Working as a nurse in an emergency room you meet a wonderful variety of people. Among those I feel particularly sorry for are those with bipolar disorder. They can really be real characters: some hear voices, some live on the streets, some have a strange sense of humor, some like to sing and have fun… and much more. One thing for patients with similar bipolar disorder is that they take difficult medications, especially antidepressant with many side effects. For any question you ask these patients, the answer will usually be, "Well, I have bipolar disorder." As if this one sad fact is a sufficient explanation for all possible questions. But the word "bipolar", of course, does not mean everything, and this is especially true for women who have problems with hormonal changes. For example, one woman had a miscarriage because of severe bleeding, and she had to undergo hormone replacement therapy. After a few months, he 'completely lost'. He was convinced that he had to move farther, far away and start a missionary career - warned his troubled family. Bingo. He was drugged and given the appropriate label “bipolar.” Well - he took his drugs across the country and ended up living on the streets with the homeless. Eventually, she was rescued by some good friends, sent back home, when she had no more medication, tried to stay as healthy as possible, and was still bound by the heavy label “bipolar.” Many women during and near menopause go for haywire. but is that bipolar? I often wonder how much hormones can affect mental health, as is often the case with women after childbirth, called 'baby blues'. Usually due to the hormone progesterone it is easy to fix with a natural progesterone cream. Similarly, women - and men with their hormonal midlife problem - are more likely to be depressed. But should that really surprise us? After all, a lot of things change at this point - it's like puberty over and over again, but vice versa! New emotions and a new outlook on life… abandonment of old ways and struggles with new ones… There can be a lot of confusion with many challenging life-seeking questions. Unfortunately, many take the easy road and simply avoid everything. They admit that they are depressed and may not be able to comfort themselves with the words, “Well, I have bipolar disorder.” Another solution may be mental exercise. Bipolar or not, it is important to take essential amino acids and different types of proteins. Most protein foods are moderate and consistent: just red meat, chicken and eggs. If you read Dr. Eric Braverman's book "The Edge Effect", you will see that we need protein from many sources, including meat, poultry, nuts, eggs, fish, milk, beans and vegetables. This method is useful for all of us, but especially for those with bipolar disorder - whether it is real or not. Dark chocolate can be helpful as well, providing some of the same benefits as antidepressants like Prozac and Paxil, but without the side effects. Just as a healthy diet is important for growing children, so it is essential for anyone who is experiencing major changes or difficulties. So make sure you eat well and exercise, and read Dr. Braverman's "The Edge Effect". Give yourself what your brain needs to function properly and create harmony in your personality. Don't worry too much about your bipolar - or bipolar label. Apply your thoughts to possible constructive healing. Common sense is less common. We wish you the best of luck in finding what works for you! Warmly, Pieternel
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