Summary
Bipolar disorder (formerly know as manic depression)
symptoms are severe mood shifts from periods of highs with
energy and activity (manic) to lows with lethargy, sadness
or hopelessness (depression). These moods swings are
more severe than the normal ups and downs many experience in
life.
Symptoms of this disorder typically begin in the late
teenage and early adult period of life(15-25) and equally
effect males and females. There seems to be some connection
between having this disorder and a history of it in one’s
family. Although this condition is thought to be a long-term
illness many report that with proper help they are living
comfortable and productive lives.
Types of bipolar disorder:
Since symptoms can vary greatly from person to person
professionals use four terms to describe various types of
bipolar disorder. Bipolar type I, have manic episodes and
periods of mayor depression; bipolar type II, have lower
episodes of mania (hypomania) that alternate with episodes
of depression; cyclothymia, a milder form; and BP-NOS
(bipolar not otherwise specified) for those with the
symptoms but do not fit the criteria for the previous types.
PubMed give the following helpful
information about the symptoms of bipolar disorder:
In most people with bipolar disorder, there is no clear
cause for the manic or depressive episodes. The following
may trigger a manic episode in people with bipolar disorder:
• Life changes such as
childbirth
• Medications such as
antidepressants or steroids
• Periods of sleeplessness
• Recreational drug use
Symptoms
The manic phase may last from days to months. It can
include the following symptoms:
• Easily distracted
• Little need for sleep
• Poor judgment
• Poor temper control
• Reckless behavior and lack
of self control
• Binge eating, drinking, and/or
drug use
• Poor judgment
• Sex with many partners
(promiscuity)
• Spending sprees
• Very elevated mood
• Excess activity (hyperactivity)
• Increased energy
• Racing thoughts
• Talking a lot
• Very high self-esteem (false
beliefs about self or abilities)
• Very involved in activities
• Very upset (agitated or
irritated)
These symptoms of mania occur with bipolar disorder I. In
people with bipolar disorder II, the symptoms of mania are
similar but less intense.
The depressed phase of both types of bipolar disorder
includes the following symptoms:
• Daily low mood or sadness
• Difficulty concentrating,
remembering, or making decisions
• Eating problems
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Overeating and weight gain
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Feeling worthless,
hopeless, or guilty
• Loss of pleasure in
activities once enjoyed
• Loss of self-esteem
• Thoughts of death and
suicide
• Trouble getting to sleep or
sleeping too much
• Pulling away from friends
or activities that were once enjoyed
Oils, blends & products
recommended:
Oils & Blends:
Balance, Elevation, frankincense, lavender, melissa, Serenity, vetiver
Essential oils based
products:
Lifelong Vitality supplements
Also consider:
clary sage
Suggested protocols:
Proper nutritional balance - Along with
healthy eating habits use the Lifelong Vitality supplements.
Clarify and focus - Use inhalation of Balance,
frankincense, or vetiver. Carry Balance at all time, apply
to wrists, back of neck and/or inhale.
Lift and energize - Use Elevation
topically and/or inhale.
Stress relief- Melissa on the upper lip
and back of the neck is recommended. Also consider inhalation
of lavender. Use these same oils with a foot
massage. Inhalation can be by diffusing, cup and inhale, or just
inhaling directly from the bottle for emergency situations.
Rest and sleep - Serenity diffused or
the bottom of the feet.
A contributor gave the
following, very insightful, suggestions based on her
personal life experience. It emphasizes the point that oils
and nutritional help needs to be coupled with many other
conditions to provide lasting help. Read her full
story under the Experiences & Testimonials tab above.
Explanation - Lifestyle Prevents Disease.
If you hit a breaking point in your life chances are that
you have to assess your lifestyle. Assess all the different
forms of health as they affect each other... Physical,
Emotional, Mental, Spiritual, Financial, and Social.
• Your
physical health - Sleep, Diet, Excercise, Stress management
<-- All effect each other and all effect the body and other
forms of health.
• Your
emotional health - Find what true love is whether it is
agape, phileo, eros, or storge. Also know the five languages
of love (there is a great book by Dr. Gary Chapman) This
ties in with Social health
• Your
Social Health - How are your relationships?
• Your
Financial Health - An important aspect. Do you have a peace
of mind? Do you have related stress that has to do with
perceived view of income or security?
• Your
Spiritual Health - Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs shows that
people are looking for purpose. This may lead to a search
for God. I encourage everyone to go on the search; I have
friends with different faiths. My journey lead me to
strengthen my relationship with Jesus Christ as my Lord and
Savior in Christianity.
