Seven Tips to Rescue Christmas from Bipolar Disorder

Christmas can be a nightmare for people with bipolar disorder. As the philosopher Posidonius observed in the fourth century, ‘Melancholy occurs in autumn whereas mania in summer.’ Here downunder in Australia, Christmas is summer time, party time, spending time, hurry time, family time. This is a potent mix of triggers and seasonal vulnerability and many of us do fall over with mania. Friends and family don’t always recognise Christmas mania, because symptoms such as excessive drinking, lavish spending, staying up late at functions, and being in a hurry are features of the season. The stress involved with ‘having’ to buy Christmas presents and ‘having’ to get together with family, along with summer-time vulnerability make Christmas a bipolar nightmare in the southern hemisphere.

It’s not much better up north. Since the fourth century we haven’t come much further than Posidonius except to declare there is such a thing as Seasonal Affective Disorder. It seems the number of hours of daylight you experience is related to your likelihood of getting depressed in winter. The closer you are to the poles, the better your chances.

Then there are seasonal triggers, such as figuring out how to buy presents on a tight budget. If you’re depressed, the ubiquitous expectation to be happy (just because it’s Christmas) only makes things worse.

Short of walking around with a sunlight-emitting lamp strapped to your forehead, or cutting up your credit card, what can you do about seasonal episodes of bipolar? Here are some quick tips to rescue Christmas.

1. Maintain your daily sleep/wake routine. Use medicine if you have to;

2. Keep in control of drinking. If you suddenly start a binge, it could be a major alert of an episode;

3. Make a Christmas shopping list and don’t buy anything not on the list!

4. Ask your partner or friend to help you stick to a budget;

5. Keep up medication;

6. Check in with your doctor or mental health worker as soon as you or someone close notices          symptoms;

7. Keep away from any ‘toxic’ family members (you know who they are).

No plan is failsafe, but then again, having no plan is like going out without an umbrella on a stormy day. You can live well with bipolar, and Christmas doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Plan ahead and have a healthy, happy Christmas.


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You're Not Alone Panic Attacks Are One of the Most Frequently Experienced Disorders in the World

Panic attacks is one of the most frequently experienced disorders in the world. It is estimated that 4 or 5  out of a hundred people are severely affected by it, in one way or another. Because of panic attacks, a casual mood can turn into an eye-popping, jittery, can’t sit-still-on-the-chair mood, like what a husband feels when he’s eagerly waiting for his wife to give birth to their child.

A “little” anxiety is not a bad thing. It helps protect you from harm or potential danger, real or imagined, like other emotions. Let me explain.

Human beings are the most fascinating and intriguing creatures on earth.

The most pronounced reason why we dominate the animal kingdom is because of the way the human brain functions. One of the most distinctive features of the human being  is the ability to have feelings. Although we do not necessarily conclude that animals do not have feelings, as evidenced through research on the way they react to certain situations, human feelings have the depth and significance that go far beyond what animals can attain.

For feelings that deliver us good, we expound ways to improve it further. For feelings that deliver us harm and pain, we also try to minimize it or get away from it as much as we can. Anxiety is no exception. There is no need to totally eradicate harmful feelings because at least some of them are not 100% harmful. In small ways they also do us goo. The idea is to control and not be controlled. Let us take fear as an example

Fear, as you know, is one of the most infamous feelings we have as human beings. It is one of the biggest (if not the biggest) deterrents to our success. Yet in spite of the negative perception we may have about fear, it also has its little good side. Fear prevents us from getting hurt, both physically and emotionally. The “little” fear inherent within us is actually good for us. We need that “little” amount of fear. It prevents us from getting too aggressive.

The same is true with panic. A “little” panic can serve as a form of defense. But being engulfed with excessive panic may hinder you from performing your normal activities and may deter you to take action especially on not-so-common activities.

However if you have only one option to facing a panic attack, like it or not, you have to find the right approach to contain such attack  and suppress this discomforting feeling.

