Been awhile since I've done a personal update... So here I am again!
Things have been going good just extremely busy, busier than before! Is that possible?? I'm finishing up my second month of school and this upcoming week will be the last week for Intro. to Microcomputers. This class has been pretty boring because it's basic computer skills that I all ready know. I have a 98% in the class so I think I'm doing pretty well. Next month is Composition 1 and I've been told by a friend who has the class this month that there is A LOT of homework in the Comp. class so there goes even more of my time! Between school, working, taking the kids back and forth to school and housework it seems I never have time to myself except to sleep!! I guess it's just a part of life though and it will get better eventually. I'm really enjoying school. I love learning new things and it's good for me to be able to get out of the house, leave the hubby in charge and have some time talking to other adults. I've made a few friends so far and hope to make more with every class. The school I'm going to does things a little differently. You have one class a month, 12 hours a week of class time. I think it's nice that way because I am able to concentrate on just the one subject instead of trying to concentrate on 2 or 3 different subjects!
Fall is here and the scenery is beautiful but it has been cold here and I am just not ready for winter! I'm sure if you have read this blog or my Rants In My Pants blog you all ready know that I despise winter! I hate the cold, the snow, the ice, having to bundle up 3 kids and myself! Ugh!! I am looking forward to xmas this year, though. We have a beautiful house to decorate and each year gets better and better as the kids get older and comprehend xmas and Santa Clause!
Mentally I'm doing pretty good. Still on my meds and most of the time they work pretty well. I do have a day here and there, very rare, where I just want to cry at the drop of a hat! I hate those days!!! But thankfully they are far and few between! I have noticed that if I forget to take my pills for a few days I will get really ill feeling. I will just feel exhausted with no energy, I will be very angry and even get dizzy! It sucks, so I try to remember to take them every day, it's usually on the weekends when I forget because I'm here and there and everywhere out of my routine on the weekend! It just worries me that if/when I decide to go off of the pills I'm going to have a very hard time with withdrawals as I've read is very common if you want to go off of Effexor. I know I can't stay on them for the next 40 yrs or however long I have left, but yikes, the withdrawals sound worse than heroin withdrawals (or so I've heard).
I really hate that my blog postings have been soo sparatic. I really enjoy blogging but the only real time I have to myself is at night and I'm normally too exhausted to think enough to write anything or I just want to spend some time with my hubby!.. Speaking of him, things have been going very well in our marriage. We just love spending time together with and without the kids. Even when I'm at school he will text me to tell me how much he misses me. I'm glad the old husband is back and I hope he stays this time!! Right now, I'm content for the most part!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
A better explanation of Depression!
Take a look at the video for a better explanation of what Depression is and how it feels to suffer from depression
Monday, September 14, 2009
Could You Be Bi-Polar?
By Dee
What is bipolar disorder? What are some symptoms?
Bipolar disorder is a psychological disorder in which a person experiences an abnormally elevated mood and behaviors for a period of time before unexpectedly shifting into a depressive state. Chemical imbalances in the brain are considered a cause of bipolar disorder, often with some sort of genetic inheritance. Anecdotal reports suggest that knowing someone with bipolar disorder is similar to riding a roller coaster: the person's mood changes irregularly and without much warning, and that in one moment the person seems charged, happy, and excited, and the next, unexplicably down. In more severe cases of bipolar, individuals might suffer from psychotic episodes -- breaks with reality, disorganized thoughts, delusions, and hallucinations.
Signs of the depressive component mimic other forms of clinical depression: persisting sadness and anxiety, hopelessness, guilt, fatigue, interruptions in sleep patterns, loss of appetite, a resistance to be around other people, and so forth. I'll talk about mania more in the next question, but basically it means that a person is really keyed up, hyperexcited, and elevated. Sometimes, clients present "mixed" episodes in which they experience signs of depression and manic behavior simultaneously.
As with any psychological disorders, the symptoms are severe enough to impair work, school, relationships, and practicing daily routines and self-care. For a person to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, there needs to be enough evidence to suggest that the individual has experienced both manic and depressive symptoms over a period of time.
One of the symptoms of bipolar disorder is mania. Can you explain what exactly mania means?
"Mania" comes from a Greek word meaning "to enrage" or "to be furious." Imagine what your life would be like if you were hopped up on coffee all the time. You feel super-energized and jittery, are unable to concentrate, experience racing thoughts and actions. Maybe these sensations feel good to you; maybe you feel like Leonardo DiCaprio's Jack in Titanic -- "I'm King of the world!" This is what life is like in a manic episode: always on the edge, always on the go, rushing everywhere and feeling like you do it nonstop (unlike coffee would eventually cause you to crash).
