Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Veggie snacks ...who knew
So bought these the other day (despite my husbands distaste look when I showed him) get home and wouldn't you know my fussiest of fussy husbands and kiddos liked them, they are indeed a must try
Monday, January 30, 2012
a pet peeve of mine..
a big pet peeve of mine that i truly have, is those that sit and complain about how hard it is to be a parent, granted YES it is hard its damn near tiring.. however, it is those with 1 child, and specially if you work, or if your husband works a 9-5 mon.-fri. job, and you have plenty of friends/family around, and you still have the nerve to sit and complain and moan about how hard parenthood is?.. that is the type of parent i truly despise and really REALLY want to smack upside the head with a big dose of reality! my world? Two kids, ages 3 and 1 girls, a husband that works 70-100 hours a week depending on the weather(truck driving) no daycare cause frankly it is NOT cost-efficient for us, why pay some one 60-70% of my check to watch my children ? to me that is to much of my check to make it worth the time to be away from my kids. it would cost us roughly 2400/month for daycare alone, no thanks. so I am basically the sole provider for my kids 95% of the time from time they wake to time they sleep , and every night mare and monster in between. A simple trip to the store, Hell a simple trip to gas station bathroom is a thing of the past to this mother, so when i hear some of these stories of how " hard" it is with that 1 child you have that you 1. don't see much due to working 2. have a great support help from family or significant other. all i have to say to you is trade places with me for a week, and then we can talk.... after you pick up your shaken body off the ground from experiencing real "hard parenting"
A few good pictures of my strengh , AKA my reasons for waking up
 |
| Anastasia Rose Newman |
 |
| Nadia Gladys Lee Newman |
duct tape and little girls
oh, the days i wish i had duct tape(oh and the fact that i wish it was humane too) and i could just duct tape the girls to a wall or each other, that could provide rather amusing in the end as well....hmm (thinks), the constant "mommy she hit me" and "wah" all over one toy or another is very tiresome, i used to intervene at every page turning drama, puppy toy stealing moment, but I've reached the point, as to if unless your crying tears cause your hurt then don't bug me about it! figure it out between the two of you! mommy has to maintain her sanity(what she has left of it that is) some how)
few of my favorite crock pot recipes
vegetable minestrone
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2- 10oz cond tomato soup
1 Tbsp dried basil leaves
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/4 tsp pepper
2 med. carrots, chopped
2 med. celery stalks, chopped
1 med. onion, chopped
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (We leave these out–None of us are mushroom fans!)
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 can (28oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 1/2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
1lb beef tips or hamburger
Shredded Parmesan Cheese, if desired
Mix all ingredients except pasta and cheese in 4-5 quart slow cooker
Chicken & Gnocchi Soup
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup celery – chopped fine
3/4 cup white onion, chopped fine
1/2 cup carrot, grated very fine
1 1/2 tsp – garlic, minced
1/3 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup cooked chicken, diced
16oz. pkg gnocchi (look by the noodles)
Salt and pepper to taste
Melt butter in large pan, add onions – celery-carrots-garlic and saute’ til almost soft. Add flour and mix
well, cook 3-4 min and stir freq. Add heavy cream, milk and chicken broth, mix
well. cook and stir until it thickens and comes to a boil. Transfer to the crock
pot and add the remaining ingredients. Cook low for 1 to 1-1/2 hr. Very easy and Very
good!!
