What It Takes To Blog Bipolar

Well, I have been blogging for nearly six months already, wow!   Over this brief but busy time I think I've learned a "fair" amount of what it takes to blog about bipolar disorder.  In this post I will take you on a basic tour of my blogging world and give you a sense of what its like to post on a bipolar blog (1). 

I'm certainly not a pro blogger and surely less blog savvy than the seasoned blogger.  However, I am knowledgeable about a few things bipolar.  I've spent a lot of time reading, researching, and experiencing bipolar disorder since being diagnosed in 1997.  

REQUIREMENTS.  Besides the need for a computer and internet access, there are no official requirements to blog online.  But you need to have a passion for writing about your subject.  Passion will provide the inspiration to keep the blog alive.  Yes there are other important attributes like persistence, stamina, and motivation.  But if you're inspired to do something then there's no stopping you!

CONCERNS.  There are concerns that I have to overcome when blogging about my bipolar experiences and beliefs.  Some of the concerns will stop me dead in my writing tracks.  

• Failure.  Afraid to fail?  Most people are.  I am.  This is a persistent thought, especially when first starting to blog. 
• Depression.  Writing is painful while severely depressed.  I  struggle each week getting my posts out.  On better days I write as much as possible and try to get ahead.  This allows me to have down days where producing content is just not there.
• Stigma.  Stigma towards mental illness exists.  I don't know whether it's getting better or worse but it is definitely out there!  You need to accept and cope with this.  It will come up while you blog.
• Privacy/Security.  How much privacy and security do you need?  You don't want to be accessible via your blogging web presence to your private residence.  Make sure blog and posts do not contain personal information.

BLOGGING.  Developing a blog post is a process with several steps.  Below are the steps I go through to publish a post.  Of course there are many more aspects to blogging that need consideration such as available time, access to a computer and the web, and more.  But these are the big ones for me.

1. Topic.  Choosing a topic is always a tricky step for me.  For each topic I ask myself will writing about it benefit my audience.  Is it interesting?  Is it useful?  Is it PG-13?  Is it legal?  Will this trigger a terrorist response from the Feds? 
2. Research.  This takes anywhere from no time to many hours depending on the topic.  If it's a post about my experiences or observations, then there's not much research involved.  However, a topic like "Scopolomine for Bipolar Disorder" can take 8 hours to find sources, research, analyze, fact check, and organize the information. 
3. Writing.  This takes up 75% of the time I put in each post, not including research time.  This includes writing and editing multiple drafts, incorporated graphics, including relevant links, formatting, proofreading, and more.  
4. Promote.  Yes I do some "promotion" of my blog posts.  It's a fact that you need to get the word out.  Otherwise how do you expect people to find and read your blog?  I manually tweet (there are autotweeting applications out there) on Twitter an average of 5 times each post.  I sometimes mention blog posts in bipolar disorder groups I belong to.  I also have a small email list that I send weekly updates to.  I don't have a facebook page, Google profile, or other social media accounts for the blog, yet.

Writing this blog was an excellent decision.  It positively impacts many areas of my life now.  My family and friends have taken an interest in my blogging.  This is satisfying.  Also, writing is therapeutic for me.  I get to work out my thoughts, concerns, and frustrations.  I really hope my writings help you in some way.

(1) I need to distinguish what I mean by blog.  For this post I'm talking about publically accessible bipolar blogs. 

Bipolar Survival Tip #2 - Avoid the Law!

It seems a hazard of life for some people is frequent interaction with the police and justice system.  And for those few people with bipolar disorder, staying on the right side of the law while trying to control bipolar symptoms and episodes is a serious challenge.

Sometimes I think we should just gather them all up and neutralize them.  Let's face it, staying clean, sober, lawful, and compliant with probation is overwhelming for some folks, even more so for those with bipolar disorder.  Should just put them in a big facility where they can be observed?  If so it should have nice gardens and water features.

Finding yourself on the wrong side of the Law is easier than you think. Of course the likelihood of being hassled by the badges is greatly reduced when you are polite and following the law.

I almost got a warrant one time because I forgot to pay a parking ticket.  It can happen to anyone.  So don't beat yourself up too bad if you do get caught.

I subscribe to the Chris Rock production below: "How not to get your ass kicked by the police."  I recommend you review this instructional video before proceeding.  The people in this video are not bipolar, except maybe the mad woman at the end.

HINTS

I have assembled some useful hints for ensuring encounters with the Law will be okay.  These are strongly suggested if you truly want to avoid negative interactions with the police.

Hint #1: Obey the Law.  I suppose a corollary to this would be "Don't Get Caught."  Bipolar and "normal" people alike get hassled every day for things like speeding, trespassing, and public intoxication.  The rules apply across the board.

Hint #2: Eliminate distractions.  Distractions impair your judgement, which you need when making drug deals or driving at high speeds.  Make sure you leave your woman at home if she's likely to be upset or angry.  Because a mad woman will say ANYTHING to get you in trouble!  I know a guy who got a parking ticket because his wife was ticked off about something that happened back at the house hours earlier.  They were parked and arguing but forgot to get out of the road.  They were stopped in the center turn lane.