Not all episodes of mania look the same. Sometimes, it appears as if the individual is in a particularly good mood. Other times, it looks very much like the theatrical behavior I told you about a moment ago. Clinicians differentiate between two types of mania: the balls-out, no-holds-barred manic behavior which features elevated mood and some kind of risky, compulsive behavior like overspending money, hypersexuality, or increased risk-taking; and the lower-level, feel good and super happy behavior (without the risky business) called hypomania.
Manic symptoms never appear by themselves. It wouldn't make sense, and it certainly wouldn't gel with reality. Everyone, psychologically healthy or otherwise, can't run on feeling good forever and ever. Emotional states fluctuate. However, persons with bipolar disorder can experience wild and unpredictable mood swings (this is called "cycling") and cannot control their feelings in either state.
I've read that there is sometimes a bit of confusion between being bipolar and manic depressive? Is there a difference? If so, what are they?
Bipolar disorder and manic depression refer to the same psychological disorder. Bipolar disorder is used today because people with the disorder transition from manic to depressive states and back -- thus, two "poles" of dysfunction. This is distinct from clinical depression, a "unipolar" disorder.
How does a doctor diagnose bipolar disorder? Can a medical doctor diagnose it or only a psychologist?
Medical doctors and psychologists can both detect bipolar disorder so long as they both have appropriate clinical, psychological training.
Bipolar disorder is very difficult to diagnose properly. At minimum, the professional needs enough evidence to conclude that the client has been cycling back and forth between manic and depressive states with each state lasting most of the time, daily, for at least one week. The ideal diagnosis would involve the professional meeting with members of the whole family and getting each person's point of view on the client's behavior over a period of time in addition to any client self-reporting. Diagnostics may be extended. Even in the cases of standard clinical depression, professionals need to ask about manic episodes to be sure of a correct diagnosis. If bipolar is treated with the same medicines as clinical depression, bipolar symptoms can actually worsen. Diagnosis may take as long as several months, even years, to complete.
Bipolar is classified as Bipolar I or Bipolar II, depending on the level of manic symptoms. As stated earlier, manic symptoms alert clinicians to the presence of bipolar disorder even without depressive symptoms attached. Think of it like this. The downer will come eventually; our bodies can't stay keyed up indefinitely. Bipolar I is more intense than II, since type II tracks hypomanic signs. There's another type of bipolar called Cyclothymia in which clients alternate between hypomanic behavior and depressive behavior that does not meet the full list of symptoms for major depression. There is also a diagnosis called Bipolar NOS (Not Otherwise Specified) to describe bipolar-like behavior that does not meet the full list of criteria.
Clinicians also try to rule out other competing disorders like schizophrenia, borderline personality, schizoaffective disorders, and substance intoxication.
What are some treatment options for bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder requires medication for treatment, usually in the form of mood stabilizing medications and anti-psychotic medications to calm manic episodes. Antidepressants are not recommended because they trigger and exacerbate manic behaviors and may cause suicidal thoughts and ideation, while mood stabilizers tend to relieve both manic and depressive symptoms equally well. Clients should be urged to resume medical treatment even in the absence of symptoms in order to prevent relapse. Side effects include mood blunting (that is, difficulties in feeling or interpreting moods). Psychotherapy and counseling are effective in helping clients recognize mood changes and shifts and managing relationships. It is also recommended for friends and family to seek counseling of their own to learn more about the disorder and how to address changes in behavior, whether or not the client is treating bipolar with medication.
**Again if you have any questions about Bi-Polar, Depression or any other mental disorder feel free to ask in a comment and I will have Dee answer them for you!
What is bipolar disorder? What are some symptoms?
Bipolar disorder is a psychological disorder in which a person experiences an abnormally elevated mood and behaviors for a period of time before unexpectedly shifting into a depressive state. Chemical imbalances in the brain are considered a cause of bipolar disorder, often with some sort of genetic inheritance. Anecdotal reports suggest that knowing someone with bipolar disorder is similar to riding a roller coaster: the person's mood changes irregularly and without much warning, and that in one moment the person seems charged, happy, and excited, and the next, unexplicably down. In more severe cases of bipolar, individuals might suffer from psychotic episodes -- breaks with reality, disorganized thoughts, delusions, and hallucinations.
