Surprise (Well maybe not)

Brian Buckham (26315)

Bass Miscellaneous Forum
8/1/2011 5:26 PM

Did you know that mental illnesses affect 1 in 5 people? The
Canadian Mental Health Association defines mental disorders
as,"Mental disorders are health conditions that are characterized
by alternations in thinking, mood, or behavior (or some
combination thereof) associated with distress and/or impaired
functioning." That mean all of have had or know someone that
had some sort of mental health problems. Why am I posting this?
Glad you asked. First, for 26 years I have had bipolar disorder,
specifically, bipolar 1 with ultradian cycling. That just means that
I am not even a normal bipolar. lol. For me, before medication, it
was wait five minutes and my mood will change. Those that are
around me already know, but others that knew me years ago may
just look back and go "duh". By the way, I was only diagnosed
six years ago. Second thing is that I want to try to bring
awareness to mental disorders and help remove the stigma. We
all know that this can be done. If anyone has any question about
mental health, go to the Canadian Mental Health Associations
website. If you have any question about just how crazy I am, talk
to my wife. Nah, just send me a message.

Peace

Brian

Responses (continued) [ Pages: 1 · 2 · 3 ]

Respond to this

Re: Surprise (Well maybe not) Part 2 and unexpected!

8/27/2011 5:46 PM

Brian Buckham (26315) wrote:

I guess my mental health worker and psychiatrist failed to
mention that I "may" experience anxiety and panic attacks. This
is not mentioned to patience because not everyone experiences
it. So, because of last Monday night I have an increased level of
Lithium (up to 900 mg per day). I have not left the house without
someone else driving since Tuesday. On the plus side, I'm on
med leave for a minimum of two weeks. Self discovery is a bitch.
It doesn't mater if anybody responds, as this is a selfish thing
that I am doing. I am now writing things down everywhere
because it helps me. So I will continue adding to this thread and
my Facebook page. This will be more detailed than Facebook as I
truly believe that this is a closer group of friends. Thanks for
listening.

Respond to this

Re: Surprise (Well maybe not) Part 2 and unexpected!

8/27/2011 8:08 PM

Charley Shipman (2699) wrote:

Hi there. I was diagnosed with schizo-affective in 1990. I can relate to you in a variety of ways. Part of this diagnosis is that there is a bi-polar component. The other, the psychosis. The stigma can be awful, but I am fortunate to have a good support system with my case manager and psychiatrist who are really good. I also see a therapist for the environmental aspects of the illness. The biochemical is far easier to treat.

Thanks for your sharing. It is not easy to do that.

Charley

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Re: Surprise (Well maybe not) Part 2 and unexpected!

8/28/2011 1:21 PM

Brian Buckham (26315) wrote:

Hey Charley. It is so interesting that each person is affected
differently. That is the most interesting part. The uniqueness of it
all. Just like "normal" people. They are unique. I can honestly say
that I am now an advocate for mental health awareness. On another
note, here is an article that links schizophrenia and bipolar. (The
Irish found it, go figure. lol)

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/233371.php

Respond to this

Re: Surprise (Well maybe not) Part 2 and unexpected!

8/28/2011 7:12 PM

Charley Shipman (2699) wrote:

Hey Brian,

That is an interesting article! Thanks.

Even after all these years, I still am
very hesitant to bring up mental illness.
I think it may be my personality type, as
I like to blend in with the walls. But I would
do well to start bringing awareness of it to
others who are open. Those who are not, I do
not know what can be "done" with narrow-minded
people. Perhaps it is just fear on their part.
But you are a brave soul to work at bringing
awareness of it to others. It can be risky.
Perhaps it is just my own fears!

Unless the picture is reversed, I take it you
are a lefty player? So am I, I will get back to
doing a homepage sometime.

I wish you the very best in your advocacy!

Respond to this

Re: Surprise (Well maybe not) Part 2 and unexpected!

8/28/2011 7:44 PM

Brian Buckham (26315) wrote:

Please! I'm bipolar.... not a lefty! Now that would be debilitating.
hehe Yes the webcam reverses everything. Everybody reveals
themselves at different speeds. I had to open up quickly as I cannot
stand secrets. I also live in a small town so word spreads quickly. I
want to get involved with the local community as well. I am willing
to speak out where I can. I do have fears, but they can be
medicated. lol. Stay well

Respond to this

Re: Surprise (Well maybe not) Part 2 and unexpected!

8/28/2011 2:09 AM

Maurice Carr (36802) wrote:

Hang in there B1, you have a lot of friends here on
AB.

It's great you're discussing it openly.

It's also great to see you have such a supportive
lovely wife on FB

Mo

Respond to this

Re: Surprise (Well maybe not) Part 2 and unexpected!

8/28/2011 1:26 PM

Brian Buckham (26315) wrote:

Thanks Mo. I find that logging my days and what is happening
openly is helping me more than others. My lovely partner, Angie, is
so strong. I really don't know how she does it, but she does. I have
an incredible support network, and the funny thing is that it is
world wide. Thank you my friend.

Respond to this

Re: Surprise (Well maybe not)

8/28/2011 2:30 AM

Dan Gable (7926) wrote:

Thanks for posting that Brian. I do not look at you any different. If anything I am proud you recognized it and got help. Like alot of diseases it is treatable. I think Bipolar Disorder is more common than people think and without recognizing the signs many people go through life untreated.
Take Care,

Dan

Respond to this

Re: Surprise (Well maybe not)

8/28/2011 1:43 PM

Brian Buckham (26315) wrote:

Dan. Mental illnesses affect 1 in 5 people. Bi-polar Disorder affects
3 million Canadians. There are so many sub variants within the Bi-
polar spectrum. The other issue is that 1 in 3 commit suicide. Well,
that's way to much and if by me speaking up once can help
someone then I've done my job. Thanks Dan

Previous Responses [ Pages: 1 · 2 · 3 ]