Your Pets and Your Meds
I've had two of my cats since 2005, and this year I adopted a kitten from the same shelter who is about 7 1/2 months old now. I never worried about them getting into my meds. I keep medication bottles closed tight at all times, and the only time pills are out is right before I take them, when I get them all out morning and night and put them all on a little tray before taking them. The only time I'd be concerned was if I dropped one - then I always made sure I found it. Well, that was fine with the two older cats, but the other night the youngster, Buzz, got up on my de

Save Money on Your Prescriptions
Medications for the treatment of bipolar disorder can be prohibitively expensive. However, there are programs offering medications free of charge or at reduced prices. Many pharmaceutical companies offer programs to reduce or even provide needed meds for those who qualify. Lady MacBeth has graciously compiled a list of phone numbers to the assistance programs for specific drugs. She writes, "These are the phone numbers for assistant drug programs. Sometimes I call them myself and other times I have to get my psychiatrist's office to call them." If your prescription is n

Holiday Survival Tip – Keep Family Guilt Out of the Equation
A few days ago, I asked for your strategies for getting through the holidays. We have a few excellent points made by readers. As a Certified Professional Coach for supporters in the bipolar community and the wife of a man with bipolar disorder the most important thing I do and recommend others to do is be prepared and learn from the past. If you know that certain situations or people spark the triggers of the illness than make the conscious choice to stay away. If they don't understand then they're not the kind of people you want to be around. You must love yourself and your partner above all others and keep "family guilt" out of the equation when deciding what to do and where to go for

What's Wrong With Me? Do I Have Bipolar Disorder?
It is perfectly normal to have days where you feel low and days when you are on top of the world. The emotional rise and fall of life is part of the human condition. So how can you tell when your experiences are normal and when they've pushed into the extremes of depression or mania associated with bipolar disorder? Should you consider scheduling an appointment to be evaluated by a psychiatrist? Consider three basic rules of thumb. ~Kimberly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Learn more or join the convers

What Are Your Tips for Surviving the Holidays?
The holiday season is usually a stressful time for most people; it is even worse for those with mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder. However, there are ways to alleviate some of the anxiety surrounding the many events associated with the holidays. How do you manage the stressful festivities? What are your tips for surviving the holidays? ~Kimberly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Learn more or join the conversation!