All of those were in place. I went to school. I slept
well and ate well and also worked out at times. I had made
friends and spent a lot of quality. I had no worry of
finances or the roof over my head. I prayed and I
fellowshipped with people who shared the same faith and
exchanged ideas with people of different faiths.
Being off medications for six years and counting can be
attributed to all these things but if there is any one
aspect I would have focused on as a priority for the rest
would be prayer and spiritual health because sometimes in
that situation you need a miracle, you need hope, that
seemingly can’t be found, and you need love. <-- That's my
personal view I hope you don't mind.
Tips on treating people that are struggling
with emotional health.
• Be
there - sometimes being there is more than enough. It can be
frustrating to figure out what a person wants. Being there
is better than not, even though they try to push you away,
because when we come to our sense we will remember that kind
of love.
•
Don't push (or offer at the right time) If you offer a
solution when a person is defensive, you might experience
some crazy rage. If you offer it while they are euphoric,
you may not get a serious understanding of the solution. If
they are depressed, they might try anything to take away the
torment. Either way, always share with love.
•
Inspire people to take action.
•
Treat people with dignity. I've always disliked my diagnosis
because I felt as if I was looked down upon. Labeled as
mentally unfit, unsound.
• Know
that it's not them, it's their body and condition. This may
be the hardest because you know your friend wouldn't do such
a thing, how can they? And you may not want to forgive them
and let them go on the excuse that it's their condition. But
please a person who is in the better situation in control of
emotions and let it go and forgive.
"Forgiveness is the final form of love.
-Reinhold Niebuhr" I agree with you, what they did isn't
right, I acknowledge that now let go. I've pushed away and
destroyed many relationships that took me a few years to
recover, some never fully recovered. It's quite painful. All
the above will help prevent or understand that.
One obstacle is letting go and willing to combat against
bipolar disorder. As ridiculous as it sounds there were
times I was okay with it and considered it a blessing. I
thought I could figure out to ride the waves of emotion.
Instead my emotions rode me and I was frustrated and on the
verge of not being all together there. I do remember this
quote by John Wooden, which reminded me as a leader to never
think of using emotions as a strength. "Emotionalism can
be a fatal flaw. I place the greatest VALUE on intensity.
It's the difference between a welder's arc and a forest
fire. Both have plenty of heat, but the welder's torch cuts
through the steel with precision, while the forest fire
rages out of control and destroys the forest." - John
Wooden.
SO WHICH Oil?
I do believe oils work. I use them. I have firsthand
experience especially with bursts of anger, stress,
depression, restlessness. Why did I tell the whole story
first?
1. Oils are like a crutch, they will help
alleviate some of the emotions, but you must change your
lifestyle to prevent emotional instability. Just as people
who have physical issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular
issues, etc... Oils work wonders but you have to do your
part.
2. To build trust and rapport. I have seen
this question pop on and on again. I've told people the oil
I use and is sometimes disregarded leaving a person with
mediocre results without even attempting to use the oil I
suggested.
3. As by the story I shared about myself,
it is not a one-dimensional issue. There are so many
aspects. I believe that it will spark a journey. For me, it
was resolving many personal issues from the past.
4. If you simply rely on the oil for it,
you are treating your body how your doctor treats your body.
You have “such and such”, take this. As a practitioner of
natural medicine, you must take a different approach than
western medicine, which is very specialized.
AND THE OILS ARE....
1. Melissa. I've shared
this with people and perhaps people disregard it in the past
because it was not readily available. I guess people are
hesitant when you offer a solution that so happens to be one
of the most expensive oils. I own every oil. Citrus Bliss is
great diffused but for me melissa is most effective. I place
it on my upper lip and the back of my neck . I used this for
stress. Sometimes I'm a bit tense. It's good to have a loved
one who recognized this to apply it when you may not choose
to.
2. Frankincense.
Frankincense is known for everything. I am starting to use
it more and more but it seems to work with my body beyond my
understanding. Frankincense has inadvertently helped aid me
with my sleep. I apply it topically. Though Serenity helps
calm me down and has helped with the peacefulness of sleep.
Frankincense has really helped with the quality or depth of
sleep. I notice that I recall my dreams, which is commonly
theorized to occur during REM Sleep.
3. Serenity. I diffuse
this and put it on the bottom of my feet. Sleep is important
for all aspects of health including mental. First thing to
get some sense of mind back is to get good sleep. Oils help
but make sure your biological rhythms are in tune. What you
eat, when you eat, how much exercise, when you exercise,
these are all factors for sleep in addition to using your
oils.