Signs of the depressive component mimic other forms of clinical depression: persisting sadness and anxiety, hopelessness, guilt, fatigue, interruptions in sleep patterns, loss of appetite, a resistance to be around other people, and so forth. I'll talk about mania more in the next question, but basically it means that a person is really keyed up, hyperexcited, and elevated. Sometimes, clients present "mixed" episodes in which they experience signs of depression and manic behavior simultaneously.
As with any psychological disorders, the symptoms are severe enough to impair work, school, relationships, and practicing daily routines and self-care. For a person to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, there needs to be enough evidence to suggest that the individual has experienced both manic and depressive symptoms over a period of time.
One of the symptoms of bipolar disorder is mania. Can you explain what exactly mania means?
"Mania" comes from a Greek word meaning "to enrage" or "to be furious." Imagine what your life would be like if you were hopped up on coffee all the time. You feel super-energized and jittery, are unable to concentrate, experience racing thoughts and actions. Maybe these sensations feel good to you; maybe you feel like Leonardo DiCaprio's Jack in Titanic -- "I'm King of the world!" This is what life is like in a manic episode: always on the edge, always on the go, rushing everywhere and feeling like you do it nonstop (unlike coffee would eventually cause you to crash).
Not all episodes of mania look the same. Sometimes, it appears as if the individual is in a particularly good mood. Other times, it looks very much like the theatrical behavior I told you about a moment ago. Clinicians differentiate between two types of mania: the balls-out, no-holds-barred manic behavior which features elevated mood and some kind of risky, compulsive behavior like overspending money, hypersexuality, or increased risk-taking; and the lower-level, feel good and super happy behavior (without the risky business) called hypomania.
Manic symptoms never appear by themselves. It wouldn't make sense, and it certainly wouldn't gel with reality. Everyone, psychologically healthy or otherwise, can't run on feeling good forever and ever. Emotional states fluctuate. However, persons with bipolar disorder can experience wild and unpredictable mood swings (this is called "cycling") and cannot control their feelings in either state.
I've read that there is sometimes a bit of confusion between being bipolar and manic depressive? Is there a difference? If so, what are they?
Bipolar disorder and manic depression refer to the same psychological disorder. Bipolar disorder is used today because people with the disorder transition from manic to depressive states and back -- thus, two "poles" of dysfunction. This is distinct from clinical depression, a "unipolar" disorder.
How does a doctor diagnose bipolar disorder? Can a medical doctor diagnose it or only a psychologist?
Medical doctors and psychologists can both detect bipolar disorder so long as they both have appropriate clinical, psychological training.
Bipolar disorder is very difficult to diagnose properly. At minimum, the professional needs enough evidence to conclude that the client has been cycling back and forth between manic and depressive states with each state lasting most of the time, daily, for at least one week. The ideal diagnosis would involve the professional meeting with members of the whole family and getting each person's point of view on the client's behavior over a period of time in addition to any client self-reporting. Diagnostics may be extended. Even in the cases of standard clinical depression, professionals need to ask about manic episodes to be sure of a correct diagnosis. If bipolar is treated with the same medicines as clinical depression, bipolar symptoms can actually worsen. Diagnosis may take as long as several months, even years, to complete.
Bipolar is classified as Bipolar I or Bipolar II, depending on the level of manic symptoms. As stated earlier, manic symptoms alert clinicians to the presence of bipolar disorder even without depressive symptoms attached. Think of it like this. The downer will come eventually; our bodies can't stay keyed up indefinitely. Bipolar I is more intense than II, since type II tracks hypomanic signs. There's another type of bipolar called Cyclothymia in which clients alternate between hypomanic behavior and depressive behavior that does not meet the full list of symptoms for major depression. There is also a diagnosis called Bipolar NOS (Not Otherwise Specified) to describe bipolar-like behavior that does not meet the full list of criteria.
Clinicians also try to rule out other competing disorders like schizophrenia, borderline personality, schizoaffective disorders, and substance intoxication.
What are some treatment options for bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder requires medication for treatment, usually in the form of mood stabilizing medications and anti-psychotic medications to calm manic episodes. Antidepressants are not recommended because they trigger and exacerbate manic behaviors and may cause suicidal thoughts and ideation, while mood stabilizers tend to relieve both manic and depressive symptoms equally well. Clients should be urged to resume medical treatment even in the absence of symptoms in order to prevent relapse. Side effects include mood blunting (that is, difficulties in feeling or interpreting moods). Psychotherapy and counseling are effective in helping clients recognize mood changes and shifts and managing relationships. It is also recommended for friends and family to seek counseling of their own to learn more about the disorder and how to address changes in behavior, whether or not the client is treating bipolar with medication.