Panic attacks are actually a product of the mind, an imagination of a perceived threat or danger that can be controlled. In reality, such danger does not exist. Even the worst scenario that you can perceive under these circumstances are not life threatening.

Life is too short to be preoccupied with anxieties that hinder your growth. Find out more about how to eliminate panic and anxiety in the book  “How to eliminate anxiety and panic forever”  on Ahmed Qubia’s site  http://free.hostdepartment.com/p/panicaid/index.html

Panic Attacks and Depression - You Shouldn’t Have to Suffer

Today depression and panic attacks a very common for millions of people around the world. On average, fourteen million Americans suffer from major panic attack and depression.  Three million Americans suffer from panic disorder.  It is very common for those with major depression to also have panic attacks and elevated anxiety levels.  Because panic can mimic other disorders, such as hypoglycemia, heart problems, asthma and many more serious conditions, sufferers who have not been diagnosed with panic disorder can feel afraid and tentative about their health.

If you are having panic attacks, but are unaware, and are also suffering from depression, then the two can aggravate the other until proper treatment is realized.  As depression is another difficult illness to properly diagnose and treat, it is imperative to actively find treatment that works for you.

The Results of Panic Attack and Depression

People suffering from depression will feel bored, sad, hopeless, sluggish, alone and unloved.  They may suffer from insomnia, and will have elevated anxiety levels.  Because of this elevated anxiety, people with panic attack and depression will often experience panic attacks on a normal basis.  When someone has more than one panic attack, they can develop a phobia towards the situation, or a fear to return to a specific place.  Add in an already depressed view of the world, a worry that others find no worth in you, and you have a recipe for one miserable person.

Health care professionals are learning that the instances of panic attack and depression coinciding together are more common that thought.  While not everyone who is depressed will have panic attacks, many people who suffer from panic may very well be depressed.  There are certain SSRI antidepressants on the market today that are specifically recommended for use in treating anxiety along with depression.

Many people who suffer from depression do not know it.  When someone who experiences panic attack and depression has a panic attack, it can be very frightening.  Oftentimes, people in the middle of panic attacks feel like they are going to die, or that will lose their minds and “go crazy”.  This can prevent some from seeking treatment, as they do not understand what is happening to them, and fear the worse.

When the panic attack is over and the sufferer feels normal again, they may not think anything of it until it happens again.  Many people who suffer from panic attacks do not realize that they are not alone.  A person who is experiencing panic attack and depression may feel especially overwhelmed and will aggravate the situation by worrying and inflating the scenario in their mind.  They may feel hopeless to the point where they cannot see how treatment would be effective.

Treatment for depression with panic attacks is available and very effective.  Through any combination of medication, cognitive-behavior therapy and relaxation techniques, sufferers can gain control of their lives back.

The first thing you always want to do is see your doctor and discuss the symptoms and trouble that you are having. Your doctor will get you on your way to resolving your trouble.

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OCD Over Compulsive Disorder - Till Death Do Us Part

To lose a loved one is heartbreaking, to see some one you love in pain is heartbreaking, to leave your child on their first day of school is heartbreaking. All these sad events can be removed from our thoughts if nurtured tenderly and tactfully.  But what of over compulsive disorder a disease you can not negotiate with thus causing the patient to suffer from heartbreaking symptoms till death do us part. In some unfortunate cases parting of the ways was by death. (Suicide)

Over compulsive disorder can change a person and their way of thinking therefore causing havoc in their lives, in other words turning their whole world upside down. Do not despair or give up on yourself as we live in the 21st century where OCD is taken very seriously by 21st century doctors. Living in the modern world has now given many victims of this illness the will to fight the disease. Remember you need not fight this battle alone. There is a lot of understanding people in the medical profession who on a daily basis are helping sufferers alike to recognise that the symptoms of OCD can be eased, put on hold or disappear.


Till death do we part still stands if you permit your OCD to take control, divorce your self from your own thoughts?


OCD has caused so much heartache in the lives of approx 3.3 million American adults. This disorder is suffered by both genders and can effect all ages. Symptoms present in a patient are obsessions and compulsions where the person will enact rituals repetitively. These actions differ greatly among sufferers of OCD. Depending on the severity of the condition people have been hospitalised due to anxiety attacks and the stress which aggressively forces the patient to lose control.