Homemade spagetti sauce
1lb italian saugage
1lb hamburger
1/2 package of peperoni cut into 4's
1-28 oz can of diced tomatoes
2-14 oz cans of tomato sauce
1-6oz can of tomato paste
pinch of sugar
oregano
basil
3 cloves of garlic sliced
1/2 of an onion
cook on low for 4-5 hours
meatball tortellini soup
1-32 oz of chicken broth/stock
3 cups of water
1 -16 oz bag frozen tortellini
1-28 oz can diced tomatoes
3- 14oz cans of cantillini beans
1-12/16 oz bag of frozen meatballs
1/2 cup diced or frozen diced onions
cook on low for 4-5 hours
chicken cordon bleu casserole
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
1 can condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
1 cup Milk
1 box Chicken Stovetop Stuffing
6 (approx.) slices deli ham (I used honey ham)
6 (approx.) slices swiss cheese
2 Tbsp. butter, cut into lots of pieces
Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
In the Slow Cooker insert, place the chicken. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Mix the Cream of Chicken soup with the milk, salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Pour over the chicken.
next layer on the ham slices
Prepare the stuffing according to the box and then spread evenly over the ham.
Place butter slices on top of the stuffing.
Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.
Uncover for about 20 mins or so on HIGH to help thicken the liquid.
place swiss cheese on top reclose lid till melted :)
mac and cheese
1/2 lb. Elbow noodles, uncooked
1 small onion, chopped finely
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 15oz. can Evaporated Milk
3 cups milk
1/2 stick butter, melted
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp. mustard powder
Non-Stick Spray
Directions:
Spray your Slow Cooker insert with non-stick spray.
Add all ingredients and stir.
Cook on LOW for 4 hours or so.
cheesy ranch tot bake
1 lb. ground turkey, cooked
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 cups cheese, shredded (I had mexican blend, but use whatever sounds good to you!)
32 oz. bag frozen Tator Tots
1 can Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup
1 can Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
1 cup milk
1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
Spray your slow cooker insert with non-stick spray.
Line the bottom with the ground turkey, cooked with salt and pepper.
sprinkle onions on top of that
layer cheese on top of that
dump tator tots on top of that
Mix together the cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese soup, onion powder, milk and ranch.
Pour that over the top of the tator tots and spread evenly.
cook on low for 7-8 hours
mexican pasta
1 lb. ground sirloin, cooked with salt and pepper
1 small onion, chopped
1 16oz. jar picante salsa
1 16oz. can refried beans
2 1/2 cups water
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. garlic powder
8 oz. Monterray Jack cheese, shredded
1/2 lb. shell pasta, UNCOOKED
scallions and sour cream for garnish
Directions:
First of all, I added all ingredients to the pan I browned the ground sirloin in and then poured it into the Slow Cooker. DON'T do that! LOL It was a pain in the neck!
Spray your slow cooker insert with non-stick spray.
In the slow cooker liner combine the first 8 ingredients.
Cook on LOW for 6 hours.
Add the shredded Monterrey jack cheese and the pasta. Stir.
Cook on HIGH for 15 minutes.
Cheese Tortellini with Italian Sausage Pasta Sauce
1 jar Pasta Sauce (I used Newman's Tomato and Basil)
1 can diced tomatoes
1 lb. Italian Sausage (not links....the ground kind)
1 onion, chopped
2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
1 tsp. Onion Powder
salt and pepper to taste
20 oz. Cheese Tortellini (I used Buitoni refrigerated 3 Cheese Tortellini)
Directions:
Brown Italian Sausage with the onions and salt and pepper.
In Slow Cooker insert, add Pasta Sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, salt and pepper. Add browned Italian Sausage and onions. Stir
Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours.
Add Tortellini, stir and cook for another 30-40 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
crock pot pork chops
4 boneless pork chops
1 can cream of mushroom
1 package Lipton onion soup mix
1 onion
Salt and pepper to taste
2 soup cans of water
Put soup and water in pot, add onion and chops then add soup mix over top. Cook on high 4 hours.
triple chocolate cake
1 box chocolate cake mix
1 (8oz) sour cream
1 (3 3/8 oz) pkg instant choc pudding mix
1 c chocolate chips
3/4 c oil
4 eggs
1 c water
Lightly grease slow cooker. In a bowl, combine ALL ingredients and mix by hand until completely mixed. Pour into slow cooker, Cover & cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or HIGH for 3-4 hours
chicken and dumplings
4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons of butter
1 (10.75 oz) can of cream of chicken soup
1 (10.75 oz) can of cream of celery soup
3 1/2 cups of chicken broth
1 onion, finely diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup carrots, diced
Chicken boullion seasoning or cube
salt & pepper
*As for the dumplings… You can make your own dumplings, or use 1 (10 oz) package of refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces
1. EXCLUDING THE BISCUITS put all ingredients in…
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours.
