Announcements: DBSA California Conference 2011: “What the world needs now.” October 14-15, 2011 in San Jose, CA Resources: Where to find information about medications: Medline Plus (consumers), PubMed (clinicians), NIH Mental Health Medications Questions to ask your doctor From the Question Bag: – What’s the difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II? – It’s hard […]
From the category archives:
Self-help
Having difficulty taking some of your medication? Here’s what your DBSA Palo Alto peers recommend. Stand up and tilt your head back. Take pills with applesauce or milk Separate the difficult ones from others Cut large or odd shaped pills (check with doctor). Take a sip, tilt your head back, put the pill towards the […]
How can I control my negative thoughts? Try not to “wallow in self pity”. Focus on humor, watch a comedy on TV or a movie Make the room brighter Get family or friend support over the phone, email Stop negative thought pattern Re-engage your thinking through exercise, physical activity, yoga, pilates, meditation Try to stop […]
Here is a list along with the links to various 12-Step programs in the Bay Area. Nicotine Anonymous Northern California Meetings schedule- A 12 … www.nica-norcal.org/meetings.html Home – Alcoholics Anonymous in Santa Clara County, California www.aasanjose.org/ A.A. Meetings in CALIFORNIA Help for Drinking Alcoholic Drug … www.step12.com/california.html 12–STEP RECOVERY MEETING LOCATOR FOR THE UNITED STATES […]
The meeting started out small this week – only four of us showed up by the normal start time (6:30). As we set chairs and tables up for a larger group, a bemused newcomer wondered what exactly we were up to. Shortly after, people began to drift in until we had a group of 10-15 […]
Lilly Reintegration Scholarship for those diagnosed with bipolar, schizophrenic, or schizo-affective disorder The Charles A. Olayinka Scholarship 500 words or less essay competition for $1,000 for those with bipolar disorder Bipolar Lives Scholarship 450 – 900 word essay for $1,000 scholarship for those with bipolar disorder INCIGHT scholarship $750 scholarship renewable for 4 years for […]
Light during the day and evening greatly effects your sleep. o Keep curtains open and be in sunlight o Use nightlights and dim lighting in the evening o Use only a book light to read in bed Computer, TV and cell phone light may harm your sleep o Avoid computer 2 hours before bed o […]
At almost every meeting we have a question in the Question Bag asking, “How do you take care of yourself?” Someone always recommends joining one or more support groups as among the most helpful self-care activities. There are numerous articles on the web and in the literature on mood disorders. Here are some that we’ve […]
If you see something interesting to do…but you don’t have anyone to do it with…let the group know. Most of us are looking for fun things to do too and I’m sure that someone would LOVE to go with you…or go in a mob. Here are some of the resources we’ve found useful for finding […]