**Again if you have any questions about Bi-Polar, Depression or any other mental disorder feel free to ask in a comment and I will have Dee answer them for you!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Cycling the fat away!!
Well, let's see... I'm on week number 2 of my weight loss journey. Again, I am not calling it a diet as I still feel that it has to be a life long change, not just a quick fix! I hear so many people talk about how they are losing weight by skipping meals or just eating ONLY veggies and fruits. That may get you the quick fix that you are looking for but what do you think will happen when you lose the weight and start eating normally?? It's all going to come back! I think it is all about portion control and getting more fruits and veggies in your diet (and exercise ofcourse!). Just because you want to lose weight does not mean that you can never, ever eat pizza or ice cream again. Do you think thin people don't eat it?? They do, just in moderation! I'm doing pretty good with my eating.. making sure to get lots of veggies and fruits and eating less portions of the starchy carby foods.
My husband and I got ourselves some bikes last week.. We have both wanted some for awhile but just haven't had the money. We finally did it and I LOVE it! I was afraid to get on it at first as it has been probably about 15 years since I've ridden a bike. I was afraid I would tip right over (or pop the tires)! I did fine though, didn't fall once.. and once I got into the groove of it, I just rode and rode and rode! I love it! We go on bike rides with the kids all the time. I want to ride it every day.. I really enjoy it and it kinda makes me feel young again.. plus it is GREAT exercise! My legs are feeling it but it feels oh so good! I've also been doing some upper body exercises, as my legs are getting most of the work out with the bike! It's also a great thing to do with the family and the kids love it that we ride bikes with them, now!
I also wanted to mention a side effect of the Effexor. When it is hot outside, I sweat.. and I sweat A LOT! I've never sweated a lot, even being overweight, however this summer has been really bad for me and it's not normal for me. I mean it's to where the sweat is literally rolling off of me! My hair is wet, even my clothes get wet. It's GROSS! Excessive sweating is listed as a side effect of it. I was worried it would happen even it was cooler but thankfully it has not happened this week now that the temperature has been cooler. I was really thinking about going off of the meds just because it was disgusting and embarassing! I think I will stay on it though for awhile, at least. The excess sweating may do me some good while working out, too!
Anyway, I haven't weighed myself. I kinda decided that I'm going to stay away from the scales for awhile. If I don't lose a significant amount it will just discourage me, so I'm going to rely mainly on how my clothes are fitting. I may weigh myself just once in a blue moon when I get really curious. I know what I weighed when I went to the doctor a few weeks ago so I'm going to just stick with that for now and wait awhile to weigh again.
Hope everyone else is doing well??
Friday, August 21, 2009
Looking for a good Antioxodent??
There are all sorts of antioxodent products on the market today. You see them everywhere! Everyone wants to cleanse their body and get all of the bad toxic substances out of there that we have ingested over the years. How can you know which one to use or which one REALLY works??
I've just heard about Reservatrol which is an antioxodent that comes from the skin of grapes.It contains natural antioxodents that help to protect membranes of your cells. It also helps to reduce blood pressue, lower cholesterol and help stop hardening of the arteries. It all sounds great, right? Ofcourse if you want to reap any sort of benefit from it you would normally have to drink a LOT of wine in a day!
There is an easier way to take advantage of these antioxodents found in wine. I've just found a website where u can purchase Reservetrol Supplements! They have many different supplements to choose from to meet your personal needs and they even have RezMelts that dissolve in your mouth! If you are looking for ways to help your body become healthier then I think Reservetrol Supplements may be your answer!
I've just heard about Reservatrol which is an antioxodent that comes from the skin of grapes.It contains natural antioxodents that help to protect membranes of your cells. It also helps to reduce blood pressue, lower cholesterol and help stop hardening of the arteries. It all sounds great, right? Ofcourse if you want to reap any sort of benefit from it you would normally have to drink a LOT of wine in a day!