4. Elevation. Though I
don't personally diffuse this. There were times my family
members would diffuse this perhaps because of the melissa
inside and they have observed differences.
5. Lifelong Vitality Pack
- Though not an oil but an excellent doTERRA product (which
contains EOs such as frankincense) The Omega Fatty Acids
which are emulsified with its advanced delivery system is
great for your brain health. The Alpha CRS+ has great
ingredients such as oppa Monierri which helps with cognitve
function. The Microplex VMz is a highest nutrient/vitamin
supplement which is in the form of a whole food complex
which is combined with an enzyme delivery system. Your body
and brain needs nutrients.
Don't forget to drink lots of water! I hope all this
information helps. Thank you and God bless.
Experiences and Testimonials of others
Valerie - Is there
a protocol for bi-polar symptoms?
Pat - Yes there is. The beginning is to
start the LLV supplements to get your body’s nutrition back.
Start using Balance, carry it with you where ever you go and
apply it generously to the back of you neck, inside of
wrists and elbow or just breathe it. Use Serenity to help
you sleep. Use Elevation to lift you. Muscle test for these
oils first.
Holan - Melissa on the upper lip is
great too. Sleeping is very important for a person with
bipolar like symptoms. And there are many oils to help with
sleeping. Proper nutrition with the LLV is important as Pat
has mentioned. A person with bipolar like symptoms should be
surrounded with people who love them.
I personally had bipolar like symptoms. In 2006, I was
prescribed Ambien to get me in a sleeping habit. I took
Zoloft for a week which greatly altered my behavior and
affected my cognitive function. After a week of disaster on
Zoloft, I was put on Lamictal. After a few months, I felt
better with no need for prescription medication. I got off
Lamictal and I was worse off then I have ever been in my
entire life. The doctor scolded me and prescribed lithium on
top of my Lamictal. He also warned me that if I were to get
off the prescriptions, he would not be able to help me and
I'd be on my own and medication may not help again.
Later that year I moved to California and was
experiencing lethargy. I again sought medical advice and was
then re-diagnosed with clinical depression (by then I had no
symptoms), and offered a trial of antidepressants (all of
which worked on different parts of the brain). Later that
night, I decided to stop all my prescriptions. I've been
fine ever since.
Stress levels. Sleep. Regular healthy meals. Exercise.
Love. Fun. Prayer. All these things helped. I did have a
good doctor that took a holistic approach and I sought to
seek balance in my life.
Overall, it is still a journey where life improves on a
daily basis, whether it is an improvement in mental health,
emotional health, or physical health. Hope this information
helps.
Editorial comment –
5 months later Holan was kind enough to add this much more
detailed account of her journey. Because of the
personal nature very little editing has been done on the
following.
Holan - I pray for everyone who is frustrated with
emotions and for those who need love first and foremost.
Bipolar Disorder, formerly known as manic depression is a
condition I've seen asked about on this forum quite a bit.
Many ask which oil to use (If you want to know, scroll to
the bottom of the page) Before I tell you which oil, I
would like to share a few tips on dealing with people with
bipolar disorder (for friends or family) I am not a doctor.
However, I have been diagnosed with clinical depression,
then re-diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I have been off of
medications for over 6 years now. Praise the Lord!
I am writing this because I recently had a nervous
breakdown, with a new assessment and outlook of the
situation. I do believe that the term "Bipolar Disorder" is
used to describe a state for a period of time. I do not
believe that a person permanently exhibits bipolar traits
such as mania with thoughts of grandeur, anger, or
depression. I do believe that lifestyle prevents disease,
doctors treat it, but the body heals itself. It is no
different with bipolar disorder as it is also a physical
disease.
How was the diagnosis done?
Psychiatry/Psychology is not a perfect science. ADD,
Clinical Depression, and Bipolar Disorder are often
diagnosed and we have a world full of people on
antidepressants, stimulants, or mood stabilizers. I was
diagnosed with clinical depression at the age of 17. I lost
15 pounds in just a couple months due to a lack of appetite.
I was sleep deprived. I went through the initial stages of
psychotherapy, when my health was getting worse, I was
prescribed ZOLOFT. It had many very unpleasant adverse
effects on my mind. It is an antidepressant found to
commonly work with people with clinical depression (the
mechanism of action - Zoloft is a seratonin reuptake
inhibitor).
