11. Bipolar Disorder and Consciousness Part #3: How to Support an Episode

[DrAsIs143]

into the areas of our lives that are uncomfortable); Reason-giving for behavior. Our Gerbil brain is not our best friend! It comments on our life, our behaviors, our feelings. Mindfulness is very helpful! It is helpful to learn to distinguish between the self (I/You) and the things we have been struggling with. If we can ACT: Accept our reactions & be present; Choose a valued direction and Take Action. Life and Recovery is one small step after another. ( Learning to celebrate each step taken).

[DrAsIs143]

Unfortunately, the American public Expects physicians to "do" something. I agree that if I have a doc just "Be" if he has no idea what is going on. I recently went to an ER and was given meds. When I got my records and asked Why I was being treated for a UTI which was Not indicated on any of my lab reports, the nurse said well some doctors feel they need to "do" something! Having had a negative reaction to the medication which was not necessary, the nurses words were not ones of comfort!

[bipolarorwakingup]

@DrAsIs143 It is actually rare for doctors to take a good lokk at my work. I hope I didn't get my back up in too many comments to you - I CAN get defensive! If you are interested in more credible sources, I recommend starting with the work of Dr.David Lukoff, and... ---Religious and Spiritual Issues in Psychiatric Diagnosis - a Research Agenda for DSM-V. Edited by John R. Peteet, M.D., Francis G. Lu, M.D., and William E. Narrow, M.D., M.P.H. Copyright 2011, American Psychiatric Association

[DrAsIs143]

@bipolarorwakingup Believe it or not - I am familiar with these resources. I gave input to the DSM on this area too.

[DrAsIs143]

I think it is important to "Just Be" with all of the individuals with whom I work! It is the need of not only with those with a brain disorder of schizophrenia, but PTSD, Bipolar, (DSM IV-R et.all). Learning to be Mindful is important for each and everyone of the human family. I think it is one of our lessons in Earth School. Also, my experience is your e-mail "research" may be skewed. Many of the individuals with whom I have worked are unable to be around computers. Check out ACT therapy!

[bipolarorwakingup]

@DrAsIs143 I am aware that my research is skewed, as the people who write me are those who like my videos. Nevertheless, a quantitative survey on my blog indicated that over 80% of people in 'acute psychosis' had spiritual aspects to their experiences. A less skewed survey at Icarus Project reflected similar results. I'm happy that you have taken an interest in my work, and understand your concern. We hope to do research in 2012 at Hospital das Clinicas in Sao Paulo for more objective results.

[lamrimeater]

Thankyou sean for your wonderful videos. you are doing a great service to your fellow man and woman! i'm sharing these with my husband as he is a support vehicle and i'm so thankful for that realization. it will be a journey, do you recommend any online groups i can join to share my experiences and gain insight on others expierences? i tend to be paranoid by doctors b/c they always want to medicate me. i feel like they stunt me from experiencing what i'm supposed to.

[lamrimeater]

btw i am medicated right now but on low dosages so i feel like i go into a half psychosis but then the meds pull me back from this... its weird felt like this since i was 16 and im 26 now. i constantly feel like im in a state of bardo with mixed of mania and depression. almost like they intertwine with each other. in the past b/f meds they felt natural... now they feel like the potential is stunted.. i guess my paranoia is getting to me and i'm asking all these questions. is this common?

[love1another1evol]

thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you

This 3 parts are AWESOME.

I was in a little struggle

but this was so helpful!

[bipolarorwakingup]

@love1another1evol Hey, you´re welcome! Keep going, there´s 12 more parts to go!!!!

[love1another1evol]

@bipolarorwakingup Hey if you may accept my friend invitation, I have some thing to ask you, I had similar experiences but I dont think I am bipolar and I live a blissful life.

I preapered my question, please accept it! :)

[PetSounds3608]

I would think the percentages of these consciousnesses today would have to be something like Modern-90% with all the rest being 1-2%... I certainly don't agree that understanding of higher levels of thinking is at an all time high. Based on what I've seen from my peers in schools and colleges, it is at an all time low. Nobody is questioning anything anymore.. even if the bipolar diagnosis has increased by 4000%, I would guess only a low percent of them understand the spiritual implications.

[bipolarorwakingup]

@PetSounds3608 You would like to think that, and so would I, but it just ain't true. You are correct that few people with BD understand the spiritual implications - that's what I'm here for!

[deirdreofthesorrows]

@PetSounds3608 Were crazy but we aint stupid ;)

[bipolarorwakingup]

@PetSounds3608 "Nobody is questioning anything anymore.. "

I have wondered about that phenomena myself. It seems like, with teenagers and young adults, they have no underlying values system - everything is OK. They seem to be completely unaware that they, basically have no thought process - no principles at all.