There is an easier way to take advantage of these antioxodents found in wine. I've just found a website where u can purchase Reservetrol Supplements! They have many different supplements to choose from to meet your personal needs and they even have RezMelts that dissolve in your mouth! If you are looking for ways to help your body become healthier then I think Reservetrol Supplements may be your answer!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Some new self motivation for losing weight
I've mentioned a few times about wanting to get back into losing weight. I did soooo good when I first started this blog then when my husband and I began having problems again I got out of the routine and gained most of it back! I went to a new doctor the other day and according to THEIR scale I gained it all back PLUS some! In fact, their scale said I've gained 20 lbs just since being at my old doctor a few months ago. My husband had been to this doc a few times and said he thought the scales were off because it was way over what other scales said.. I tend not to believe that I've gained 20 lbs in the last 2-3 months just because my clothing is not any tighter! I've yet to weigh myself at home though.. waiting to do that until tomorrow morning!
My husband and I both got a big eye opener the other day which gave BOTH of us some motivation to get our butts back into gear! A few days ago we spent the day at Lake Erie. First we went to see a lighthouse. Our kids wanted to go up to the top of it. We did, not thinking of HOW we would get up there, lol. Seventy seven steps is what it takes to get up there. 77! At first I thought, ehh, 77 isn't TOO bad. Heh. I got about half way up before I started breathing heavily and my legs felt like they were going to give out underneath of me. I knew I could have stopped to rest but I didn't want to because there were old people in front of us doing better than I was! I'm talking about people in their sixties being in better shape than me! and I'm 3??? I was too embarassed to stop and rest however I realized that I was fine doing it, i didnt pass out or fall over, I still did it! Normally I would have given up but my pride pushed me harder than I would have pushed myself! I did make it though! After the trip to the lighthouse we took the kids to Cedar Point. Cedar Point is a huge amusement park, I think it's one of the biggest in the country, right on Lake Erie. It's only an hour away from us and my husband and I grew up going there just about every summer as a kid. I haven't been there in 14 years though, mostly because it's sooo freakin expensive to go! Plus, I was afraid that I couldn't fit on some of the rides and didn't want to be embarassed in front of people there OR my friends.
We had a lot fun at Cedar Point. It was all for the kids this time though and we spent most of it waiting on them to go on the kiddie rides! Our oldest son was big enough to go on the kiddie coaster so my husband decided to go on it with him. He got on the coaster and the seat belt wouldn't fit! He had to get up with our son in front of everyone and leave, until the woman running the ride had him trade seats with someone else where there was a bigger seat belt to try. Holding up the line and ride, he got into the second seat and the seat belt did fit but just BARELY. The woman running it proceeded to jump up and down and "woohoo" it up, just drawing more attention. I watched from afar with our younger twins, feeling so horrible for my husband, however I do know that he does not get embarassed easily and things that would embarass me don't really embarass him! They DID get to go on the ride but it was a rough start!
That night before going to bed we were talking about what happened and he told me that he was embarassed of it, but yet also pissed off at america.. I mean why do they make seat belts soo short when you can tighten them up?? But anyway, I'm off point now.. he said it was motivating him to want to get in shape and lose some weight. So, we are doing it together. Starting today! Eating healthier and trying to be more active as much as we can. I've done it before so I know I can do it again. We also decided that we are going to do this together so that next year we can go to Cedar Point and ride ALL of the roller coasters without having to worry about being able to fit in the stupid seat! I guess it will be a bit of a fear breaker for me as well as I'm afraid of heights and normally stick to the mild roller coasters. I've always been too scared to try the BIG ones, but if I can lose weight then I want to over come this fear as well AND with my husband! Isn't that good motivation? That's just on TOP of all of the other motivaters I have in my life, especially now that my kids are getting older and more active!
So, that's where I am right now. Back to trying to lose weight. Not trying to DIET, trying to change my habits as this needs to be a life long change! I've gone back on sparkpeople.com (link on my fave websites list over to the right). If anyone is on there feel free to add me as your friend!
Oh and also, I've just enrolled in college! I was taking some online courses for Vet. Technician but I just think hands on classes would be better for me. I start August 31, 3 evenings a week 4 hours each night. Yikes! I'm very nervous about this. Normally I would be worried about going to a class with a bunch of strangers but I'm not even worried about that! I'm worried about TIME and having time to get everything done! As if I'm not busy enough with the kids and working and cleaning.. etc., now add on 12 hours a week of classes PLUS homework!! My oldest son starts school on the 25th so now we will be busier and he will have his own homework to do as well! I already get burned out as it is, I don't know how I'm going to handle all of this but I am going to do my best and hope/pray that my husband helps out more! Soooo, that's where I am! Here are a few pics from the other day at the Lake!
