Help the sun shine thru the clouds!!!

Hey everyone!
I'm running a bit late on this since May is 1/2 over! Better late than never! Thanks~

~Shine On~

~Angel~

The following info & more can be found at this link: 

"What you need to know:

• Your loved one's illness is not your fault (or your loved one's fault).
• You can't make your loved one well, but you can offer support, understanding and hope.
• Each person experiences a mood disorder differently, with different symptoms.
• The best way to find out what your loved one needs from you is by asking direct questions.

What you need to find out:

• Contact information (including emergency numbers) for your loved one's doctor, therapist, and psychiatrist, your local hospital, and trusted friends and family members who can help in a crisis.
• Whether you have permission to discuss your loved one's treatment with his or her doctors, and if not, what you need to do to get permission.
• The treatments and medications your loved one is receiving, any special dosage instructions and any needed changes in diet or activity.
• The most likely warning signs of a worsening manic or depressive episode (words and behaviors) and what you can do to help.
• What kind of day-to-day help you can offer, such as doing housework or grocery shopping.

When talking with your loved one's health care providers, be patient, polite and assertive. Ask for clarification of things you do not understand. Write down things you need to remember.

What you can say that helps:

• You are not alone in this. I'm here for you.
• I understand you have a real illness and that's what causes these thoughts and feelings.
• You may not believe it now, but the way you're feeling will change.
• I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to help.
• When you want to give up, tell yourself you will hold on for just one more day, hour, minute - whatever you can manage.
• You are important to me. Your life is important to me.
• Tell me what I can do now to help you.
• I am here for you. We will get through this together.

What you should avoid saying:

• It's all in your head.
• We all go through times like this.
• You'll be fine. Stop worrying.
• Look on the bright side.
• You have so much to live for; why do you want to die?
• I can't do anything about your situation.
• Just snap out of it.
• Stop acting crazy.
• What's wrong with you?
• Shouldn't you be better by now?"-Depression and Bipolar Alliance
  

"What's happening to me?

     Mood disorders are physical illnesses that affect the brain. Their exact cause is not known, but it is known that an imbalance in brain chemicals plays a role. These illnesses also have a genetic component, meaning they can run in families. They are not your fault, and they are nothing to be ashamed of. Having a mood disorder does not mean you can't lead a normal life. 

     Think of your mood disorder the same way you think of illnesses such as asthma or diabetes. No one would ever ask someone else to think positive in response to the low blood sugar of diabetes or breathing trouble of asthma, and no one would think twice about getting the necessary treatment for these illnesses."-Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

I won't list all the signs & symptoms here.  You can find those at this link: 

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Signs and Symptoms 

If you suspect you or a loved one may suffer from a mood disorder, you can follow this link to do an online health screening that can be printed & given to a physician or for educational purposes to show a loved one you suspect.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Health Screening