Obsessions are usually of intrusive thoughts and disturbing images. Compulsions are rituals which are performed over and over again in a bid to rid their obsessions developed or brought on by the devil as some would see it.

Over compulsive disorder is not a solo act it allows other dedicated followers to tag along like depression and anxiety. The effect that these partners in crime have on a patient can be devastating causing so much pain to the victim and their loved ones.

When this disease gets to grip where it is causing concern for your health then please do not hesitate to talk to someone. Medication and advice is readily available for those seeking help.

This may sound a little selfish but choosing to ignore medical help will only add further pain to you and your loved ones - family and friends. Good for you if you have sought help then it is only a matter of time. The process of healing does not happen over night. But for those who choose to ignore the help then you instigate the pain behind what your nearest and dearest feel.

Put the shoe on the other foot where you become the victim of a victim of OCD.

Symptoms of Depression: How to know if you are depressed

Studies have shown that about 20 million Americans receive some form of depression treatment on an annual basis. Twenty Million Americans! Considering how grave an illness depression is, this is a rather worrisome number. As a result recognizing the symptoms of depression as a step for depression treatment may perhaps be the first move to make.

Like any other illness, depression, characterized by insomnia, mood swings, frustration and loss of appetite amongst other things, is a disorder that starts little but left unattended to can increase in intensity. Thus all efforts should be made to attend to the symptoms of depression and for best results; this should be in its beginning stages.

Now, the symptoms of depression may be caused or aggravated by other diseases (for example, in my case it was years and years of acne and asthma as a teen and adult), stress, use of drugs, Improper diet, Loss of a job or loved ones. The list is endless friends. However, as a famous writer once said, in regards to depression here is one helpful thing to remember: "Life's problems are like knives, which either serve us or cut us, as we grasp them by the blade or the handle: Grasp a difficulty or problem by the blade and it cuts; grasp it by the handle and you can use it constructively"

In order to not allow depression to take over your present situation and consequently hinder you from overcoming it, below are its symptoms in no specific order.

Symptoms of Depression:

1. Irritability and mood swings.
2. Hopelessness and extreme pessimism (a negative outlook on life)
3. Loss of energy, extreme fatigue and tiredness.
4. Loss of interest in hobbies, having a good appearance and even associates and loved ones.
5. Extreme feelings of helplessness and no self worth.
6. Suicidal thoughts (in extreme cases)
7. Insomnia (lack of) or excessive sleep.
8. Inexplicable weight loss or gain thereof, triggered by eating disorders.

Though not a conclusive list as characteristics vary by patient, these symptoms of depression listed above are the most common ones. If you happen to experience any of these symptoms, the first step, in my opinion and based on research will be to look within and ask why this may be occurring. Thoroughly assess your situation to see what it is that could be triggering these symptoms of depression within you. Could it be a failure at something or the loss of something or someone of importance?

If you go over the problem carefully, you would be able to target the cause and consequently solve it. Remember, the mind is the most powerful force on the earth, He who can control it can control all things my friend.

You will notice that I have made little or no mention of drugs or members of the medical fraternity. That is simply because I believe a drug-free alternative of treating depression and its symptoms will be the safest route to go. What with all the side effects of popular depression medications, why aggravate an already disturbed health with such unwanted side effects as nausea, weight gain and even sexual dysfunctions as reported in some cases.

With a drug-free approach of Positive Thinking, a carefully selected diet (yes, it matters friend) and some form of physical exercise-my personal recommendation being Yoga-you can tackle the symptoms of depression at any stage and empower yourself to lead a healthier and happier life.

Other things you can add to these three limbs are to take time to relax more, enjoy your favorite music (remember David playing for Saul in the Bible, yes music is soothing for depression friend), seek uplifting entertainment, read more self-help books, Heck, if you’re of a Christian background go to Psalms 23 or 91…they help. Seek out the company of those you know make you laugh. Or if need be, let out a good cry (don’t abuse it and you are not weak if you do, it’s part of being human.), clear the mind and empower yourself (if need be with positive affirmations repeated mentally or aloud) and tackle your problems because YOU CAN DO IT!

