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| Images in Ink Support Group A support group established for bipolar disorder sufferers, friends & family members. | | by: | |
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| Item Size: 221 Members
Created: 12:10am on 02-18-2008
Modified: 11:17am on 11-21-2009 | |
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OUR MISSION STATEMENT
 To provide information pertaining to Bipolar for sufferers and friends and family
members
To help in anyway necessary to ensure that a support group/unit is always available
To encourage our members to write!! Writing is one of the best therapeutic remedies there is.  Many of today's famous writers (as well as a vast majority of our exceptional writers from previous eras) suffer(ed) from bipolar disorder. It is a "theory" of sort, that individuals who suffer from this disorder can and do possess a more creativie way of thinking combined with more productivity. The manic factor contributes to an increased frequency and fluency of thoughts due to the cognitive difference between normalcy and mania. It is also theororized that manic people often think and speak in rhyme or alliteration more than non-manic people. In addition, the lifestyles of manic-depressives in their manic phase is comparable to those of creative people. Both groups function on very little sleep, restless attitudes, and they both exhibit depth and emotion beyond the norm. Biologically speaking, the manic state is physically alert. That is, it can respond quickly and intellectually with a range of changes (i.e. emotional, perceptual, behavioral). The manic perception of life is one without bounds. This allows for creativity because the person feels capable of anything. It is as if the walls, which inhibit the general population, do not exist in manic people, allowing them to become creative geniuses. They understand a part of art, music, and literature which normal people do not attempt. The manic state is in sharp contrast to the depressive phase of bipolar patients. In their depressed phase, patients only see gloom and boundaries. They feel helpless, and out of this helplessness comes the creativity. The only way bipolar patients can survive their depressed phases, oftentimes, is to unleash their despondency through some creative work. So again, writing is most encouraged! Write, write and write some more!
Show our creativity!! Though this psychopathology is not for one to wish, one interesting association with bipolar disorder is the creativity of those afflicted. This is not the normal creativity experienced by the above-average people (on the scale of creativity). This creativity is the creative genius, which is so rare, yet an inordinate percentage of the well-known creative people were/are afflicted with manic depression. Among the lengthy list are: (writers) F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Sylvia Plath; (poets) William Blake, Sara Teasdale, Walt Whitman, Ralph Waldo Emerson; (composers) Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky. Show off that creativity people!!
Educate. It's no mystery that certain rumors and myths have given those of us suffering from Bipolar Disorder a bad name. It's imperative for all of us to educate the many who do not have this disorder (bipolar sufferers make up just 1% of our population) and help teach and spread honest knowledge as it pertains to the disorder. The truth shall set us free! There are too many misconceptions and distorted ideals surroung Bipolar Disorder and we are "stereotyped" in many ways. Not by everyone of course, but for a vast majority of non-sufferers, we are. Here are a list of facts and myths on Bipolar Disorder:
FACTS
Bipolar Disorder cannot be cured
BP Sufferers, with proper treatment, can be great workers
BP Sufferers can lead normal lives
BP Sufferers are not a danger to others
Diet and exercise can help manage the disorder and set a positive mood
BP Sufferers are more prone to suicide
BP Sufferers can be more creative
BP Sufferers are not all promiscuous
Bipolar disorder affects people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, and socioeconomic backgrounds
Bipolar disorder affects both sexes in equal numbers
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong chronic illness
MYTHS
Bipolar disorder is easy to diagnose
Nothing can be done to manage BP Disorder
BP Sufferers are insane
BP Sufferers cannot be trusted
People with BP spend their lives in psychiatric hospitals
People with BP Disorder cannot hold down a job
BP symptoms are always triggered by some type of event
BP Disorder is contagious  Uhm- Seriously??!? LOL
There is a "Bipolar Test" to help in proper diagnosis of the disorder
All BP Sufferers are manipulators
BP cannot be diagnosed until the age of 18
People with BP should not take antidepressants
BP individuals have few options for controlling the condition
BP Disorder is a rare condition
Depression and Bipolar Disorder are just a state of mind; think positively and the symptoms will go away
Talk therapy is just whining about problems; it doesn't help
People with BP or mood disorders cannot get better
People with BP are not capable of holding positions of authority in fields such as Law Enforcement and/or Politics
 Educate
Energy
Drained
Uncivilized
Chaos
Assaulting
Tears
Emotions
Listen
Listless
Illusive and
Shallow
Temperamental
Erupting
Negligent
Care
Consoling
Anger
Reverting the
Explanations
Understand
Understanding that
Nothing is meant
Despite
Exhausting
Rages
Sustained
Through
Another
Nightly
Demon battle
HELP
Halting
Every
Loved one's
Pulse
Here at Images In Ink; we're on a mission. We are an elite team/support group created to help bipolar sufferers and friends and family members in any way possible; whether it be just to lend an ear or a caring shoulder to cry upon....WE ARE HERE FOR YOU. Through all of the "ups" and "downs", we shall prevail thru the Grace of God and our very supportive group members. There is no cure for this disorder, but who says that we cannot beat it!! With the kind words of all of our members and endless support we shall overcome anything that life throws at us! Our mission here is simple: To assist and aid those in need.