My husband and I both got a big eye opener the other day which gave BOTH of us some motivation to get our butts back into gear! A few days ago we spent the day at Lake Erie. First we went to see a lighthouse. Our kids wanted to go up to the top of it. We did, not thinking of HOW we would get up there, lol. Seventy seven steps is what it takes to get up there. 77! At first I thought, ehh, 77 isn't TOO bad. Heh. I got about half way up before I started breathing heavily and my legs felt like they were going to give out underneath of me. I knew I could have stopped to rest but I didn't want to because there were old people in front of us doing better than I was! I'm talking about people in their sixties being in better shape than me! and I'm 3??? I was too embarassed to stop and rest however I realized that I was fine doing it, i didnt pass out or fall over, I still did it! Normally I would have given up but my pride pushed me harder than I would have pushed myself! I did make it though! After the trip to the lighthouse we took the kids to Cedar Point. Cedar Point is a huge amusement park, I think it's one of the biggest in the country, right on Lake Erie. It's only an hour away from us and my husband and I grew up going there just about every summer as a kid. I haven't been there in 14 years though, mostly because it's sooo freakin expensive to go! Plus, I was afraid that I couldn't fit on some of the rides and didn't want to be embarassed in front of people there OR my friends.
We had a lot fun at Cedar Point. It was all for the kids this time though and we spent most of it waiting on them to go on the kiddie rides! Our oldest son was big enough to go on the kiddie coaster so my husband decided to go on it with him. He got on the coaster and the seat belt wouldn't fit! He had to get up with our son in front of everyone and leave, until the woman running the ride had him trade seats with someone else where there was a bigger seat belt to try. Holding up the line and ride, he got into the second seat and the seat belt did fit but just BARELY. The woman running it proceeded to jump up and down and "woohoo" it up, just drawing more attention. I watched from afar with our younger twins, feeling so horrible for my husband, however I do know that he does not get embarassed easily and things that would embarass me don't really embarass him! They DID get to go on the ride but it was a rough start!
That night before going to bed we were talking about what happened and he told me that he was embarassed of it, but yet also pissed off at america.. I mean why do they make seat belts soo short when you can tighten them up?? But anyway, I'm off point now.. he said it was motivating him to want to get in shape and lose some weight. So, we are doing it together. Starting today! Eating healthier and trying to be more active as much as we can. I've done it before so I know I can do it again. We also decided that we are going to do this together so that next year we can go to Cedar Point and ride ALL of the roller coasters without having to worry about being able to fit in the stupid seat! I guess it will be a bit of a fear breaker for me as well as I'm afraid of heights and normally stick to the mild roller coasters. I've always been too scared to try the BIG ones, but if I can lose weight then I want to over come this fear as well AND with my husband! Isn't that good motivation? That's just on TOP of all of the other motivaters I have in my life, especially now that my kids are getting older and more active!
So, that's where I am right now. Back to trying to lose weight. Not trying to DIET, trying to change my habits as this needs to be a life long change! I've gone back on sparkpeople.com (link on my fave websites list over to the right). If anyone is on there feel free to add me as your friend!
Oh and also, I've just enrolled in college! I was taking some online courses for Vet. Technician but I just think hands on classes would be better for me. I start August 31, 3 evenings a week 4 hours each night. Yikes! I'm very nervous about this. Normally I would be worried about going to a class with a bunch of strangers but I'm not even worried about that! I'm worried about TIME and having time to get everything done! As if I'm not busy enough with the kids and working and cleaning.. etc., now add on 12 hours a week of classes PLUS homework!! My oldest son starts school on the 25th so now we will be busier and he will have his own homework to do as well! I already get burned out as it is, I don't know how I'm going to handle all of this but I am going to do my best and hope/pray that my husband helps out more! Soooo, that's where I am! Here are a few pics from the other day at the Lake!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
My New Blog!
I've finally got my new blog up and running! Woohoo! I'm soo excited about this blog even though it really will serve no purpose but for me to share some of the more personal things going on in my life! The first post is just an introduction to myself and my family, so if anyone is interested come find me at Madam Sarcasm
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Some updates and memory lane!
I was sitting here trying to decide what my next post should be about. I began thinking about this blog and how it all got started. I realized that I've had this blog up and running for 2 1/2 years now, started in February of 2007! Originally it was supposed to be about my weight loss, which it was for the first year or so. I did lose some weight a long the way and think this blog helped me a lot!