May Happiness be yours.

Beat the Symptoms of Your depression starting today.

How to Stop Anxiety Your Attacks Ruling Your Life

Some people don't even realize that they are having anxiety attacks, until they know what the definition of one is. An anxiety attack is a strong sensation that creates fear in oneself, as the symptoms can seem like you are actually dying. If you are someone who suffers from these kinds of attacks, it is important to know as much as you can about them as to help control them. Thus the more you learn and know the quicker you can begin to control your anxiety attacks.

The cause of  anxiety attacks can vary from person to person. They may be caused by an upsetting event in someone's life or a fear of
something they have experienced growing up. Stress is a big contributor to anxiety attacks, but the possibilities are truthfully endless. Medication is a known trigger of an anxiety attack, and being less than active is known to be a contributor as well. In reality, there is not a particular known reason for people who experience these attacks, they are in short a body's way of dealing with an overwhelming feeling in one way or another.

One of the main symptoms of anxiety attacks is extreme fear. Now, fear may be acknowledged as a symptom of anxiety, but in reality it is just the end result of the real symptoms. Before fear sets in, you are likely to experience one or more symptoms of anxiety, which lead you to the fear. Chest pain due to a racing heart, shortness of breath, and dizziness are all symptoms you may experience before the fear sets in. In the end, any uncomfortable sensation that is realized which makes you become fearful for your life is considered a symptom of anxiety, and therefore should be treated as such until you can confirm your suspicions.

Because so many symptoms that are realized during an anxiety attack are similar if not exactly like those of some other kind of condition, it is almost impossible to determine if what you have been feeling is due to anxiety attacks, or another condition. This is why it's important to see a doctor and explain your symptoms, so that your physician can run the necessary tests in determining whether you have an underlying medical condition that needs to be dealt with or whether it is more than likely anxiety you are dealing with at which point you can work with your doctor in finding ways to control it.

Once you and your doctor have worked together you can be on the way to resolving your trouble. If it is an anxiety attack there are many approaches you can take to help. Discuss your approach with your doctor. In many cases awareness is the first step you can take to stop your anxiety. 

Check back, as I will be posting other articles on anxiety and will include some of my own experiences. Always remember you are not alone.

Understanding Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders can have a devastating effect on those who suffer from them. Left untreated, anxiety disorders often inhibit an individual’s ability to function normally in everyday life. Anxiety disorder may also be a source of additional tension caused by the strain the condition places on personal and professional relationships.

 Physical manifestations in the form of illness and mental manifestations in the form of depression are often the consequences of the intense and irrational worry that characterizes anxiety disorders While new methods of treatment are being developed, the most current form of medical care involves a combination of therapy to recognize and change the mental thought processes that make anxiety disorders possible along with medication designed to minimize the chemical imbalances that may facilitate these thought processes.

 There are several categories of anxiety disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, but the most commonly diagnosed is general anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders can be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms associated with them are often shared by a variety of illnesses such as depression and chronic fatigue. In the past, physicians would frequently misdiagnose anxiety disorder by associating the symptoms with other illnesses while neglecting their underlying cause. This often resulted in treatments that were either ineffective or only served to inhibit the recurrences of specific symptoms. The end result of an improper diagnosis usually entailed an increase in other symptoms that were left untreated.

Today, there are several resources on anxiety disorders and the symptoms associated with them. An increase in medical information available through the Internet has allowed individuals to obtain facts on the diseases and disorders they could potentially be suffering from. The ability to convey the presence of symptoms to your physician can help him or her provide a more accurate diagnosis of anxiety disorders.

With proper treatment, anxiety disorder can be controlled.  Many who have suffered from this affliction now lead healthy, productive lives as a result of their commitment to maintaining a well planned regimen.