We spread our message through verse and understanding. A caring, kind and loving soul is all that is needed to be a part of this special group. We encourage ALL memberships, even if you're not bipolar. We need thoughtful individuals who are willing to donate a fraction of their time for those who are genuinely in need and help give them guidance and direction in times of despair and darkness.....As a team, we can show them the light!! We have various activities planned; weekly member poetry contests (with prizes!), auctions, reviews with awardicon giveaways, merit badge giveaways and port raids just to name a few! I've reviewed and judged many writes on WDC and I know from a personal standpoint that there are so many individuals who either have this disorder or have a close friend or family member that does. I think we as a group can shed light to a lot of "misconceptions" and "misunderstandings" in regards to this disorder.
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes episodes of depression (sadness and hopelessness) and episodes of mania (severely elevated mood). These episodes commonly affect your energy level, behavior, ability to function, and your ability to think clearly or make sound decisions.
While there is no known cure for bipolar disorder, some medications have been approved to treat the different phases of bipolar disorder.
![BIPOLAR [#1389838]
BIPOLAR PIC FOR GROUP](http://imgsx.writing.com/main/images/action/display/item_id/1389838.jpg)
 A Range of Moods ![Bipolar Collage [#1400827]
For the BSFU](http://imgsx.writing.com/main/images/action/display/item_id/1400827.jpg)
At one end of the range, there is severe mania. Mania is characterized by periods of elated mood, which can include racing thoughts, extreme irritability, or reckless behavior.
In the middle, there is the normal or balanced mood state. This is a time during which you are relatively free of the signs and symptoms associated with bipolar disorder.
At the other end of the range, there is depression, which can be mild to moderate or severe. Depression involves overwhelming feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and hopelessness.
The episodes of bipolar disorder can interfere with your daily life, making it more difficult to accomplish and enjoy the things you normally would. However, by working with your health care provider you can receive treatment that's appropriate for you.
By now, you know bipolar disorder can have a significant impact on your everyday life. What you may not know is that more than three percent of the U.S. adult population have bipolar disorder. Genetics may play a role, as many people with bipolar disorder have at least one close relative with the disorder or with depression (major depressive disorder). Bipolar disorder usually appears in late adolescence or early adulthood, but it can also appear in childhood or later in life.
Women and men get bipolar disorder equally, but there are some gender differences. Women with bipolar disorder may have more depressive episodes than men with bipolar disorder. Men are more likely to start with a manic episode, whereas a woman's first episode is usually a depressive one.
As someone who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you have probably experienced both depressive and manic episodes. And you know first-hand the impact these episodes can have on your day-to-day life and the goals you have set for yourself.
A common misperception is that bipolar mood changes are usually quick and drastic. In reality, mood shifts are often quite gradual. An episode--whether depressive or manic--can last for weeks, months, or even years.
People with bipolar disorder are not always depressed or manic; they can go for long stretches of time in a "normal," balanced mood. The typical person with bipolar disorder has an average of four episodes during the first 10 years of the illness.