3. About an hour (give or take) before serving, remove chicken and pull into pieces and return to the soup mixture, place the torn biscuit dough in and cook until the dough is no longer raw in the center.
bloody mary chicken
1 bottle bloody mary mix
2lbs chicken breasts
directions-
pour bloody mary mix over chicken breasts(frozen) cook on low for 7 hours serve over rice
TATOR TOT CASSEROLE
First, line the bottom of your crock pot with a bag of tater tots.
Next, brown one pound of ground beef.
Once browned and drained, mix the beef with one can of cream of mushroom soup, two cans of string green beans, 1/4 cup of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Pour this mixture over tater tots and cool on high for 3 hours.
WHITE HOT CHOCOLATE
1 11 ounce bag of Ghiradelli Classic White Chocolate Chips
Dash of Vanilla Extract
1 pint Heavy Whipping Cream
1 quart whole milk
DIRECTIONS:
1. Place ingredients in the order listed in a 4 quart Crock Pot
2. Cover and set on HIGH
3. Cook for 1 1/2 – 2 hours or until chips are melted, stirring occasionally
4. Ladle into cups and serve (WARNING: EXTREMELY HOT!!!)
Sloppy joes
2lb ground beef (or turkey)
2 cups onion, finely chopped
2 cups celery, finely chopped
2Tbsp brown sugar
2Tbsp vinegar
2Tbsp mustard
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 tsp salt
1/4tsp pepper
1 small can tomato soup
1Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Brown first 4 ingredients. In a small bowl, combine all other ingredients.
Add meat mix to crock pot and pour over liquid ingredients. Stir together.
Cook on low 8-10 hours
crock pot fettuccine
2-3 chicken breasts, cut into pieces
1 pkg. dry Italian salad dressing mix
2 T. olive oil
1 can cream of chicken soup
8 oz. cream cheese
1 c. chicken broth
Place chicken in crock pot and sprinkle Italian seasoning over chicken. Sprinkle with olive oil. Cook on low for 4-6 hrs. Mix soup, cream cheese, and broth until smooth. Add this mixture to crock pot and cook on low for 1 more hour. Serve over hot, cooked noodles.
Enchiladas
1 1/2 lbs. hamburger meat
1 large onion
1can cheddar cheese soup
1 can cream of mushroom
1 can golden mushroom soup
1 can red enchilada sauce
1 small can chopped green chilies
12 corn or flour tortillas
Brown meat and onions in skillet and drain. Put in crock pot with all other ingredients except tortillas. Cook 4 hrs. on HIGH or 8 on LOW.
cinnamon french toast -crock pot style
1 whole loaf of bread
1 dozen eggs
2 tsp vanilla
4 cups of milk (1 used 2 cups of skim, and 2 cups of heavy cream)
1/4 t salt
2 t cinnamon
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup walnuts, or other desired nuts (optional).
The Directions.
Grease the inside of your crock pot (5-6 qt) very well with butter, shortening, or cooking spray. Slice your bread into large slices (if it’s already sliced, just dump it in) and place the bread into the crock pot.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla together. Pour on top of the bread.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This is done when the bread has soaked up all of the liquid and the egg has cooked (you can tell because you’ll see bits of cooked egg stuck to the bread). You can then take the lid off but leave it plugged in for about 15 min-serve! Can serve with fruit preserves or maple syrup!
creamy wild rice soup
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2- 10oz cond tomato soup
1 Tbsp dried basil leaves
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/4 tsp pepper
2 med. carrots, chopped
2 med. celery stalks, chopped
1 med. onion, chopped
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (We leave these out–None of us are mushroom fans!)