Stressful Moments - How To Cope Rather Than Live in Hope For A Cure

Why do we get stressed is a common question asked when looking for answers behind stressful moments. What a major breakthrough that would be if we could pinpoint exactly what it is that triggers these stressful bouts - but because we all differ in so many ways then trying to decipher what brings these moments to ahead can be very difficult.

Stressful moments can be brought on by many happenings or mishaps. In a stressful situation a sufferer may feel and experience loss of control of their body actions and emotions which they find is out of their jurisdiction. Stress hormones escalate out of control - this then activates an energetic flush of hormone release which speeds up the beat of the heart to pump faster which then causes muscle tension followed by accelerated breathing. These are not unusual reactions when stressful moments kick in

Other painful ailments suffered by a patient suffering from stress is migraine, back ache, palpitations, perspiration and high blood pressure - these symptoms are all common partners of stress. (Not in everyone) You may find a change in personality where you become touchy and irritable. Different reactions for different people - in some people the effects of stress may contribute to why they develop ulcers cold sores, and heart disease. Once again this does not apply to every one.

There are many stress related factors but the two main stressors are the internal an external - the outer one of the two can be brought on by a bereavement, debt or even a break up of a long time relationship. The other stress factor is where you yourself instigate the situation furthermore by forcefully contributing with the intake of certain matters that are not agreeable to the condition. Alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and many more along with environmental toxins are all chemical substances to be avoided because of how they exhaust the body of energy.

Cutting down or cutting out on your intake of these sources is not the cure but most definitely soothes the condition from flaring up to stages of severity. However, there are various techniques used to help combat stressful moments.

If you can label and identify the reason to why your physical and mental doings take place then there is a possibility that you can calm the condition. By ignoring the signs and symptoms of stress you may hamper your chances of ever having peace of mind thus intensifying the pain causing unnecessary suffering.

 Proven techniques practiced to today by millions to help with stress relief and pressure is to take up yoga exercise. Exercise therapy controls the build up of stress hormones. Mental exercises like Yoga meditation is a form of mind control exercise. By controlling the nervous system with relaxation classes you claim back control of your life - your emotions - your feelings - your actions and all because you did it the natural way.

Yoga is a natural remedy that is helping people to cope instead of living in hope for a cure. (Depending on the severity of stress or any other illness)

OCD Over Compulsive Disorder - Dying On The Inside

At least one in fifty adults in America suffer with Over Compulsive Disorder (OCD) double that number for the others who at some time in their lives have been affected by this controlling disease. The frightening thing is how many more are to be cursed by this death sentence imposed on the brain. Speaking from experience it has to be the fatigue factor that without a doubt is the cause behind the bouts of anxiety that accompanies OCD...

When the brain becomes abusive with an onslaught of verbal threats to do this/that and the other, your body becomes powerless to fight back. Lethargic and drained of all energy your body like that of a rag doll limp and lifeless, waves the white flag and surrenders.

Obsessions and habitual acts that each individual experiences will differ greatly. One thing that does not change is the compassion towards each other from fellow sufferers who understand the reasons behind why we do what we do.
You will find being on the road to recovery less of a burden after confiding in someone for help, talking with others who are suffering from this condition is great place to start.

OCD is equally as common in both sex's man woman boy and girl; symptoms have been diagnosed from an early age for many patients.
Obsessive rituals are stereotyped behaviours that are continually repeated causing anxiety where depression starts to sink in making this a major health concern for the patient.


There are so many different disorders relating to OCD but taking obsessive symptoms and obsessive thoughts are two that work hand in hand together in a similar way, a destructive force to contend with.

Sufferers with obsessive-compulsive disorder are more prone to anxiety/depression bouts where on the other hand sufferers of recurrent depressive disorder can develop obsessive thoughts.
Differentiating between both can be quite difficult in some cases because of the frequency where symptoms occur at the same

Either way both destroy a person's life eating away at their existence; OCD works its magical charm on anyone that proves to be a threat where obsessive rituals are prevented from being carried out.

