First, I would like to give you a chance to practice mindfulness. There is this great website that has free streaming radio and you can listen to any kind of music you like. It's called Pandora. Get in a quiet place and play some soothing music for about 5-10 minutes.
Today I'm doing some research about bipolar disorder and nutrition. I just found some interesting information on a website about a holistic approach to treating the disease. They say:
"Has anyone from the medical profession looked at the effects of diet and nutrition on individuals with manic depressive disorder? The answer is that some have. Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, summarize this research and provide diet and vitamin and supplement information for manic depressives. Among other recommendations, they suggest a diet free of sugar, dairy products, alcohol, soda and caffeine. Whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes are encouraged."
This sounds daunting to me...how will I wake up without my coffee in the morning? (I could hardly write that)
I knew that my diet was probably effecting me, but I didn't realize how much. One thing I liked about this website--even though it concentrates on holistic approaches--it doesn't advise using no meds. I know that meds are a must for most of us. Sometimes I have a hard time with that concept and I want to just stop taking them because I still feel bad, but then I wonder how much worse things might get.
At another helpful website is called Organized Wisdom. They give the top sites that discuss nutrition and bipolar disorder. I like the website Food for the Brain. There is a lot of interesting information at that website for mental health and food in general.
SO, that is my discussion about how food effects bipolar disorder.
As far as I go, the past few days have been kind of painful. I know that it has to do with PMS and now I realize I should have visited my Red Tent. I have been so depressed that even going into my red tent didn't sound appealing. Nothing did. This makes me really scared for the future. Is it going to be like this (or worse) every month? And even when PMS comes to an end I don't feel too peppy.
I just started taking Wellbutrin (sp?) a few weeks ago in the hospital and it doesn't seem to be working. I just feel like no matter where I am, I can't be or feel happy. I tell my therapist and Psychiatrist this and they don't seem to think it's a big problem given my history. They're just scared that I'll have another manic episode. Sometimes I wish I would feel manic-- maybe I'd be more happy. I'm sure a lot of people would disagree.
I just wish this would all end. Maybe I need some mindfulness.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
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1 comment:
Jen, you might want to check out the work of Dr. Gabriel Cousens, MD. on the connection between mental health and nutriton. Dr. Cousens is a psychiatrist by training who now runs a wellness center in Arizona. He has written many books and always links diet to mental health...he makes a compelling case. You might find his works of interest. I am currently reading "Conscious Eating." Good luck.
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