[DrAsIs143]

@PetSounds3608 I would agree with you here. We are at a point where seeing is believing. However, humanity will eventually get to the point of needing to have experiential knowledge so they can know and know that they know. I personally have had 3 spiritual crises in my life where family questioned whether I was bipolar. Since I had worked with Grof and studies Jung, I understood the territory I was traversing. It is a difficult road to be on a Spiritual Path - many tests. Question all teachers.

[photographa]

Also, you listed percentage.

But do you have data in percentages which level have bipolar the most often?

As i realised from your videos, all types do have bipolar, but where is the most common?

[bipolarorwakingup]

@photographa No data on bipolar by levels of consciousness, but based on my e-mail, I suspect that the biggest increase is among young modern people who are at the early edge of post-modern thinking and doing a fair amount of drugs. It all ties in. I think that is where the big jump is coming from, which is good news, because people at that level are fairly easy to work with!

[lupon18]

@bipolarorwakingup I completely agree. At 20, my 1st spiritual emergency triggered when I stopped taking anti-depressants cold turkey. Being that I had just previously began experimenting with Psychedelic healing substances, my consciousness was prepared for the spiritual experience I was was about to enter. So the shrooms and LSD prepared me spiritually, allowing me to transition smoother/quicker from traditional to post-modern. Otherwise it would have been a horrifying foreign experience

[lupon18]

@bipolarorwakingup With that being said, I am not at all trying to condone the use of illegal substances. But at the same time, since it most definitely helped me, I feel like I would be doing a dis-service to other fellow Bi-polars out there if I didn't share information that helped me through my spiritual emergency. Because in my opinion, whether it is illegal or not, people should have the choice between substances that have been used by shamans for 1000s of years, or poisonous lithium.

[DrAsIs143]

@lupon18 All lithium is not poisonous. Check out Norman Shealey MD PHD 's website. Lithium is a natural element which is in many water sources but not at the levels that require blood levels. For many Li has been a life saver too! It can be dangerous to self-medicate. I have been with several individuals who chose to self-medicate rather than get help from professionals or even like minded others and they died!

[bipolarorwakingup]

@DrAsIs143 FYI, I am NOT a fan of 'self-medicating' either.

[photographa]

wow so great feeling to learn something new and useful!

Bravo

Now..do you have any info..i mean what's are trends, how fast things are changing actually? Till when "power of now" and "post-modern" will be black sheeps?

[bipolarorwakingup]

@photographa Post-modern is becoming more and more accepted as the "new thinking" Diversity and all that. Obviously, Tolle's book The Power of Now got a lot of attention, but I think few people really get it. Another name for that level is Integral, coined by the Spiral Dynamics people. It's just getting on the radar. Few people have picked up on in, but the TV show LOST was written from an Integral level of consciousness. EVERY level is represented in that show by one character or another!

[jaeou812]

To me, "being with the person in psychosis" can indeed be Aaron T. Beck's COGNITIVE THERAPY. THIS NEED NOT INVOLVE MEDS!!! A therapist can identify distorted thinking and help point a person in the right direction. Admittedly, so can a priest, family member or friend. My point is, if you are in crisis, spiritual or otherwise, GET HELP. And only recieve the treatment and care you want !!! THIS IS INFORMED CONSENT.

[JonB20]

Ahhh, and now we reach my level, look forward to hearing this

[MrWoody911]

NOW!

[Bopalina]

As I remain in exile from my life, due to my family's Petition to Court to have me committed b/c I am choosing my own bipolar treatment plan, I watch these videos and feel HOPE.

[bipolarorwakingup]

@Bopalina Make sure you watch my meditation videos. Regular meditation may be your only way out!

[melissacarl2002]

cool video. The single essay that made me realize I wasn't crazy...>>>

1215 (dot) org/lawnotes/lawnotes/jurisdic­tion.htm

[bipolarorwakingup]

@melissacarl2002 Thanks. What's with the

1215 (dot) org/lawnotes/lawnotes/jurisdic­tion.htm ?

[cgn747]

I like your videos....they make alot of sence....thanks!

I'm 15 and I'm diagnosed with bipolar disorder and extreme paranoia..... can't explain how hard and painful it is to live with it.......although i always try to convince my self that everything is going to be all fine.

i didn't tell my parents or anyone else about this....because i don't want people to treat like i'm mentally ill .....i don't take any mends either.

[boogiebuddy01]

i agree completely

[bipolarorwakingup]

@boogiebuddy01 thanks for watching BB!

[ArekkuTrax]

I'm so happy that I've been led to your videos my loving friend. Your videos have given me hope for the world. I thank you from deep within my heart.

