Comments on: Let’s talk Bipolar Bears

By: angel

angel — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 08:47:49 +0000

thanks ive been living in that cage like that polar bear for so long its hard to come out when so many people is afraid of you but sometimes it takes a special thought or a special someone to say its ok go in the places thats save to go first. Then take baby steps up the ladder to suceed.In closing I will give comments life experiences but I will not go to far in the crowd where I will get lost or donate money or anything online I wish not to.

By: Swistle

Swistle — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:40:03 +0000

I just read Carrie Fisher’s book Wishful Drinking, and I remembered you’d mentioned her so I came back and re-read this post. It’s such a good one. And I do love Carrie Fisher.

By: Kathleen Rawlings

Kathleen Rawlings — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 06:26:15 +0000

Oh Jenn, I had no idea. I wish you mostly good days and have tears in my heart and eyes for you. You were always on of my favorites of George’s friends and I am glad you are still friends on facebook. Glad your mom is with you too. Stay well and take my love.

By: thordora

thordora — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 19:52:39 +0000

There just aren’t enough of us normalizing this illness for people-glad to see this, and in such a concise “layman” way. Sadly, I think there is still just too much people will never, ever understand, and it sucks.

I’m not the sum of my parts, or my brain. I hope.

By: Alison

Alison — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 06:26:40 +0000

What a enlightening analogy. As someone already said, your ability to describe the indescribable (bipolar bear, sprint mothering) is truly awe-some.

By: LuckyDad

LuckyDad — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:38:14 +0000

I’ll add my “wow” to the others. Good job, Jenn.

I thought the most poignant line was near the end:
“The trick of this balancing act? Is to recognize that there will never be a true separation of the illness from oneself.”

This is true for all of us who love people with mental illnesses. When the brain is in the middle of the disease, there is no separation.

My prayers are in the cage with you.

By: Becky

Becky — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:04:38 +0000

I just recently learned about bipolar disease from a book titled, "Life is Like a Line" written by Cynthia Sabotka. This book really helped me understand the disease, but I really love how you explain it as well.

By: Pitt. Kate

Pitt. Kate — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:44:49 +0000

Though I paid (more) attention (than most) in health class and was supposedly educated about the Bipolar Bear and it’s ways, I feel this really got to the point in a more memorable way. Kudos for your courage and determination, Jenn.

By: cindi roo

cindi roo — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:14:37 +0000

Roar Mater….

xoxoxoxo

Cindi Roooooooaaaaarrrrrrrr

By: the Mater

the Mater — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:26:34 +0000

Now that Jenn has come out of hibernation and roaring about … I want to also add my tuppence. If you have a family member or friend with BP, please make sure that someone is monitoring their daily meds carefully. It seems to really help ease their minds and yours if you know that all necessary prescriptions are in one secure place and organized. I went to the drugstore and bought plastic pill containers – bought two of the weekly variety, two different colors. Once a week, I come and place all her morning and evening doses in the containers and she is set. While doing this, I watch the pills left and tell her if she needs a renewal on a certain drug, etc.

Careful self maintenance is so important but a loving hand in the weekly sorting relieves an already tired and overloaded mind.

Roar.