I was prescribed LAMICTAL, an epileptic medication with
very high success of treatment. (The mechanism of action -
Sodium Channel Blocker also blocks repetitive neuron firing)
Medicine treats the disease. It does not cure it. I felt
great. I was cured! ...Or so I thought. I stopped taking
LAMICTAL diligently. My condition was worse than before. I
was rapid cycling. I felt frustrated and was sad, and felt
like I had a monster to cage. How could I ever start a
family like this? I was then prescribed LITHIUM in addition
to LAMICTAL.
I quit cold turkey.
I took LITHIUM and LAMICTAL diligently as I attended
college. However there were times where I felt that some
emotions could not be kept retained, at other times I felt
as if I did not live life to the fullest. In the end, it was
my constant feeling of lethargy and a visit to the school
psychiatrist who then offered to “trial an error” 5
different antidepressants (with all different mechanism of
action) until we found one that would work effectively. I am
not a guinea pig or lab rat! I decided without the consent
or physician advice to stop my medication. I woke up the
next morning and noticed nothing happened.
Explanation - Lifestyle Prevents Disease.
If you hit a breaking point in your life chances are that
you have to assess your lifestyle. Assess all the different
forms of health as they affect each other... Physical,
Emotional, Mental, Spiritual, Financial, and Social.
• Your
physical health - Sleep, Diet, Excercise, Stress management
<-- All effect each other and all effect the body and other
forms of health.
• Your
emotional health - Find what true love is whether it is
agape, phileo, eros, or storge. Also know the five languages
of love (there is a great book by Dr. Gary Chapman) This
ties in with Social health
• Your
Social Health - How are your relationships?
• Your
Financial Health - An important aspect. Do you have a peace
of mind? Do you have related stress that has to do with
perceived view of income or security?
• Your
Spiritual Health - Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs shows that
people are looking for purpose. This may lead to a search
for God. I encourage everyone to go on the search; I have
friends with different faiths. My journey lead me to
strengthen my relationship with Jesus Christ as my Lord and
Savior in Christianity.
All of those were in place. I went to school. I slept
well and ate well and also worked out at times. I had made
friends and spent a lot of quality. I had no worry of
finances or the roof over my head. I prayed and I
fellowshipped with people who shared the same faith and
exchanged ideas with people of different faiths.
Being off medications for six years and counting can be
attributed to all these things but if there is any one
aspect I would have focused on as a priority for the rest
would be prayer and spiritual health because sometimes in
that situation you need a miracle, you need hope, that
seemingly can’t be found, and you need love. <-- That's my
personal view I hope you don't mind.
Tips on treating people that are struggling
with emotional health.
• Be
there - sometimes being there is more than enough. It can be
frustrating to figure out what a person wants. Being there
is better than not, even though they try to push you away,
because when we come to our sense we will remember that kind
of love.
•
Don't push (or offer at the right time) If you offer a
solution when a person is defensive, you might experience
some crazy rage. If you offer it while they are euphoric,
you may not get a serious understanding of the solution. If
they are depressed, they might try anything to take away the
torment. Either way, always share with love.
•
Inspire people to take action.
•
Treat people with dignity. I've always disliked my diagnosis
because I felt as if I was looked down upon. Labeled as
mentally unfit, unsound.
• Know
that it's not them, it's their body and condition. This may
be the hardest because you know your friend wouldn't do such
a thing, how can they? And you may not want to forgive them
and let them go on the excuse that it's their condition. But
please a person who is in the better situation in control of
emotions and let it go and forgive.
"Forgiveness is the final form of love.
-Reinhold Niebuhr" I agree with you, what they did isn't
right, I acknowledge that now let go. I've pushed away and
destroyed many relationships that took me a few years to
recover, some never fully recovered. It's quite painful. All
the above will help prevent or understand that.
One obstacle is letting go and willing to combat against
bipolar disorder. As ridiculous as it sounds there were
times I was okay with it and considered it a blessing. I
thought I could figure out to ride the waves of emotion.
Instead my emotions rode me and I was frustrated and on the
verge of not being all together there. I do remember this
quote by John Wooden, which reminded me as a leader to never
think of using emotions as a strength. "Emotionalism can
be a fatal flaw. I place the greatest VALUE on intensity.
It's the difference between a welder's arc and a forest
fire. Both have plenty of heat, but the welder's torch cuts
through the steel with precision, while the forest fire
rages out of control and destroys the forest." - John
Wooden.
SO WHICH Oil?
I do believe oils work. I use them. I have firsthand
experience especially with bursts of anger, stress,
depression, restlessness. Why did I tell the whole story
first?
1. Oils are like a crutch, they will help
alleviate some of the emotions, but you must change your
lifestyle to prevent emotional instability. Just as people
who have physical issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular
issues, etc... Oils work wonders but you have to do your
part.
