Saba 6 September 2009 Breezy Body 5 Comments Print This Post  Email This Post

IMAGE © Philip James Corwin/Corbis

I have a lot of dreams, good ones and many nightmares too. But last night I had a very interesting dream.

My doctor presents me with a cookie and not just any ordinary cookie. It’s a cookie that has all my meds in it So all I have to do is eat the cookie. Then she makes an announcement: remember you can only eat the cookie when you are not fasting.

Pretty cool dream for someone who has to take meds with icky side effects.

And I’m sure if you don’t like to take your meds, you’d like a ‘med’ cookie too.

It’s usually very easy for me to take meds now as it is for many consumers who are treated for Bipolar.

But sometimes when things are too well, I forget to take my meds and the slippery thoughts plague me.

You’re not sick anymore. You don’t need meds. It’s okay if you just miss today. Not a big deal.

The meds are too far away and you need to sleep. Plus it’s so late at night.

You deserve a break from the nausea and drowsiness. Forget about the pills for now and enjoy life a little.

The same can happen during the down times:

The pills are not working. If they were I wouldn’t be in this ditch.

It’s no use. No matter what I do I always end up cycling.

Recognize that these green words are the Bipolar talking. Not you and I. Now, how to solve this dilemma?

Automate your adherence.

1. Ask your mom/spouse/sibling to make sure you take your meds when they see you going up or down. Choose someone who understands Bipolar and loves you for who you are.

2. Eat your meds with your regular meals.

You must do this when you are feeling well. It’s unrealistic to demand this from yourself when you are in the hills or valleys. The judgement becomes temporarily impaired during that time.

So even though I don’t have that special cookie, yet , chamomile tea with honey and capsules make a good combo nonetheless.