-stress Mon, 22 Nov 2010 23:57:15 -0500 HeyJude Most of us have learned many different skills that might help us deal better with our disorder.  We've had exposure to many different styles of therapy and therapists, unique doctors, a miriad of classes and lectures, books, online info, all aimed at giving us the tools we need to live healthy lives.    Unresolved stress is often at the root of many illnesses.  When I am experiencing high... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/57591/125076/holiday-stress http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/57591/124915/holiday-christmas Sat, 20 Nov 2010 15:30:53 -0500 HeyJude With the holidays upon us, it seems people are using Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights more and more every year.  I jumped on the bandwagon and bought 4 strings of cute round LED mini-lights at Target, and hung them in my 3-seasons room.  They are so beautiful and Soooooo bright blue.  After 4 days I took them down and plan to return them on Monday.    With my propensity toward manic episodes, I got to thinking... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/57591/124915/holiday-christmas http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/57591/49928/brain-chemistry Sun, 23 Nov 2008 13:51:33 -0500 HeyJude At times, I maintain fairly good bipolar health, but during the winter months I often slip into depression for no particular reason.  Depression can actually happen any time of the year with me, but it seems to occur most often after the holidays for approximately 2 months.  I don't really believe it's situational.   When I'm depressed, I am a totally different person, very out of touch, very impersonal.  Someone I hardly... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/57591/49928/brain-chemistry http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/57591/47568/memory Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:27:31 -0500 HeyJude A few years ago, I was working as as advocate at a local CMHC here in my hometown. Probably one my most memorable experiences comes to mind.  It had a strong impact on my life.   I'll call him Randy.  He was a bipolar Plus Plus - not only was he bipolar, he dealt with anxiety. Plus he was in prison.  Randy was about to complete his stay and was hoping for support from the outside world.  He wrote a letter to... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/57591/47568/memory http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/57591/47237/miracle-dogs Sun, 02 Nov 2008 09:40:25 -0500 HeyJude My dog Tioga is very in tune with my illness.  I think it's true of most domestic animals.  He will be 12 in December.  We have had him since he was 7 weeks old. He is a chocolate labrador retriever.   We're not sure how much longer he will be around.  He's had kidney failure -  he suffers from arthritis, has a hernia, and is developing cataracts.  He has trouble getting up the stairs to our house and his... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/57591/47237/miracle-dogs http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/57591/47024/brain-interaction Fri, 31 Oct 2008 07:20:43 -0400 HeyJude At times, I maintain fairly good health, but during the winter months I often slip into depression for no particular reason.  Depression can actually happen any time of the year with me, but it seems to occur most often after the holidays for two months or so.  I don't believe  it's situational but I suppose it could be.    When I'm depressed, I am a totally different... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/57591/47024/brain-interaction http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/57591/46884/antipsychotics Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:37:24 -0400 HeyJude Many of us take the newer (atypical) antipsychotics.  They include abilify, risperdal, zyprexa, seroquel and geodon.  They are all in the same family of drugs, but each is unique and different.   The pharmaceutical companies that manufacture these drugs (all of them) currently have various product liability lawsuits against them concerning the atypicals.   I've done a bit of research on Abilify - it's a med I put in... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/57591/46884/antipsychotics http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/57591/46555/grieving Tue, 28 Oct 2008 07:12:14 -0400 HeyJude Ctrygirl's recent post and my response got me thinking about the grieving process.  We all experience grief at some time in our lives.  Each of us grieves differently - there are no set rules, no handbook for grieving.   My son passed almost 7 years ago - it was without question the most difficult experience in my life.  I am still trying to come to grips with it.  My life has been changed... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/57591/46555/grieving http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/57591/46257/this-and-that Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:06:47 -0400 HeyJude Earlier this morning I was sitting outside on the back stoop smoking and thinking, or as a good friend says, contemplating my navel.  I've recently taken my smoking habit outdoors so that my hubby can enjoy a smoke-free environment.  No more guilt trips over second-hand smoke for me.   It's a known fact that nearly 40% of people with mood disorders smoke, a much higher percentage than in the general population.  I often... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/57591/46257/this-and-that http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/57591/45858/season-holidays Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:29:49 -0400 HeyJude It's been a while since I've shareposted - thought I'd write a few lines just because I'm inspired to do so.  Been dealing with some mild depression off and on...par for the course, I guess.  It doesn't get in the way much with my functioning skills for the most part, so I won't complain.   Just returned last Sunday from a 2-month work vacation in Michigan's beautiful upper peninsula.  We saw the fall colors come... http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/c/57591/45858/season-holidays