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Fiercelyalive
32,743
L Discoverer 9
5 star rating
Rating
Number of ratings85 Number of reviews25 Listens toOver 18 LanguagesEnglish Listener sinceJul 29, 2017 Last activeover 6 months ago PathStep 597 People helped116 Chats176 Group support chats28 Listener group chats21 Forum posts347 Forum upvotes345
Bio
Hello, I am a verified listener and an intern at 7 Cups.

I'm willing to listen to you and help you get through your struggles.



***

My involvement within 7 Cups community:

Group Mod

Peer Supporter

Welcoming Team (Listeners & Members)

Feed Team

Appreciation Team

***

If I'm online, then please feel free to chat. Otherwise, if I'm offline, do leave me a message so that we could set up a time to connect.

Take Care <3
Recent forum posts
Let's Talk
Bipolar, Schizophrenia & Psychosis Support / by Fiercelyalive
Last post
October 15th, 2017
...See more What is that one thing you wish your loved ones or others knew about Bipolar Disorder?
Coping With Bipolar Mood Swings
Bipolar, Schizophrenia & Psychosis Support / by Fiercelyalive
Last post
November 28th, 2017
...See more Coping with bipolar disorder — and the mood swings it brings — can be difficult. But understanding what causes mood swings can be the first step in coping with the ups and downs of bipolar disorder. Bipolar Mood Swings: Causes and Triggers Bipolar disorder is thought to be caused by a chemical imbalance that alters a person's moods. This imbalance may be linked to irregular hormone production or a problem with chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters that act as messengers to nerve cells. Because bipolar disorder tends to run in families, genetics are also thought to play a role; in fact, researchers believe that the chemical changes leading to the disorder result from a combination of genes and environmental influences. Some brain scans have revealed actual physical changes in the brains of people with bipolar disorder. The best way to prevent mood swings is to get treatment for bipolar disorder. But it's also possible to reduce the frequency and intensity of mood swings by being aware of situations or events that can trigger them. The most common triggers for bipolar mood swings are: 1. Stress from major life events, both positive and negative 2. Lack of sleep 3. Erratic schedules 4. Caffeine and alcohol 5. Certain medications, such as antidepressants and corticosteroids 6. Seasonal changes (for example, winter can worsen depression, while summer can increase the risk of mania) 7. Stopping bipolar med or varying the treatment schedule 8 . Thyroid problems 9. Substance abuse Mood Swings: Coping Strategies While some triggers — like seasonal changes or a stressful event — may be impossible to avoid, lifestyle changes and mood-management strategies can make a big difference. Try the following suggestions from experts for managing and coping with mood swings. Control stress. Stress is a major bipolar trigger. Do what you can to simplify your life and relieve stress in your work and personal life. See if your spouse, family members, and friends can help with household responsibilities. "If you have a job that requires crazy hours and lots of travel, you may want to switch to a less-stressful job," suggests Dr. First. Stress-management techniques, such as meditation, visualization, and yoga, can also help. Keep a regular schedule. Stick to a routine to help control mood swings. "Bipolar people don't do well with lots of changes," says First. Have meals, do errands, exercise, and go to bed about the same time every day. Practice healthy sleep habits. Being overtired can trigger mania in some bipolar people. Relax before bed by listening to soothing music, reading, or taking a warm bath. Experts also recommend that you make your bedroom a calming place and use it only for sleep and sex. Be disciplined about your sleep habits. "It's common for people with bipolar disorder to stay up late watching movies, playing video games, or surfing the Internet, which can make mood swings worse," says Carrie Bearden, PhD, a bipolar-disorder expert and associate professor of psychology and behavioral sciences at UCLA. Get moving. Studies show that regular exercise can help improve mood. Start slowly by taking a walk around the neighborhood. Gradually work up to exercising on most days of the week. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and drugs. Caffeine is a stimulant, which can keep you up at night and exacerbate manic episodes. Cut back on coffee and soda, especially at night. Alcohol and drugs can affect how your medications work and possibly trigger a mood episode. Write it down. Keep a journal that makes note of big events, stresses, how much sleep you're getting, and what you're eating and drinking. Over time, you may see patterns emerging. By knowing what your triggers are, you may be able to prepare for times when you might be most vulnerable to mood swings. While these lifestyle changes and coping strategies can help manage mood swings, they won't make bipolar disorder magically disappear. However, knowing what your triggers are and taking steps to manage them can help prevent a minor mood swing from becoming a serious problem. Source: Everyday Health [https://www.everydayhealth.com/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-disorder-mood-swings.aspx]
A gentlel reminder
Bipolar, Schizophrenia & Psychosis Support / by Fiercelyalive
Last post
October 6th, 2017
...See more
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar, Schizophrenia & Psychosis Support / by Fiercelyalive
Last post
April 22nd
...See more I recently came across this short video on 'What is bipolar disorder [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrWBhVlD1H8]' where Helen M. Farrell describes the root causes and treatments for bipolar disorder.
Feedback & Reviews
Nice guy, very kind
Fiercelyalive is absolutely amazing! I loved her advice and she listened and understood me very well. I felt like I was talking to a close friend. She deserves some big stars :) !
yup she was good
Thank you for volunteering and listening
Nice and helpful
I love that they stay positive, and helps me think positively. Thank you.
Thanks for being a patient listener and empathizing with me.
Thanks.
Good times man
great listener
very helpful
Kind and empathetic listener.
Great!!
Patient
Good so far
So far great support
You asked good questions and the responses you gave me helped me feel better. Thank you :)
Helpful
Great Help!
Good experience. Thanks!
good
An understanding person ready to listen, pretty much exactly what you would expect from a "Listener"
Good listener
Will really calm your mind. Thanks
Very helpful. Empathetic and never spoke down to me
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