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 can (28oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 1/2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
1lb beef tips or hamburger
Shredded Parmesan Cheese, if desired
Mix all ingredients except pasta and cheese in 4-5 quart slow cooker
Chicken & Gnocchi Soup
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup celery – chopped fine
3/4 cup white onion, chopped fine
1/2 cup carrot, grated very fine
1 1/2 tsp – garlic, minced
1/3 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup cooked chicken, diced
16oz. pkg gnocchi (look by the noodles)
Salt and pepper to taste
Melt butter in large pan, add onions – celery-carrots-garlic and saute’ til almost soft. Add flour and mix
well, cook 3-4 min and stir freq. Add heavy cream, milk and chicken broth, mix
well. cook and stir until it thickens and comes to a boil. Transfer to the crock
pot and add the remaining ingredients. Cook low for 1 to 1-1/2 hr. Very easy and Very
good!!
Homemade spagetti sauce
1lb italian saugage
1lb hamburger
1/2 package of peperoni cut into 4's
1-28 oz can of diced tomatoes
2-14 oz cans of tomato sauce
1-6oz can of tomato paste
pinch of sugar
oregano
basil
3 cloves of garlic sliced
1/2 of an onion
cook on low for 4-5 hours
meatball tortellini soup
1-32 oz of chicken broth/stock
3 cups of water
1 -16 oz bag frozen tortellini
1-28 oz can diced tomatoes
3- 14oz cans of cantillini beans
1-12/16 oz bag of frozen meatballs
1/2 cup diced or frozen diced onions
cook on low for 4-5 hours
chicken cordon bleu casserole
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
1 can condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
1 cup Milk
1 box Chicken Stovetop Stuffing
6 (approx.) slices deli ham (I used honey ham)
6 (approx.) slices swiss cheese
2 Tbsp. butter, cut into lots of pieces
Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
In the Slow Cooker insert, place the chicken. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Mix the Cream of Chicken soup with the milk, salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Pour over the chicken.
next layer on the ham slices
Prepare the stuffing according to the box and then spread evenly over the ham.
Place butter slices on top of the stuffing.
Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.
Uncover for about 20 mins or so on HIGH to help thicken the liquid.
place swiss cheese on top reclose lid till melted :)
mac and cheese
1/2 lb. Elbow noodles, uncooked
1 small onion, chopped finely
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 15oz. can Evaporated Milk
3 cups milk
1/2 stick butter, melted
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp. mustard powder
Non-Stick Spray
Directions:
Spray your Slow Cooker insert with non-stick spray.
Add all ingredients and stir.
Cook on LOW for 4 hours or so.
cheesy ranch tot bake
1 lb. ground turkey, cooked
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 cups cheese, shredded (I had mexican blend, but use whatever sounds good to you!)
32 oz. bag frozen Tator Tots
1 can Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup
1 can Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
1 cup milk
1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
Spray your slow cooker insert with non-stick spray.
Line the bottom with the ground turkey, cooked with salt and pepper.
sprinkle onions on top of that
layer cheese on top of that
dump tator tots on top of that
Mix together the cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese soup, onion powder, milk and ranch.
Pour that over the top of the tator tots and spread evenly.
cook on low for 7-8 hours
mexican pasta
1 lb. ground sirloin, cooked with salt and pepper
1 small onion, chopped
1 16oz. jar picante salsa
1 16oz. can refried beans
2 1/2 cups water
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. garlic powder
8 oz. Monterray Jack cheese, shredded
1/2 lb. shell pasta, UNCOOKED
scallions and sour cream for garnish
Directions:
First of all, I added all ingredients to the pan I browned the ground sirloin in and then poured it into the Slow Cooker. DON'T do that! LOL It was a pain in the neck!
