Living Without Depression and Manic Depression - Living Without Depression

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Joelle: What are the first steps to take, if one is at the place of a "no exercise, junk food, no relaxation experience" type lifestyle?

Mary Ellen Copeland: I was working with a group of people who developed a really good planning and action process for restoring wellness. It is called a Wellness Recovery Action Plan. I have written about it in several of my books and it has become popular across the country. I developed such a plan for myself and use it all the time. It has made a huge difference in my life.

David: From all the interviews you did, can someone achieve mood stability without a healthy diet, exercise, light, etc.?

Mary Ellen Copeland: I haven't met anyone yet.

photogirl624: My son has just been diagnosed Bipolar at age thirteen after being labeled and treated for ADHD his whole life. What are your thoughts on diagnosing children with Bipolar Disorder and the controversies that surround that?

Mary Ellen Copeland: I do not believe in diagnosing children. I believe it can be a stigma that keeps them from doing the things they want to do with their lives and it changes people's expectation of them. I believe we should work with our children, to help them learn how to relieve symptoms that are troubling to them and others, and leave labels out of it. I know this is often not a popular view.

jeckylhyde: I have been suffering with Bipolar Disorder all my life, but was diagnosed in 1986. After my second big crash, my therapist suggested that I buy your book The Depression Workbook. I was skeptical, but reluctantly picked it up. When I got to certain sections, I got even more depressed because I couldn't relate to so much of it. Especially the support sections. I have no family and only a few close friends scattered across the States. How do I build a support system without scaring off any new friends?

Mary Ellen Copeland: Building a support system is very important. You deserve to have people in your life who treat you well and support you through hard times. I have learned from others, that the best way to do this, is by joining a support group. Find one that feels right to you, and attend.

Another thing you can do, is join groups in the community that do things that you find interesting to meet good people who might become friends. Another good way to meet possible friends is to volunteer.

I have just written a whole book on this. It is called The Loneliness Workbook. It is a big problem for many people. You are not alone.

David: Here are a few audience comments on what's been said tonight:

recov10: I am not familiar with your new book, however, The Depression Workbook, has helped me for many years. It is a source right at my fingertips, and I thank you for helping me understand so much more about bipolar disorder, manic depression.

rick1: Mary, you know it's not about foods. It is really about tenseness.

Helen: Mary Ellen, I really appreciate your self-help books. I strongly believe that there are many things we can do to help manage our moods, and I think that often people with mental health disorders don't hear this, so they feel helpless and hopeless because of the disorder. So thanks for sharing what helps.

Reb: Both my mother and I have been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Me, since 1971, and I agree with everything you mention. My mother is 88 now and is a convalescent. Her doctors do not keep her on medications for Bipolar and she is doing the best I ever seen.

Alley2: The Doctor has me on so much medication, but it doesn't really work. Instead, it just drugs me up. Furthermore, when I feel I need counseling, I don't get it, and I have to practically beg for it.

Sandra: I have been on Prozac for ten years, and find that I just as soon stay in my apartment rather than go out. Some days, not often, I need to get out but other days I get so down and want to stay in.

scooby: Isn't it wonderful to see people as warm, humorous, wacky rather than Axis I=Axis II=...I like you already :o)

David: Many of the things you referred to tonight, a healthy diet, exercise, even light, have to do with metabolism. Is that a key to maintaining mood stability ... speeding up your metabolism in a healthy way?

Mary Ellen Copeland: I think speeding up your metabolism in a healthy way, when you are starting to feel depressed, really works. I also have found techniques to slow me down when I am experiencing early warning signs of mania. It works both ways, and through consistent trial and error. Each person can find what works best for them in their life.

David: And we really haven't talked about mania (manic depression, bipolar disorder) too much yet. What self-help tools have you found to be effective for curtailing or containing the manic episodes?

Mary Ellen Copeland: The tool I use most to curtail mania is deep breathing relaxation exercises. When I realize I am starting to get really speeded up, I take a break and do one of these exercises. I have some of them on tape. Others, I have memorized. Sometimes I will spend a whole day involved in a very quiet activity with the radio, TV and music off, just to cool myself down and avoid mania. I used to have severe mania but have not had it in many years.

gremmy: Has it become more common for people to be put on more that one mood stabilizer? I feel like my options are running out. I'm a rapid cycler. My doctor just put me on another mood stabilizer and that makes two now.

Mary Ellen Copeland: Many people are on more than one medication. I am not an expert on medication. I am an expert on self-help. I have found that I can best manage my own moods by using many different self-help tools. I am allergic to most medications, so that has not been an option for me. And I manage my moods very well these days. I have been able to work, and do the things I want to do with my life. I have recently remarried and I am enjoying a wonderful relationship. This is something I couldn't do in the past.