Hint #3: Always maintain situational awareness.  The police are not on your side!  The badges are trained to skillfully and deceitfully manipulate you to say and admit things that will get you in trouble.  Keep this in mind while they are questioning you.  And if you think they're friendly, think again.

INSIGHTS

There are some insight I have to help you stay away from the badges and avoid having to wear their jewelry.

Insight #1: The Law does not always win.  I know of several friends who shall remain anonymous that have successfully fled, lied, evaded, avoided, and even climbed trees to escape from the clutches of the police.  So if you find yourself in a bind over an alleged infraction or violation, don't give up!  There may be a way out!
Insight #2: Develop impulse control.  If you value your freedom, then don't do crazy stuff that gets you in trouble.  There is an area of the brain (medial prefrontal cortex) that  inhibits impulse control.  It seems this area is less active for those having bipolar disorder.  Dr. Phelps shows there is a biological basis to impulse control.

Insight #3: Remember your rights and use them.  If you are in your house and they come knocking, then don't answer the bloody door!  Close your curtains, lock all doors and windows, and kick back inside until they get bored and leave.

MITIGATION MEASURES

Sometimes, even with our best intention, we may inadvertently have a meeting with the men in blue.  Here are two things to keep in mind if you find yourself in the back of a cop car wearing their jewelry.

Measure #1.  Quickly remind them you are mentally ill.  I can not stress the importance of letting the helpful responding officer know you suffer from a mental illness.  If its bipolar disorder, then say you have bipolar disorder.  Establishing the fact that you have a serious mental condition will be the difference between a three day vacation stay at the local mental hospital or being arrested and charged with something like drunk in public or disturbing the peace.  In fact, you may be lucky enough to walk with nothing more than a warning.  I've done it!  Act a little bizarre if you have to or just feel like doing so.  It will bolster the mental illness strategy.
Measure #2. Shut the hell up.  That officer will write up shit you or your friends say and it will be used against you later.  You'll be mad and say stuff easily.  Got to stay cool.

Measure #2.  Pretend you are sober.  This can be difficult if you are three sheet to the wind.  But do try because you don't want the drunk tank.  You will freeze your butt off in there, they keep it really cold.

BULLSHIT OR NOT?

You be the judge.  The tactics may or may not have happened.  For the record even if they did happen I didn't do them.  I can't be sure of course, but I have a sense that they will be of some value to someone-somewhere-someday.  Below are two potentially stellar defense tactics for keeping your freedom when you could be over your BAC limit.  Maybe these will be demonstrated on YouTube someday.

BS? TACTIC #1. Attention Deflection for DUI avoidance.  If you find youself pulled over for questioning while having a 0.08 percent blood alcohol level or more, then make strategic observations or helpful hints to the officer.  For example, when pulled over and questioned if he had been drinking my friend said no, but that his buddies in the passenger seats were wasted and that he was called to take them home.  The officer assessed the situation, saw three drunk guys in the car acting silly.  My friend provided information and helped the officer quickly evaluate the situation and make a decision.  Simple enough and it worked.

BS? TACTIC #2.  The Hail Mary for DUI escape.  Try this.  It requires one preparation step: (1) keep a pint of unopened 80 proof liquor in your glovebox, next to your insurance, registration, and gun (if legal); (2) when approached by the officer keep your window rolled up and get the bottle of booze; and (3) in his presence open the unopened bottle and drink it all!  This will send your BAC through the roof and mask any previous suspicions of drinking.  IMPORTANT: Do not try this if you have a mad woman in the car with you.  A very upset woman will say anything to get you in trouble (see Hint #2 above).

This information is for fun.  It is coming from a non-criminal type guy.  It is not a substitute for attorney advise or experience from real life cop interactions.  Be safe, and take your meds.

Meth and LSD for Bipolar Disorder!

April Fools!!  Really now!  Such a notion, meth and LSD for bipolar disorder.  Those things probably cause bipolar disorder.  I'm not sure on that.  They definitely mess up bipolar symptoms, according to my friend Anon.  I think I'm going to remove this post after today.  I know I would be upset if I searched online for "Meth" and "LSD" and "Bipolar" and landed on this page, ha ha.

Last Week

I had bad depression last week.  I didn't write much because of it.  It's Saturday today and this is my first time writing all week.  The post last Wednesday, "Bipolar Tip: Winning at Your Next Pdoc Visit!" was written the week prior.

I spent most of my "useable" time this week researching ketamine.  It's has potential for use treating bipolar depression.  It's a powerful drug with strong antidepressant effects that has seemingly stalled in its development.  Look for a post on ketamine later this month!

Cymbalta Withdrawal

As I posted a couple of weeks ago I am currently getting off Cymbalta.  This is still the case, but I think I'm getting some  withdrawal effects from it.  I have been markedly lower lately.

My tapering plan from my pdoc planned for lowering my dose by 20 mg/day a week at a time.  I went from 120 to 100 mg/day with seemingly no problem during week one.  Tuesday I lowered my dose to 80 mg/day.  That same day my depression symptoms (mood, fatigue, tiredness) fell from mostly moderate to mostly severe and its been the same since!

So, it seems like my withdrawal from Cymbalta is not going to be as simple as I'd hoped.  I'll call up my psychiatrist tomorrow and figure out what to do.  

Have a great week!