Spray your slow cooker insert with non-stick spray.
In the slow cooker liner combine the first 8 ingredients.
Cook on LOW for 6 hours.
Add the shredded Monterrey jack cheese and the pasta. Stir.
Cook on HIGH for 15 minutes.
Cheese Tortellini with Italian Sausage Pasta Sauce
1 jar Pasta Sauce (I used Newman's Tomato and Basil)
1 can diced tomatoes
1 lb. Italian Sausage (not links....the ground kind)
1 onion, chopped
2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
1 tsp. Onion Powder
salt and pepper to taste
20 oz. Cheese Tortellini (I used Buitoni refrigerated 3 Cheese Tortellini)
Directions:
Brown Italian Sausage with the onions and salt and pepper.
In Slow Cooker insert, add Pasta Sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, salt and pepper. Add browned Italian Sausage and onions. Stir
Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours.
Add Tortellini, stir and cook for another 30-40 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
crock pot pork chops
4 boneless pork chops
1 can cream of mushroom
1 package Lipton onion soup mix
1 onion
Salt and pepper to taste
2 soup cans of water
Put soup and water in pot, add onion and chops then add soup mix over top. Cook on high 4 hours.
triple chocolate cake
1 box chocolate cake mix
1 (8oz) sour cream
1 (3 3/8 oz) pkg instant choc pudding mix
1 c chocolate chips
3/4 c oil
4 eggs
1 c water
Lightly grease slow cooker. In a bowl, combine ALL ingredients and mix by hand until completely mixed. Pour into slow cooker, Cover & cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or HIGH for 3-4 hours
chicken and dumplings
4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons of butter
1 (10.75 oz) can of cream of chicken soup
1 (10.75 oz) can of cream of celery soup
3 1/2 cups of chicken broth
1 onion, finely diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup carrots, diced
Chicken boullion seasoning or cube
salt & pepper
*As for the dumplings… You can make your own dumplings, or use 1 (10 oz) package of refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces
1. EXCLUDING THE BISCUITS put all ingredients in…
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours.
3. About an hour (give or take) before serving, remove chicken and pull into pieces and return to the soup mixture, place the torn biscuit dough in and cook until the dough is no longer raw in the center.
bloody mary chicken
1 bottle bloody mary mix
2lbs chicken breasts
directions-
pour bloody mary mix over chicken breasts(frozen) cook on low for 7 hours serve over rice
TATOR TOT CASSEROLE
First, line the bottom of your crock pot with a bag of tater tots.
Next, brown one pound of ground beef.
Once browned and drained, mix the beef with one can of cream of mushroom soup, two cans of string green beans, 1/4 cup of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Pour this mixture over tater tots and cool on high for 3 hours.
WHITE HOT CHOCOLATE
1 11 ounce bag of Ghiradelli Classic White Chocolate Chips
Dash of Vanilla Extract
1 pint Heavy Whipping Cream
1 quart whole milk
DIRECTIONS:
1. Place ingredients in the order listed in a 4 quart Crock Pot
2. Cover and set on HIGH
3. Cook for 1 1/2 – 2 hours or until chips are melted, stirring occasionally
4. Ladle into cups and serve (WARNING: EXTREMELY HOT!!!)
Sloppy joes
2lb ground beef (or turkey)
2 cups onion, finely chopped
2 cups celery, finely chopped
2Tbsp brown sugar
2Tbsp vinegar
2Tbsp mustard
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 tsp salt
1/4tsp pepper
1 small can tomato soup
1Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Brown first 4 ingredients. In a small bowl, combine all other ingredients.
Add meat mix to crock pot and pour over liquid ingredients. Stir together.
