Remembering Michael Jackson

Last night I spent the entire evening watching videos and clips on YouTube.  They were all of Michael Jackson.  I was a big fan of Michael's for many years and still appreciate his music and dancing abilities.   I hadn't seen any of his performances for a long time so I enjoyed all the videos I watched.   I've had "I'll Be There" in my head all day today. 

It makes me sad to know he is gone.  It is especially hard remembering all the family problems, abuse, relationship failures and mental health problems that he dealt with in his short life.  Some of us struggle daily with both mental and physical pain.  We continually fight to come out on top and I wish Michael had been able to fight harder to conquer his demons.

It's very disturbing how many people are over medicated, whether by their doctors or by their own hands.  If you take medication for depression, anxiety or pain.   Please, be very careful to follow the prescribed dosage and don't mix with other drugs or alcohol.   All of us have problems, yet we all need to behave responsibly in overcoming our problems.   Stay safe!   

Complications

I like things to be simple.   I'm not sure why but it may have something to do with my depression and anxiety problems.   Complications that arise when I'm planning something can upset me and complications while I'm trying to do something can upset me even more.  Usually, the hardest complications for me to deal with are those involving get togethers with family members.   I suppose this would fall into the category of social anxiety.

Relationships with family members aren't always the easiest relationships to maintain.....especially if you have lots of siblings and sibling rivalry.  I find it is easiest to visit with my siblings one at a time.  It isn't so overwhelming that way and we aren't ganging up on each other or making fun of each other nearly as much as when there are three or more of us together. 

I'm writing about this today because I'm already worrying about a get together that is planned for the upcoming weekend with two of my siblings, both of whom I love dearly.   I guess I'm just a worry wart but more than two siblings at a time feels like complications of the worst kind.   Stressing about it will only make matters worse so I think writing it down may help me to get past these feelings of dreadful anticipation that I'm experiencing.   Hopefully, by the weekend I will be looking forward to seeing my relatives.  

Below is a picture of one of my flower beds in May.  
I can relieve stress with gardening so maybe I'll 
work in the flower beds this week.   

Overwhelming Anxiety

Sometimes, those of us who suffer from anxiety disorder, feel overwhelmed with an acute attack of anxiety.   This recently happened to a contestant on Brittan's got Talent.   The contestant was Susan Boyle who became instantly famous when she was featured in a video on YouTube singing "I Dreamed a Dream".    The video shows what a wonderful voice Susan has and she was favored to win the contest but came in second place.....unbelievable to many. 

After Susan's final performance she had an emotional breakdown and was taken to a clinic to recover from the stress and anxiety.  I was happy to read that she has been released and is doing much better.   Some of us are a bit more fragile and need to take special care not to take on more than we can handle lest we are totally overwhelmed with anxiety.   Susan had family members she could rely on when she needed them most.   I feel fortunate to also have family members I can rely on if I find myself feeling overwhelmed.  

We all need a support system during difficult times.   Support can come from family, friends, professionals or all three.  I hope that with her support system, Susan Boyle will be strong enough to pursue a singing career someday soon.  

Couch Potatoes

My husband and I usually turn into 'Couch Potatoes' from about 8 till 11 p.m. each evening.  We enjoy our regular programs a lot.  In fact, recently we purchased a loveseat with two recliners for our viewing comfort.   Some of our relatives think we watch too much television but I don't think so.  We don't often watch anything during the day except for the news at noon and again at 5:30.

I came across an interesting article several weeks ago which I've been meaning to share with all of you.  I'm finally doing just that.   The article is about the possible positive aspects of watching television.  We often hear about the negative ramifications of tv watching but according to this article television can help us fight off feelings of loneliness. 

Previous studies had indicated that unhappy people watched television while happy people read or socialized.   Four new studies discussed in the article make watching television sound more positive.   You can read about these new findings in the article titled "For Some, TV is a Cure for Loneliness".   The next time you feel guilty for watching television, give yourself a break.  It's not necessarily a bad thing to do,  especially if watching television isn't the only thing you do.  

Bipolar Information

I have found some websites with very helpful information for those who are suffering from  Bipolar Disorder themselves or are dealing with a loved one who is Bipolar.   Many of you know that my brother, David is bipolar.  He used to write articles on this blog.  In fact you can find some of his articles in the earlier archives.   Recently, I learned that another of my loved ones has been diagnosed as bipolar.  That's when I started reading again about this mental health problem. 

Sometimes it's hard to know how best to help someone who is suffering.  I think understanding the illness is probably the key.   I have a lot of depression so I feel like I understand the depressive side of being bipolar.   I have no experience with the manic stages of being bipolar so am trying to learn all I can, so that I can understand and be supportive of my loved ones.   I hope the following articles will be of help to some of you whether you are suffering from bipolar disorder or if you know someone who is.

Then National Institute of Mental Health website offers a good publication about Bipolar Disorder.   Two other articles I've located are An Introduction to Bipolar Disorder and Spotting the Early Warning Signs of a Bipolar Mood Episode. Both articles are on the Psych Central website.   Another good article I found is at the Web MD site, Bipolar Disorder . 

I know that those who suffer from Bipolar Disorder need the love and support of their family and friends.  This illness can be helped with medication and therapy but it can also wreck havoc on relationships.   Be prepared to hang in there when your loved one is struggling with his moods.   

My Brother, David