I was sifting through some of my very first posts and wow it brought back some memories! I thought it would be fun to share them with some of my newer readers who may not have read them!
This one is my very first post telling a bit about myself and the blog: Who Am I?
These are a few of my favorites articles that I wrote in the beginning and am excited to have some of you read them again!
Being The Fat Girl
Eat To Live Don't Live To Eat
Last year, I turned over a new leaf with the blog and sort of switched more into talking about my depression. I wanted to cover a bit of everything; my fight with depression, information on depression and other mental illnesses AND weight loss!
Weight loss has been an on going struggle for me since I was a kid! I'm still struggling with it. I've gained some of the weight back that I lost. It's the one thing that I absolutely hate about myself and feel that I can not control! I don't want to be the fat mom, I don't want to end up like MY mom who has problems walking now because she has literally no knee left in her leg because of her weight.
I'm trying to start over with the weight loss. I hate calling it a diet! I'm not going to do anything drastic, just start eating healthier foods and controlling my portions of the "bad" foods. Also, want to try to get more exercise again. A friend of mine is trying to set up a weight loss support group, so I am very excited about that! I have to do something, I have to save my life! My husband has a lot of health problems stemming from his eating habits. He knows that he has to eat better and lose weight however he just talks about it but never does it. We both have to change our eating habits and be healthier for our kids and each other so we can grow old together!
Sooo, this blog will be a bit about both weight loss and depression/mental health as I believe that they can both go hand in hand. I believe the better mental health you are in, the more willing you will be to treat your body better!
Also, next month I'm starting a new blog! Yes, I've been itching to start something new (as if I'm not busy enough, right??). This one is going to be a personal blog, where I will post more personal things going on in my life, my family, my job, my friends..etc. It's going to be raw and opinionated and hey, I might even throw in a few curse words here and there! I'm not going to worry about how much readership I have or any of that, it's just going to be my own personal blog to vent in or share things in that I don't normally share in my other blogs. I'm sure I will post lots of pics and lots of random things. Once I get it up and running I will post a link here in case anyone may be interested!
I was sifting through some of my very first posts and wow it brought back some memories! I thought it would be fun to share them with some of my newer readers who may not have read them!
This one is my very first post telling a bit about myself and the blog: Who Am I?
These are a few of my favorites articles that I wrote in the beginning and am excited to have some of you read them again!
Being The Fat Girl
Eat To Live Don't Live To Eat
Last year, I turned over a new leaf with the blog and sort of switched more into talking about my depression. I wanted to cover a bit of everything; my fight with depression, information on depression and other mental illnesses AND weight loss!
Weight loss has been an on going struggle for me since I was a kid! I'm still struggling with it. I've gained some of the weight back that I lost. It's the one thing that I absolutely hate about myself and feel that I can not control! I don't want to be the fat mom, I don't want to end up like MY mom who has problems walking now because she has literally no knee left in her leg because of her weight.
I'm trying to start over with the weight loss. I hate calling it a diet! I'm not going to do anything drastic, just start eating healthier foods and controlling my portions of the "bad" foods. Also, want to try to get more exercise again. A friend of mine is trying to set up a weight loss support group, so I am very excited about that! I have to do something, I have to save my life! My husband has a lot of health problems stemming from his eating habits. He knows that he has to eat better and lose weight however he just talks about it but never does it. We both have to change our eating habits and be healthier for our kids and each other so we can grow old together!
Sooo, this blog will be a bit about both weight loss and depression/mental health as I believe that they can both go hand in hand. I believe the better mental health you are in, the more willing you will be to treat your body better!
Also, next month I'm starting a new blog! Yes, I've been itching to start something new (as if I'm not busy enough, right??). This one is going to be a personal blog, where I will post more personal things going on in my life, my family, my job, my friends..etc. It's going to be raw and opinionated and hey, I might even throw in a few curse words here and there! I'm not going to worry about how much readership I have or any of that, it's just going to be my own personal blog to vent in or share things in that I don't normally share in my other blogs. I'm sure I will post lots of pics and lots of random things. Once I get it up and running I will post a link here in case anyone may be interested!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Is depression inherited or not??
I was doing some research earlier to find out whether or not Depression can be inherited or not? There are various answers to this question. The main answer I came up with is some can inherit it and some don't.