Cook on low 8-10 hours
crock pot fettuccine
2-3 chicken breasts, cut into pieces
1 pkg. dry Italian salad dressing mix
2 T. olive oil
1 can cream of chicken soup
8 oz. cream cheese
1 c. chicken broth
Place chicken in crock pot and sprinkle Italian seasoning over chicken. Sprinkle with olive oil. Cook on low for 4-6 hrs. Mix soup, cream cheese, and broth until smooth. Add this mixture to crock pot and cook on low for 1 more hour. Serve over hot, cooked noodles.
Enchiladas
1 1/2 lbs. hamburger meat
1 large onion
1can cheddar cheese soup
1 can cream of mushroom
1 can golden mushroom soup
1 can red enchilada sauce
1 small can chopped green chilies
12 corn or flour tortillas
Brown meat and onions in skillet and drain. Put in crock pot with all other ingredients except tortillas. Cook 4 hrs. on HIGH or 8 on LOW.
cinnamon french toast -crock pot style
1 whole loaf of bread
1 dozen eggs
2 tsp vanilla
4 cups of milk (1 used 2 cups of skim, and 2 cups of heavy cream)
1/4 t salt
2 t cinnamon
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup walnuts, or other desired nuts (optional).
The Directions.
Grease the inside of your crock pot (5-6 qt) very well with butter, shortening, or cooking spray. Slice your bread into large slices (if it’s already sliced, just dump it in) and place the bread into the crock pot.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla together. Pour on top of the bread.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This is done when the bread has soaked up all of the liquid and the egg has cooked (you can tell because you’ll see bits of cooked egg stuck to the bread). You can then take the lid off but leave it plugged in for about 15 min-serve! Can serve with fruit preserves or maple syrup!
creamy wild rice soup
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 16oz half and half
- 32oz chicken broth
- 2 cans of cream of potato soup
- 1 block of Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 lb of bacon fried and crumbled
- 2 cups of cooked chicken
- flour to thicken(roughly 2 tbsp)
- cook about 45 minutes on stove and serve!
awareness.. and info WHAT IS bi polar truly..
 |
| how i function daily..... |
All of us experience changes in our moods. Some days we might feel irritable and frustrated; other days, we’re happy and excited. However, individuals with bipolar disorder experience severe mood swings that impair their daily life and negatively affect their relationships.
Approximately 2.6 percent of American adults have bipolar disorder (formerly called manic depression and manic depressive disorder), according to the National Institute of Mental Health. These mood swings include “highs” (mania), when individuals feel either on top of the world or on edge, and “lows” (depression), when they feel sad and hopeless. Suicide attempts are common in bipolar disorder, especially during depressive episodes.
Bipolar disorder can be effectively treated with medication and psychotherapy. With proper treatment, individuals with bipolar can lead fulfilling, productive lives. This is why it’s so important to recognize the symptoms and see a mental health professional for an evaluation.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
There is no single cause for bipolar disorder. Indeed, like all psychological disorders, bipolar disorder is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors, including:- Genetic: Bipolar disorder tends to run in families, so researchers believe there is a genetic predisposition for the disorder. Scientists also are exploring the presence of abnormalities on specific genes.
- Biological: Researchers believe that some neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, don’t function properly in individuals with bipolar disorder.
- Environmental: Outside factors, such as stress or a major life event, may trigger a genetic predisposition or potential biological reaction. For instance, if bipolar disorder was entirely genetic, both identical twins would have the disorder. But research reveals that one twin can have bipolar, while the other does not, implicating the environment as a potential contributing cause.
What Are the Different Types of Bipolar Disorder?
- Bipolar I is considered the classic type of bipolar disorder. Individuals experience both manic and depressive episodes of varying lengths.
- Bipolar II involves less severe manic episodes than bipolar I; however, their depressive episodes are the same.
- Cyclothymia is a chronic but milder form of bipolar disorder, characterized by episodes of hypomania and depression that last for at least two years.
- Mixed episodes are ones in which mania and depression occur simultaneously. Individuals might feel hopeless and depressed yet energetic and motivated to engage in risky behaviors.
- Rapid-cycling bipolar individuals experience four or more episodes of mania, depression or both within one year.
