And the nominee is.....Brandon and the Bipolar Bear

Every parent who has a child with bipolar disorder has read them the book Brandon and the Bipolar Bear, and if you haven't pick up a copy right now and read it to them because it's an amazing book. And I'm not just saying that because my mother wrote it (I'm not biased at all, I swear)I'm saying it because it's true. For the first time Brandon and the Bipolar Bear has been nominated for the Favorite Special- Needs Children's Book on About.com We are all very excited, but since it's a contest for which book is the people's favorite (although I thought it was obvious)the people have to choose. The site that's having the contests is About.com here's the link http://specialchildren.about.com/b/2011/02/11/vote-for-favorite-special-needs-childrens-book.htmvote for the very first one Brandon and the Bipolar Bear so a very special writer, advocate, and parent, who has helped countless people understand bipolar disorder and how to cope with it, can win a very special award that it deserves.

Bipolar Disorder and Season Changes

There are many things that affect the moods of people with bipolar disorder. One of them is the changing of the seasons. It sounds weird but its true different times of the year have different effects on people with Bipolar Disorder. The most drastic months are fall and spring. This next segment talks about the changes and side effects this can cause.

Autumn

The months of fall are tough months for people with depressive tendencies. The change of weather, lack of a bright sunny atmosphere, and excessive amounts of dull and dreary days often causes a mood shift. (Just writing about it is making me depressed) It can take someone from a happy mood, (or at least not too grumpy) to sad and depressed. October has always been a hard month for me personally. The transition from summer to fall often puts me, and others, into a more depressed state. I usually need a temporary medicine change to get me through those months. If you are into alternative methods or natural remedies I also take something called Omega 3 it’s an all natural fish oil that boosts your mood, reduces anxiety, and helps you feel better. It has been amazing for me. It helps not only my moods from bipolar but also my anxiety I can tell a difference when I miss a dose automatically. However in interest of full disclosure there are a small percentage of people who take it that it sends into a more manic state. So if you’re going to try it start out with one and if you feel good then you can take more. You can find it at any store that sells vitamins it’s just concentrated Omega 3s and Fish oil.

Warning Signs of Seasonal Depression

Lack of Enjoyment- A person may lose interest in things they previously enjoyed. They may start something and then suddenly lose interest and stop. A person may not want to do anything at all. Low Energy- A lack of energy may make the most insignificant tasks difficult. The person may not feel like they have the strength to get out of bed. Change in Sleep Pattern- A person may sleep more often and for longer periods of time. Excessive sleeping can make it hard for a person to get up for school or work in the morning and may cause some school absences. Changes in Eating- A person may start overeating or eating more comfort foods and carbohydrates, which can cause weight gain. Difficulty Concentrating- A person may have trouble concentrating on a task they’ve been assigned or may forget what they just read easily, which can cause problems in school or work.

Why Does This Happen?

Experts believe that seasonal depression is triggered by the decrease of daylight. Nobody knows for sure why this happens, but scientists theorize that sunlight may play a role in making some of the brains hormones. With less sunlight less of one hormone is made and more of another so those hormones are unbalanced, (which is a lot like bipolar disorder itself.) The decreased hormone is called serotonin and the increased hormone is called melatonin. Melatonin is what the body produces when it’s dark to make you sleepy so if it’s darker longer then it makes more melatonin which is what makes you have a lack of energy, sleepy and moody. (Bonus points for anyone who can name the other 5 of the 7 dwarfs) All these variables combined is what makes a higher risk of depression.

And the nominee is.....Brandon and the Bipolar Bear

Every parent who has a child with bipolar disorder has read them the book Brandon and the Bipolar Bear, and if you haven't pick up a copy right now and read it to them because it's an amazing book. And I'm not just saying that because my mother wrote it (I'm not biased at all, I swear)I'm saying it because it's true. For the first time Brandon and the Bipolar Bear has been nominated for the Favorite Special- Needs Children's Book on About.com We are all very excited, but since it's a contest for which book is the people's favorite (although I thought it was obvious)the people have to choose. The site that's having the contests is About.com here's the link http://specialchildren.about.com/b/2011/02/11/vote-for-favorite-special-needs-childrens-book.htm vote for the very first one Brandon and the Bipolar Bear so a very special writer, advocate, and parent, who has helped countless people understand bipolar disorder and how to cope with it, can win a very special award that it deserves.

A New Year

The turning of a new year means accomplishment. We must have done something right the year before to still be here. So pat yourself on the back for that. Some think it means another year of challenges, dissapointments, and heartache. I say stop thinking that right now! Instead think another year of happy moments, new learning experiences, and successful life. Take each day one at a time and you'll make it through with a smile.(ok at least a half smile) I wanted to share with you one of my favorit quotes. It inspires me I hope it does the same to you. "When life gives you a hundred reasons to break down and cry, show life you have a million reasons to smile and laugh!"

We Won!

I'm glad to announce that the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation won the grant funding. Now there starting a new program that will help children with Bipolar Disorder be able to succeed. Thank you for your support and your voting.