[xTommyGirlx]

in the present moment seems to be synonomous to "flow"

[fastriffs]

Good info here. But why have Obama in the video? He isn't helping anything.

[SapphireVelvet]

I agree completely! LOL..

[zannita]

thx for your help it really appreciate

[k9Rob82leo]

OMG I SO GET IT !!!

[esokayful]

As long as no one is being hurt as long as they are not hurting themselves. If other people have a problem with it they should not be there with you. Just be a couple of innocent kids who don't have any preconceived ideas about how the world is supposed to be. when some one is in a psychotic episode they are SUPPOSED to be doing what they are doing.

[esokayful]

To be with them means that you suspend all your judgments about what they say and what they do. You let them talk and cry and yell. You don't have to fix anything. Everything is as it should be. Yes, even the pee on the floor in the hall way . you can clean it up no big deal.

[bipolarorwakingup]

You get it! i hope your insight helps someone down the road!

[Taaveto]

I am in the power of now...

[vilegraphix]

ok you talk about just be....

how can you just be? im curious, because you do have people within this world that think on the traditional level, modern and etc. that will think your crazy, your lazy or your the antichrist and whatnot...how can one escape them? for instance, they may be in your immediate family, they may be at your work place, your place of schooling...etc...im not sure im making sense, and thank you for the videos

[bipolarorwakingup]

Well, the concept is so simple that it get misinterpreted a lot. That´s why I think Tolle´s book is so valuable. Read that and I think you will get it. And you are right, you can´t escape the world´´s culture, but you can be selective in who your friends are, the kind of work you do, etc...basically it comes down to following your own intuition, and developing a thick skin against those who criticize you for being you.

[vilegraphix]

was the answer i was kind of looking for, its damn tough though ....oh well im better for it.....think ill try reading your book...was reading the intro last night.....

[bipolarorwakingup]

Good luck with it!

[DrAsIs143]

@bipolarorwakingup It can take a while to learn what is Intuition and the "Gerbil Brains" incessant chatter. One of the concepts I like is from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy which is a value driven approach. We chose our value and ask ourselves is this choice moving me towards or away from my values? The concept is FEAR: recognizing - Fusion with our thoughts & feelings; Evaluation (how we tend to take thoughts and feelings personally); Avoidance of Experiences (instead of gently leaning

[rockafeladave]

Thanks for these videos, they totally make everything much much easier to understand!! I thought I had bipolar for a while (thought I was Jesus/antichrist for a bit lol) and went to a psychiatrist at my university. He told me I was astoundingly sane and rational (ie recognition of my own automatic thoughts and thinking errors) individuals he'd encountered. The power of now is incredible and I want as many people as possible to experience that feeling!

[bipolarorwakingup]

Sound like you are on the right track! Glad you like the vids!

[RomaTossa]

thank you, i meant

[bipolarorwakingup]

You´re welcome!

[shredrix]

im bipolar myself and well id just liek to say ; good vid dude

[bipolarorwakingup]

Keep watching...one day there will be A LOT of bipolar people completely healed, even grateful for the experience. Stay tuned....

[shredrix]

i dont agree with the healed assumption; however, i believe that we will get to a point where all are cycles and symptoms are the same but they just dont bother us anymore ...

[tweeber69]

Outside factors affect me far more than my mental illness. If I have a crappy job, it wears on me more than just being moody for no reason. If I have a good job (which I finally do) I feel better about everything. Having friends that care about you and family that wants you around helps me feel better a lot more than meds and psychs.

[dreamdanni]

Hi Sean,

I just watched your videos again and I have some questions. I have yet to read you book so I'll do that and then ask. I'll be in touch.

peace,

Danni

[SarafinaPrettyToes]

thank you for posting these video, i have watch all of your vids this evening, and i totally feel sooo much better.

[DebEspace]

I love this video the just be message is so perfect if only we could all learn to chill out and just be no matter what. my husband David is very good at just being when i am on one, but i could do with him getting into the now with me he is like an observer sometimes.

this is a great video.

[bipolarorwakingup]

Thanks very much Deb! Like I say in the video...more people are moving into the NOW faster than we can imagine!

[zeldamr]

Yay! OBAMA---Change :)

Yay! Eckhart Tolle!

[noonsplace]

Sean--This is another excellent video, perhaps my favorite of the ones you've created in your quest to help people with bpd. (Your pictures are so thoughtfully chosen-sometimes, I must admit, they are pretty strong visuals, but they make your points so well!) Thanks for your message and the work you are doing, these videos and your book. I'm so glad that people like you are out there trying to counter the Goliaths of big pharma and the "not so health care" systems. Keep up the GOOD work!

[bipolarorwakingup]

Thank you noonsplace...Yes, I tend to choose visuals that get the point across! Sometimes like a sledgehammer!