What Are the Risk Factors for Bipolar Disorder?
Risk factors include having:- Cyclothymia (see definition above). About half of individuals with cyclothymia will experience a manic episode.
- Any other psychological disorder
- A family history of bipolar or other psychological disorders
- Alcohol and substance abuse
- Medication interactions. For instance, antidepressants may trigger mania.
- Major life changes
- Severe stress
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
There are four possible bipolar states:- Mania
- Hypomania
- Depression
- A mixture of mania and depression (called a “mixed episode”).
What Does Mania Look Like?
- Feelings of euphoria and elation or irritability and anger
- Impulsive, high-risk behavior, including grand shopping sprees, drug and alcohol abuse and sexual promiscuity
- Aggressive behavior
- Increased energy and rapid speech
- Fleeting, often grandiose ideas
- Decreased sleep (typically the individual doesn’t feel tired after as few as three hours of sleep)
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty concentrating; disorganized thoughts
- Inflated self-esteem
- Delusions and hallucinations (in severe cases)
What Does Hypomania Look Like?
Hypomania is less severe than a full-blown manic episode. Hypomanic individuals can seem pleasant, friendly, energetic and productive. Though it doesn’t sound problematic, increasing hypomania can lead to risky behaviors and full mania.What Does Depression Look Like?
- Feelings of hopelessness and sadness
- Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
- Loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities; loss of energy (sometimes to the point of inability to get out of bed)
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Feelings of worthlessness and inappropriate guilt
- Inability to concentrate or make a decision
- Thoughts of death and suicide
What Does a Mixed Episode Look Like?
Mixed episodes involve simultaneous symptoms of mania and depression, including irritability, depressed mood, extreme energy, thoughts of suicide and changes in sleep and appetite.A Note about Suicide
Because of the high suicide risk in those with bipolar disorder, it’s important to note the warning signs. In addition to those mentioned in the depression symptoms above, others include:- Withdrawing from loved ones and isolating oneself
- Talking or writing about death or suicide
- Putting personal affairs in order
- Previous attempts
How Is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?
There are no medical tests to diagnose bipolar disorder. However, a psychologist, psychiatrist or other trained mental health professional can diagnose the disorder by conducting a face-to-face clinical interview. Your clinical interview will include detailed questions about your and your family’s medical and mental health history and your symptoms.What Treatments Exist for Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder can be effectively managed with a combination of medication and psychotherapy to help in reducing both the number of episodes and their intensity. Treatment also can help prevent future episodes if the individual is willing to work on personal issues and develop healthy habits.What Kinds of Medication Are Used for Bipolar Disorder?
- Mood stabilizers. These medications are prescribed
to help stabilize manic symptoms, prevent future episodes and reduce
suicide risk. The most well-known of these is lithium, which is
effective in 60 to 80 percent of manic and hypomanic episodes.
Anticonvulsant (or anti-seizure) medications also have mood stabilizing
effects. These include valproate (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol),
lamotrigine (Lamictal), gabapentin (Neurotin) and topiramate (Topamax).
Every medication has its own set of potentially serious side effects.
For instance, Lamictal can cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a
potentially fatal skin disease, though this is rare and is entirely
avoidable by careful, slow dose titration.
- Atypical antipsychotics. The newest medications, atypical antipsychotics were originally developed to treat psychosis (a symptom of schizophrenia).
Like the mood stabilizers above, atypical antipsychotics help to
control mood swings. These seven medications are commonly prescribed for
bipolar: aripiprazole (Abilify), risperidone (Risperdal), olanzapine
(Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), ziprasidone (Geodon), clozapine
(Clozaril) and olanzapine/fluoxetine (Symbyax).