 Depressive Episodes
Sadness
Excessive crying
Loss of pleasure
Abnormal sleep
Low energy
Restlessness
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Loss of appetite or overeating
Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness
Thoughts of death or suicide
 Manic Episodes Inappropriate sense of euphoria (elation)
Racing thoughts; talking too much
Extreme irritability
Reckless behavior
Abnormal sleep
Excessive energy
Out of control spending
Difficulty concentrating
Abnormally increased activity, including sexual activity
Poor judgment
Aggressive behavior
SOME FAMOUS PEOPLE WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER
Thomas Lovell Beddoes- Famous Poet
Ludwig van Beethoven- Composer
Ludwig Boltzmann- Physicist & Mathematician
Dick Cavett- TV Journalist
Winston Churchill- Politician
Kurt Cobain- Musician
Samuel Taylor Coleridge- Famous Poet
Robin Williams- Famous Actor/Comedian
Charles Dickens- Author
Patty Duke- Famous Actress
Ralph Waldo Emerson- Author, Poet & Philosopher
Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald- Writer
Ivor Gurney- English Composer & Poet
Ernest Hemingway- Writer
John Keats- Famous Poet
Edvard Munch- Famous Artist
Isaac Newton- Scientist & Mathematician
Cheri Oteri- Actress (Saturday Night Live)
Jane Pauley- TV Journalist
Edgar Allan Poe- Famous Poet & Writer
Sidney Sheldon- Producer & Writer
Mark Twain- Author
Vincent Van Gogh- Artist
Virginia Woolf- Famous Poet & Novelist
Need a good C-Note. Try some of these awesome shops; you're sure to find what you're looking for! Thank you Gothic Angel is feeling sick ![View gothic_angel's Portfolio. [Offline / Private]](http://imgs.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/costumicons/ps-icon-regular-40.gif "View gothic_angel's Portfolio. [Offline / Private]") for creating a very cool cNote Shop in benefit of our group and Rising Stars- you RoCk girl!
Group Message Forum
 The message board is used for general conversation, OR if you are in need of any type of help whatsoever. If you are uncomfortable leaving a message here, you are ALWAYS more than welcome to e-mail me or anyone of of our Leaders directly! Say hello to all of our Leaders!
Stiles ♥ 4-A Society ![View stacylynn71's Portfolio. [Offline / Private]](http://imgs.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/costumicons/ps-icon-paw_prints-40.gif "View stacylynn71's Portfolio. [Offline / Private]")
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K. Love Luvs 4-A Society
Gothic Angel is feeling sick
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Each one of our Leaders have been "hand picked" and are ready to help you in any way needed! 
Please DO NOT contact JudyB at this time. She is very ill and has been battling daily with Leukemia. We know our Ms. Judy will win this battle, but until she is completely well, I would ask you not to contact her, please contact one of our other Leaders, to include myself. We love you Judy! 
Images in ink's Top Dog Reviewers
Each month Images in ink gives prizes to our members who give the most reviews on behalf of our group. I have set up a forum for members to post their reviews. At the end of the month, I will review the posts and determine which members are to receive the "Top Dog Reviewer Award" Actually, the "award" will be in the form of gp's, MB's and even an awardicon from time to time! Please remember when doing reviews on behalf of our group, you must use a Group Sig. You are more than welcome to use a sig from my collection made for the group, a sig combo (III + another group or groups), even a sig which you've created, as long as it says Images in ink on it. All reviews must also be public. Any questions? Please free to contact me.
![III Poetic Campfire by Kiyasama [#1504637]
Awesome banner made by Kiyasama](http://imgsx.writing.com/main/images/action/display/item_id/1504637.jpg)
Images in ink Poetry Campfires
Check out our Poetry Campfires- they're smokin' hot! If you would like to be a part of this fun group activity and your muse is ready, please contact me with your request!
Bipolar Poetry/Writes/Activities From Our Leaders
![My Book is on its way to the Printer! [#1465836]
My finished book- front and back!!](http://imgsx.writing.com/main/images/action/display/item_id/1465836.jpg)
My amazing book cover, front and back, was created by the amazingly talented ~D forced to face reality~ . Lisa (damiana) has created a new website for her graphics; please check it out! She's so talented and so wonderful to work with! Thank you Lisa !
Lisa's Web Page: http://damiana-designs.com
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