2. To build trust and rapport. I have seen
this question pop on and on again. I've told people the oil
I use and is sometimes disregarded leaving a person with
mediocre results without even attempting to use the oil I
suggested.
3. As by the story I shared about myself,
it is not a one-dimensional issue. There are so many
aspects. I believe that it will spark a journey. For me, it
was resolving many personal issues from the past.
4. If you simply rely on the oil for it,
you are treating your body how your doctor treats your body.
You have “such and such”, take this. As a practitioner of
natural medicine, you must take a different approach than
western medicine, which is very specialized.
AND THE OILS ARE....
1. Melissa. I've shared
this with people and perhaps people disregard it in the past
because it was not readily available. I guess people are
hesitant when you offer a solution that so happens to be one
of the most expensive oils. I own every oil. Citrus Bliss is
great diffused but for me melissa is most effective. I place
it on my upper lip and the back of my neck . I used this for
stress. Sometimes I'm a bit tense. It's good to have a loved
one who recognized this to apply it when you may not choose
to.
2. Frankincense.
Frankincense is known for everything. I am starting to use
it more and more but it seems to work with my body beyond my
understanding. Frankincense has inadvertently helped aid me
with my sleep. I apply it topically. Though Serenity helps
calm me down and has helped with the peacefulness of sleep.
Frankincense has really helped with the quality or depth of
sleep. I notice that I recall my dreams, which is commonly
theorized to occur during REM Sleep.
3. Serenity. I diffuse
this and put it on the bottom of my feet. Sleep is important
for all aspects of health including mental. First thing to
get some sense of mind back is to get good sleep. Oils help
but make sure your biological rhythms are in tune. What you
eat, when you eat, how much exercise, when you exercise,
these are all factors for sleep in addition to using your
oils.
4. Elevation. Though I
don't personally diffuse this. There were times my family
members would diffuse this perhaps because of the melissa
inside and they have observed differences.
5. Lifelong Vitality Pack
- Though not an oil but an excellent doTERRA product (which
contains EOs such as frankincense) The Omega Fatty Acids
which are emulsified with its advanced delivery system is
great for your brain health. The Alpha CRS+ has great
ingredients such as oppa Monierri which helps with cognitve
function. The Microplex VMz is a highest nutrient/vitamin
supplement which is in the form of a whole food complex
which is combined with an enzyme delivery system. Your body
and brain needs nutrients.
Don't forget to drink lots of water! I hope all this
information helps. Thank you and God bless.
Monica - My mom is
presently in the ER. I think that she may be bipolar;
although I am not a mental health professional, so I really
can't diagnose anything... just reading the 'symptoms'
online, she totally matches up. Anyway, she's in the
hospital, is 'locked in' for her own safety, and will -
hopefully - be seen by a Psychiatrist at some point in the
near future and agree to treatment.
On the one hand, I wish she weren't there - don't like
the idea of medication, etc.; on the other hand, she was
just living with us for about six weeks, and I know that she
is not in her right mind, and perhaps medication to 'even
her out' will help her. I don't know the right answer
to this situation, or even if there IS a right answer.
All I know, right this second, is that I would prefer to
have the 'old' mom back...
Any suggestions for her (or me) would be greatly
appreciated. Also, my maternal grandfather was also
(in all likelihood) bipolar. Reading online, it seems
that this can be a hereditary condition. Any thoughts
on what I might do (and likewise my children - ages 21, 19,
and 13) might do to protect our own minds from this
condition? We are already on the LLW.
Pat - You have already made a
great leap for you and your family with the LLW. A huge
factor in handling depression and other mental situations. I
just had my nephew and his wife bring over their 14 year old
son who is ADHD and also has Asperger's. Her sister is also
suffering from bi-polar and we discussed all of these
conditions in relation to the oils. I did the Aroma Touch
Technique on the young man and it was the coolest thing ever
to see him relax and calm down through the whole procedure.
After we were through he went in and sat on our massage
chair (electric), turned it on and never left until they
were ready to go.
Our protocol for him is Balance and Vetiver in the
mornings before school, and when he comes home, at night
Serenity to help his sleep. They are also going to monitor
his food more, but he is very picky and this will be more
challenging. The sister is going to use a few different oils
until she can decide what works best for her.
Also, my daughter used the oils in place of meds. I
suggested to the sister that she should do it gradually and
not "cold turkey". I think it would be important to go into
it slow and easy, and let your body acclimate to the oils.
Ready, Set, Grow
