Bipolar Buddy

 I have had experiences with a friend that had bipolar disorder. It was as if they lived a life of two extremes.   It affected their personality, day to day lives and even their work. 

 Although they were diagnosed, they went off of their medication for a time, claiming they did not have a problem.  At times they could be a very exciting person with a great amount of energy and a zest for life.  On the other hand, they could turn into a very mean and angry person that could turn this way at the drop of a hat.  This was very frustrating, as this was a very close friend that I cared for. 

 It did affect their life as far as socially, as well as their employment.  They would often have to change jobs because of this mood change and forms of depression.  On the times they were experiencing “highs” they were very talkative, on-the-go and would have an activity-filled day. They were on cloud 9 and nothing could get in their way. They were very enjoyable to be around.

 I have learned a lot about this disorder from knowing them.  I have learned how to recognize it in others, and it prompted me to study on this further.  From researching this topic I now have a better understanding of it and how others are affected.   I have learned that you can not really help them, no matter how hard you try and that the only thing that will help is professional treatment and medications.  Sometimes it is just best to distance yourself from them and wait out their ‘mood’.   

Also, it is important others to know not to blame yourself for their change in mood or anger, no matter what their excuse is. Telling their friends or family about this may help with encouraging them to seek the treatment they need. 

Currently, my friend is taking medication and is almost a new person.  Though not the same, they maintain a balance in their mood and personality and they now lead a healthier lifestyle. 

If you do know someone with bipolar disorder, this website may help. It also has a forum where you can chat with others and ask questions.

http://www.bipolarsupport.org/

Menopause Abroad

Menopause Abroad: how menopause is viewed from a different cultural perspective

  When we think of the term ‘menopause’, it may carry negative undertones for some women.  We may first think of the ‘negative’ effects that it has on women and about the end of their birthing capabilities or of aging.  As it turns out, in a few other cultures menopause is thought of in a much different way. 

 One site that I found titled “Women to Women” describes how women of different cultures experience menopause.   What I learned that’s most interesting from this site is how women of Japan experience fewer ‘symptoms’ of menopause than women of  western culture do.  For example, in Japan, they do not even have a word for ‘hot flash’.  A lot of the research indicates that having fewer symptoms may be because of their diet and lifestyle.

  This time of change, that they call konenki is considered a time of “regeneration and renewal”, with the loss of menstruation being only one small factor in the bigger picture.  Konenki is roughly translated to ‘renewal years’ and ‘energy’.  It is an experience that is welcomed and respected.

  What I learned about rural Mayan Indian women is that they also look forward to menopause. (Everyday Health, EH 2012).  When they were interviewed, they found that they did not experience any significant symptoms during menopause.  With this change, women gradually obtain a higher status in their communities, are seen as spiritual leaders, and as ‘wise women’. 

 After reading of the other cultures, it makes me wonder how this natural change became such a dreadful experience here in the Western culture.  I hope this encourages women to see this maturation in a new and more positive light. 

Everyday Health, (2012)  http://www.everydayhealth.com/menopause/menopause-and-culture.aspx

Women to Women, (2011) http://www.womentowomen.com/menopause/menopauseacrosscultures.aspx