Have you ever...
• had so many thoughts or great ideas that you have gone a whole night without sleep?
• been so low you have wished you were dead?
If either of these problems sound familiar to you then you are with the majority. Almost everyone recognises occasional mood swings in themselves.
If you have experienced problems similar to both of the above, at anytime in your life, you could claim to be fairly bipolar - that is your mood goes quite a way both up and down.
It is OK to be bipolar and it is estimated that at least 7% of the population are. The danger for many is that stress will cause the mood swings to become worse and leading to hypo mania or full-blown manic depression (bipolar disorder).
At Stop Paddling we are able to help you overcome stress and mood swings:
• if the high moods (only) are damaging your life
• if the low moods (only) are damaging your life
• if you are coming to terms with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder*
• at least as important, we can help those suffering extreme mood swings who have so far avoided diagnosis
Recovery and WRAP(Wellness Recovery Action Planning) courses can be delivered by Stop Paddling for groups of people looking for recovery, carers, health professionals and mixed groups.
For individuals determined to leave damaging mood swings behind the bipolar recovery course, STABLE™, is ideal. This may be provided at your place of work, your home or a mutually agreed relaxing venue.
Note: The STABLE(TM) course is ALSO available to people with depression, who have not had manic episodes.
Consultations with groups or individuals are possible anywhere in the UK. Contact details
• Are you someone who is a bit (or a lot) bipolar and needing to break the cycle of highs and lows?
• Have you had episodes of being `high’ that have got you into financial difficulties?
• Do you suffer from depression and wondered if stress might be a major factor?
• Have you been diagnosed with a mental health illness and so need stress advice to limit the impact of the illness?
Many people have found the book, "Stop Paddling/Start Sailing", useful in providing hope of recovery from mood swings.
More information on Bipolar
Short courses Bipolar Awareness
*I frequently say that, "I work with bipolar
people who want to understand and overcome stress". It is important to
say here that when you start to feel a lot better any thoughts of medication
changes must be discussed with your doctor as you will need to continue to
take medicines as long as they are prescribed.
Note: Two clients are currently on the STABLE™ course using a grant from the NHS.
A few of the comments from participants on the STABLE(TM) course:
"I am feeling more positive at the moment than I have in several years."
"It gave me a great insight into triggers and
has made me much more sensitive to my moods ~ not just burying them deep inside
me and hoping that they won't affect my life ~ which of course they do in
the most negative way."
"I feel it has also helped my partner to understand me a lot more and
keep me more on an even keel ~ not overdoing things physically which then
has the repercussions of me feeling that I cannot cope ~ and then bang ~ stop
the world I want to get off and stay in bed."
"Keep at your work. You were a great help to
me and my partner."
More bipolar recovery workshops
061008