Heaven forbid even as a do gooder looking on never tell a sufferer to stop what they are doing because the chances are you will find that you have just become public enemy number one. Let the patient in their own time figure it out for themselves when enough is enough.

Help clinics therapies and treatments are out there for those looking for a cure. Depending on the person and how severe their symptoms let the doctor decide what is the best medication for you.

Success stories where over compulsive disorder victims have been liberated gives the likes of you and me some hope for the future to go on living and destroy the heartfelt emotion of dying on the inside.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a treatable brain disorder marked by extreme shifts in a person's mood and disposition. Periods of intense mania are followed by bouts of severe depression, often with periods of normalcy in between. While on either end of the spectrum, sufferers of bipolar disorder often find it difficult to concentrate and maintain functionality sufficient for leading a productive life. Those who experience severe episodes of depression and hypomania are classified as suffering from bipolar II disorder, which women are diagnosed with more often than men. It is estimated that over two million Americans have a form of bipolar disorder, although many may be unaware of it. Bipolar disorder can develop at any time, however, most will experience the onset of symptoms in the post-adolescence/early adulthood phase of their life.

Fortunately, bipolar disorder can be treated but must be managed for long term success. Recognizing the symptoms of bipolar disorder is often the first step toward proper diagnosis and treatment.

The manic phases of bipolar disorder can be marked by an increase in energy, restlessness, irritability, the inability to concentrate, aggressiveness, euphoria, irrational thought and limited sleep, among other symptoms. The depression phase of bipolar disorder can be marked by feelings of sadness, guilt, helplessness, pessimism and agitation, as well as weight fluctuation, disturbed sleep patterns and a loss of interest in life. Suicidal thoughts may be present during prolonged periods of depression as well.

The importance of recognizing the symptoms of bipolar disorder cannot be overstated as many who suffer from it are improperly diagnosed because of the nature of their condition. Sufferers may feel that the extreme shifts in mood they are experiencing are simply the ebb and flow of life. They may seek help during periods of depression and not disclose their manic behavior because they associate it with happiness or normalcy. Recent attention paid to bipolar disorder and bipolar II disorder in the media, however, has helped to educate the population.

 Just as both forms of bipolar disorder have become more widely recognized by the medical community, the general public is also more aware than ever of their existence. Guidance is available for those who exhibit some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder as there are now many excellent resources for detailed information, both in print and on the web. Anyone who feels they may be suffering from bipolar disorder should always consult their physician. With proper treatment, those who have experienced the debilitating nature of this affliction can go on to lead healthy, productive lives.

Change Your Perspective (Video)

There are times you when you are not feeling to great and can see the world from a rather negative viewpoint this video contains some great perspective boosting quotes to enhance your enthusiasm once again.

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Mind Silence :Remove Negative Blocks and Change Your Life (Guided Meditation)

When you decide you want to change your life for the better and move on from emotional or physical abuse it can be hard sometimes nigh on impossible to know where to even start. We all know the feeling of lying awake at night with our minds racing trying to figure out the answers to our problems This  hypnosis guided by the incredibly talented Paul Santisi with help put you in a mindset of total peace and silence where you can look deeper into yourself and get the answers you need in order to make a positive change in your life.

Tips for Guided Meditations

Get Cosy 

1 Lie down  flat on your back in a warm bed with the duvet over you and a good set of headphones for an immersive experience. Being cold will stop you being able to relax into the right mindset to get the full benefit. 

Do a Sound Check Before Getting Started

2 Get the sound right, before you start test the volume and get it just how you like it before lying down for the test, there is nothing worse than having to break concentration at the start trying to get the volume right.

3 Go To The Loo

Imagine this you get fully relaxed in a great headspace the  realise you need the loo, you think I will hang on and keep going but the need gets more and more insistent and you will the session to end which means you cannot fully relax into the experience trust me it's a nightmare. I heartily recommend not drinking too much before doing one and using the loo directly before hand, these meditations can be over an hour long.

I am a big fan of Paul Santisi and I love that he pouts out these amazing recordings for free in order to help people.  You can support him by visiting his Amazon store.