Contrary to popular belief, these medications aren’t without
significant side effects, including rapid weight gain, high cholesterol
and risk for diabetes, which occurs most commonly with olanzapine and
clozapine. In some cases, atypical antipsychotics have been associated
with a life-threatening condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
In June 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested that all companies who manufacture atypical antipsychotics include a warning about the elevated risk for hyperglycemia and diabetes (see here ).
In addition, several organizations, including the American Diabetes Association and American Psychiatric Association, have published recommendations for doctors on how to treat patients taking these medications. For more information, read the press release at the American Diabetes Association website. - Calcium-channel blockers. Used to treat angina and high blood pressure, these medications — including verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan) and nimodipine (Nimotop) — also have mood stabilizing effects. They have fewer side effects than other bipolar drugs but aren’t as effective.
- Combination therapy. When one medication isn’t working, a doctor might prescribe two mood stabilizers or a mood stabilizer along with an adjunctive medication to treat symptoms such as anxiety, hyperactivity, insomnia and psychosis. For example, Xanax (alprazolam), a fast-acting benzodiazepine, typically is taken for two weeks before mood-stabilizing medication starts to work. Antidepressants might be prescribed for patients who are in a depressive phase, but research suggests they aren’t effective, can trigger mania and exacerbate episodes long term.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a crucial component of long-term bipolar disorder management. Even when your mood swings are under control, it’s still important to stay in treatment.Several different psychotherapeutic methods have proved to be effective in treating bipolar disorder.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals develop strategies to cope with their symptoms, change negative thinking and behavior, monitor their moods and predict their mood to try to prevent a relapse.
- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy is a combination of interpersonal therapy and CBT. This newer treatment focuses on circadian rhythms to help clients establish and maintain routines and build healthier relationships.
- Psychoeducation teaches individuals about their disorder and treatment and gives them the tools to manage it and anticipate mood swings. Psychoeducation also is valuable for family members.
How Else Can I Manage Bipolar Disorder?
- Take your medication.
- See a therapist regularly.
- Learn more about bipolar disorder and its treatment
- Participate in online communities or in-person support groups
- Adopt healthy habits, including exercising, practicing stress management techniques, eating healthy, avoiding alcohol and drugs, getting seven to eight hours of sleep and avoiding any potential triggers.
LONG story short, its a daily battle , and even with meds truly never "normal" , i take my meds i feel ok regular, but when i feel high already, dont wanna take them, dont wanna kill that dont wanna lose that.. but i must so i do...then my meds cause me to have ear ringing, and nose bleeds , all common with it, but hey, I am normal now right? hmmm, it will always be a battle in my brain till i die, a fight that i truly hate that i have daily with myself, my own personal dr.jekyell and dr hyde. as a song goes "save me from myself", so my advice for many that don't know those or deal with it often, is learn about it before judging that next person you see crying in the corner, or angry in the store or what have you. they may be just as mad at themselves....
 |
| my heaven and my hell.. |
about me.. in a NUTshell :)
ok, wanna know about me, the poster?.... well OK you asked, prob won't ever want to ask that question again afterwards! Lets see shall we I am 28 years old, i have 2 kids ages 3 and 1, named Anastasia Rose and Nadia Gladys Lee. I love tattoos, its always been a fascination/love of mine. i personally have 14 and am not done by any means yet! I have bi-polar, OCD and impulse disorder, they are what i HAVE, not what HAS me... some days it does but it is what it is and it makes me a pain in the ass at times, or a royal beotch, but those that are in my life know me and accept me for it, and that is all that matters. I have recently gotten big into the big bad world of PINTEREST, its a wonderful addicting thing! I also like to do crafts mainly things for the kids or for cheap decorations for my house. I also prefer to live semi green, I really only buy organic, and prefer homeopathic methods over chemical if i can help it, but im far from opposed to using modern medicine and everything else, i think a happy medium/balance between both worlds. what else... hmmm I am addicted to my iPhone, i think truly its an extension of my body at times. overall im a sweet yet sassy smart mouth type of girl, say what mean and mean what I say. enjoy reading !
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)