[SapphireVelvet]

Most of the visuals are helpful in getting your point across, but some are definitely harming your message.

[arreckia]

this guy is banging my head

[EricOerinToo]

Do you advocate transitioning away from a psycho-pharmacological approach and do you recommend a process?

[bipolarorwakingup]

It sounds like you have something specific in mind. Feel free to send me a message.

[crazedmystic]

The power of now? huh, I think many of those people are in asylums & jails. We're all crazy, it is the ability to reassimilate into a group after the 'spiritual awakening' that is key... or may be not. maybe the world needs more crazy people walking around

[bipolarorwakingup]

No, we don´t need more crazy people walking around. Like you said at first, we need people who have been 'crazy' INTEGRATING their experience into their daily life. That benefits all of society!

[slurpe7]

hey awesome video but im still abit confused.. how does one get out of a psychosis if he or she is not medicated

[bipolarorwakingup]

As long as you are properly supported and are able to engage the material and emotions arising within you, you should come out of it on your own. However, people can also get 'stuck' there, usually out of fear. If they withdraw from 'the process', medication may be the only way to bring them back. Loving support is essential in your ability to go into the process and return.

[lynneaeus]

Very good continuation, Sean! I've been enjoying watching all your vids. I'd love to hear more about being that cool cucumber...I learn so much more when I have an example in front of me and not just an explanation of that example. Now that you've documented David's process and his aftermath, maybe you can do one about how you were responding emotionally and/or practically during his episodes.

[PhilosophyMeditation]

"Groups don't make small changes they have entirely new experiences."

~Writer's note

[Bosoxs008]

Thanks Sean..another great video..For those looking to find out how to be..check out the "Tao of Pooh"

[MsChrispy]

When I was in residential there was a girl who pissed and craped and got naked when she was angry. She also constantly talked VERY fast and said sexual things. She everntually got sent to prison for kids, but I'm wondering if she was manic.

[bipolarorwakingup]

It could be that she was. I have, personally, pissed myself during my episode and got VERY angry when the doctors lied to me and drugged me against my will, when they said that they would not. I have also worked with a person who crapped themselves during their psychosis. They healed from that as well. And, of course, EVERYBODY gets naked adn sexual because we are no longer ASHAMED of the bodies God has given us! How are you? Send me a personal message.

[PhilosophyMeditation]

I never got naked or anything, but then again it may be because I also have mild OCD. (I didn't know that until I was a teenager) I do remember getting REALLY angry though, and that was partly because they diagnosed me with ritalin.

[andygray119]

what I'm claiming about the nature of this website should be independantly verifiable, but so far people who have briefly looked at it dont agree with me. I have even tasked my hacker friend with it but havn't heard yet.

I admit some of the things I was thinking when I was hospital were a bit psychotic like thinking some things in magazines and on tv could be related to me, but more like a mistake I just ran with. If my initial assertion is true I dont know what then.....

[bipolarorwakingup]

Its very, very common for people to think that they are getting messages from the TV, internet and other sources. And maybe you were! I have never had a relapse, but I still feel that I get messages (or synchronicites) every now and then.

[zeldamr]

i definitely felt this when i was manic. everything was very meaningful, from the red light telling me it was time to stop to the television commercial or show speaking to me. i agree with sean that those messages are still there just that we are not so present to be seeing/getting them -these synchronicities.

[andygray119]

my alleged psychosis is a little strange. It all started about 2yrs ago when I came across a particular website, I was on it a lot for a few days, then suddenly thought the whole thing was controlled by some organisation and not individual users like it seemed. I got very scared, and thought people might be after me in real life too. I was thinking about what happened recently and went back to the website after avoiding it for 2yrs and thought the same thing. I got a bit scared again, but manage

[andygray119]

thank you again for this vid. I will get round to reading your book one day. There is a book called 'fragments' on chipmunka publishing whose author I met in Edinburgh through my great chinese doctor friend (who has helped me so much, and took me to china to train at the shaolin temple!). Its all about being a cult and Krishnamurti I think though.

[shadeofteal]

Awesome!!! Thanks for this! I so hope, you're right in regard to change. BTW: I think, the power of Big Pharma - as opposed to the power of Now ;) - is just a "symptom" of the post -modern, capitalist order.

[bipolarorwakingup]

Exactly. After all, a giant self-centered multi-national is just a bunch of small self-centered, materialistic, shallow people working together! :D

[bipolarorwakingup]

I guess you were in the NOW!

[ozjthomas]

I'll definitely be checking that book out. This is such a simple idea(the power of now) but so powerful.

[YourOasis97]

oh yes, please do. its an amazing book. changed my whole outlook on life.

[gledalka]

great vid

[Drummer2k7]

cool