computerbob1's Journal

Just a note to my friends on DS to wish you a happy Memorial Day weekend. As pointed out by a friend Okiegirl, Memorial Day is more than a day to remember those who have passed on before. It can be a time to let those important friends and family in our lives know that we love and appreciate them. It is also a time to remember the soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy and the families of those servicemen who grieve the loss.

I am also updating my goal today. It has been 176 days since my last 3 month isolation episode ended. I have 189 days to go to complete my one year goal which is something I have not been able to achieve for the last 10 years. I have to give credit to DS for the providing a place to find friends with common interests and goals and share our thoughts. DS has had a much more positive impact on my life than the time I have spent on other online communities like MySpace and Yahoo Groups.

I have continued to remain busy with my Handyman business and helping family and friends whenever I can. I am getting regular hours of sleep and eating good meals. I am working my program and following my treatment plan. I rate myself on a scale at 6. 

1.           __.. Depressed

2.    __..

3.    __..

4.    __..

5.    __.. Normal 

6.    _X_..

7.    __..

8.    __..

9.    __..

10.            __.. Manic  !@#%

I want to express my thanks to all my friends and family for their continued support. It has been a while since I posted my treatment plan so I am pasting it below. It is my operating manual for my life and if you don’t have one, you might consider making one that fits your needs.

My treatment program:

I am managing my bipolar or my program using several things I have learned in therapy over the years. I believe in the 12 step program for recovery and the following things.

1) Avoid major stress and drama, limit watching too many daily news programs or making problems of friends and family my own even though I can't do anything about them. Learn to say no.

2) Get the right amount of sleep 7-8 hours (not 3 or 16)

3) Eat good meals and limit my caffeine intake

4) Stay positive about things using skills I have learned (self talk)

5) Take my meds at the same time each day. Supplement my diet with a good senior vitamin, Iomega 3, Vitamin B-12 and extra calcium, St Johns Wort for depression and 200 mgs of SAM-e Mood elevator.

6) Get daily exercise and sunshine

7) Don't use other things as a substitute for medication like pain pills, food, caffeine or alcohol. (Don't take drugs or drink alcohol)

8) Stay in tune with anything you can read about Bipolar like news letters

http://bipolarhappens.com/index.php

http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/bipolar/related/support.asp

http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/helping-loved-one-with-bipolar

http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=home

9) Keep in touch with my support system (family & friends)

10) I use one tablet of Benadryl to help me fall asleep and stay asleep as recommended by my Pdoc.

11) Attend therapy treatments at least twice a month.

12) 12 step program: God grant me the serenity, to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference.

** I don't condone, promote or recommend adding to or stopping any med or treatment program without discussing it with your doctor first.

Have a great weekend and be kind to yourself!

Bob