However, think about it. If you are raised by a parent who suffers from depression and you were around that every day, wouldn't it rub off on you and you start to learn that same behavior that your parent exhibited? It would make sense that it would become sort of chiseled into your head subconsciously after growing up around it constantly. I notice in myself that some of the symptoms I have remind me of things that my mother did or how she reacts to things. Do you think we can teach our children to be depressed without knowing it?? Makes me very glad that I'm on medication now to help me control my symptoms. I never want my kids to go through the sort of depression that I have gone through.
I read somewhere that there is a depression gene that can be passed from parent to child. It may be laying there dormant until the person goes through something traumatic and it sort of "activates" the gene. That would make sense, too, considering that some depression is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. A chemical imbalance can not be learned, can it?
I'm not a doctor, just thinking out loud and hope to get some opinions on this subject? Anyone???
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Summer has arrived!!
I'm back after a bit of a delay. Been working on a few other things online.. plus spending some good family time summer fun with my kids!! It was blistering hot last week so we ended up going to the beach at Lake Erie and also the Neil Armstrong Space Museum! This summer is starting out great so far!! However, being white as a ghost and out in the hot sun last week caused me to have a very bad bout of sun burn! I could barely move for a day or two and yes, I did use sun block!! At least now I am finally tanning, instead of just going back to being ghost white! lol
I did find some time to work on the blog. As you can see it looks a bit different. Not drastically different but I did make a few changes! Obviously I made some changes to the color scheme and layout. I think it added a little somethin' somethin' to it. Made it not so boring!! I know there are a lot better layouts out there but I'm happy with this one for now! Also, I cleaned up the side column so it looks a little better. Added a facebook badge, so everyone can add me on facebook! Also, if you like one of our posts here and you are on twitter you can tweet about it right from our page! Just click on the headliner for the post and at the bottom you will find something that says, "Tweet this". Don't forget that I'm on twitter and if you follow me I will follow you!!
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Now for a little update on ME. I am still on Effexor and it has done wonders for me!! The positives:
** A lot less emotional.. I don't cry all the time or over small things like a commercial! lol
** I am a lot more patient with my kids.
** I have more energy to do things around the house.
** I'm not so moody with my husband all the time, which has helped our marriage tremendously!
** I don't stress over the small things any more.
Now don't get me wrong, I still have a few bad days here and there, but they are only maybe twice a month! I am loving life now, enjoying my kids more, enjoying my husband more! I feel like these meds have saved my life!! My only worry is that I've heard that after so long Effexor can start to lose its effects and then you have to ween off of it to go on something else. I'm crossing my fingers that it doesn't happen, however sometimes I wonder if I am going to have to be on medications for the rest of my life?? Do I want that?? Hmm, something to ponder, eh!
The only negative side effect I have noticed from the meds is decreased sexual appetite, however, I have 3 young children, I work and go to school.. do I really care?? Not much, haha!
Life is going pretty good right now. My marriage is going well, my kids are enjoying the summer and I am enjoying life!!
I did find some time to work on the blog. As you can see it looks a bit different. Not drastically different but I did make a few changes! Obviously I made some changes to the color scheme and layout. I think it added a little somethin' somethin' to it. Made it not so boring!! I know there are a lot better layouts out there but I'm happy with this one for now! Also, I cleaned up the side column so it looks a little better. Added a facebook badge, so everyone can add me on facebook! Also, if you like one of our posts here and you are on twitter you can tweet about it right from our page! Just click on the headliner for the post and at the bottom you will find something that says, "Tweet this". Don't forget that I'm on twitter and if you follow me I will follow you!!
<<->>
Now for a little update on ME. I am still on Effexor and it has done wonders for me!! The positives:
** A lot less emotional.. I don't cry all the time or over small things like a commercial! lol
** I am a lot more patient with my kids.
** I have more energy to do things around the house.
** I'm not so moody with my husband all the time, which has helped our marriage tremendously!
** I don't stress over the small things any more.
Now don't get me wrong, I still have a few bad days here and there, but they are only maybe twice a month! I am loving life now, enjoying my kids more, enjoying my husband more! I feel like these meds have saved my life!! My only worry is that I've heard that after so long Effexor can start to lose its effects and then you have to ween off of it to go on something else. I'm crossing my fingers that it doesn't happen, however sometimes I wonder if I am going to have to be on medications for the rest of my life?? Do I want that?? Hmm, something to ponder, eh!
The only negative side effect I have noticed from the meds is decreased sexual appetite, however, I have 3 young children, I work and go to school.. do I really care?? Not much, haha!
Life is going pretty good right now. My marriage is going well, my kids are enjoying the summer and I am enjoying life!!
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