Updates from Greg and Sheri

The holidays are here, and with them come tables overflowing with an abundance of delicious Christmas food. However, if you have gone through gastric bypass, the festive season may pose an unusual challenge for you. You need to be very careful with your food choices during the holiday season to avoid complications that may arise after gastric bypass. In this post, we’ll share some tips on how to deal with food after gastric bypass during the holidays.

1. Be mindful of portion sizes

When you’re at a social gathering, food temptations may surround you, making it easy to overeat. However, remember that overeating is not an option for individuals that have gone through gastric bypass. One way to overcome temptation is to use a smaller plate to manage portion sizes. Take a small portion of your favorite food and savor it slowly. This will not only help you avoid overeating but also allow you to enjoy each bite more fully.

2. Remember to stay hydrated

During the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in all the festivities and forget to stay hydrated. Remember that after gastric bypass surgery, your body needs more water. Keep a water bottle nearby and sip on it regularly to avoid dehydration. Drinking water will help you feel fuller and prevent you from overeating.

3. Stick to your dietary restrictions

Holiday feasts are usually filled with unhealthy foods that may not be recommended for a gastric bypass patient. Remember to stick to your dietary restrictions despite the distractions surrounding you. Avoid sugary and fatty foods, and opt for healthier options such as lean meat, vegetables, and fruits. Sticking to your dietary restrictions is the best way to avoid complications after gastric bypass surgery.

4. Plan ahead

If you’re attending a holiday dinner party, don’t hesitate to ask about the menu beforehand. Make a mental note of which healthy foods will be available and which ones you should avoid. This way, you’ll be able to plan your meal beforehand to avoid getting tempted with unhealthy food options. You could also bring along a healthy dish to share with others. Doing this will help ensure that there is at least one healthy option that you can eat.

5. Don’t give in to peer pressure

Peer pressure can be a real challenge during holiday gatherings. Friends and family may encourage you to eat foods that are not good for your health or that don’t fit well with your dietary restrictions. Don’t feel obligated to overeat or indulge in unhealthy foods to please others. Remember, you’re working towards a healthier you, and you need to make conscious choices to maintain your progress.

The holiday season can be a great time to celebrate with friends and family. However, for those who’ve undergone gastric bypass surgery, the festive season can present a challenge in terms of food choices. By following these tips, you’ll be able to stick to your dietary restrictions and maintain your progress towards a healthier you. Remember to be mindful of portion sizes and stay hydrated, plan ahead, and don’t give in to peer pressure. With these tips, you’re well on your way to enjoying a happy, healthy holiday season.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that is characterized by intense and unstable emotions, extreme mood swings, and impulsive behaviors. It affects nearly 1 in every 100 adults in the United States (including my partner) and can significantly impair one's quality of life. While traditional treatment methods such as therapy and medication can be effective, there are other complementary therapies such as aromatherapy that can also offer relief. In this blog post, I’ll be discussing the benefits of aromatherapy for patients with BPD.

Aromatherapy can help reduce anxiety and stress

One of the hallmark symptoms of BPD is intense anxiety and stress. Aromatherapy can be incredibly beneficial in reducing these symptoms by calming the mind and promoting relaxation. Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang are known for their calming effects and can be diffused or used in topical applications like massage oils to promote relaxation.

Aromatherapy can improve mood stability

One of the biggest struggles for BPD patients is their mood instability. Aromatherapy can help with this by improving overall mood stability and creating a sense of balance. Essential oils like peppermint and lemon are known to have mood-boosting effects and can be diffused or used in baths or shower gels.

Aromatherapy can help reduce insomnia

Another common issue for BPD patients is insomnia or difficulty sleeping. Aromatherapy can be incredibly effective in promoting sleep by creating a calming environment. Essential oils like lavender or bergamot can be diffused or added to bathwater or massage oils to create a relaxing atmosphere that encourages healthy sleep patterns.

Aromatherapy can promote mindfulness

Another aspect of BPD that can be difficult is being present in the moment or practicing mindfulness. Aromatherapy can be used as a tool to help promote mindfulness by using scents to ground oneself in the present moment. Essential oils like frankincense or sandalwood can be diffused or used in meditation practices to help facilitate mindfulness.

Aromatherapy can enhance self-care practices

Finally, aromatherapy can be a great addition to self-care practices for those with BPD. Taking a few moments to diffuse an essential oil or run a bath with added essential oils can be a great way to prioritize self-care and relaxation. This can be especially helpful in times of crisis or high stress.

In conclusion, aromatherapy can be a powerful tool in managing some of the symptoms associated with BPD. By promoting relaxation, stability, and mindfulness, essential oils can help improve overall quality of life for those with BPD. As with any therapy, it's important to find what works best for you personally, but integrating aromatherapy into your self-care routine is certainly worth considering.  It has been working well for my partner.

 
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is often misunderstood and stigmatized, despite being a legitimate mental illness. Unfortunately, this can lead to a lack of understanding and empathy for those who suffer from BPD, which makes it difficult for them to get the help they need. In this blog, we will explore some of the common misconceptions about BPD and discuss the symptoms of the disorder in detail.

Misconception #1: People with BPD are manipulative and attention-seeking.

One of the biggest misconceptions about BPD is that those diagnosed with the disorder are  manipulative and attention-seeking. This is far from the truth. People with BPD struggle with intense emotions and feelings of abandonment and rejection, which leads them to engage in impulsive behavior and emotional outbursts. This is not an attempt to manipulate others, but rather a coping mechanism for dealing with their overwhelming emotions.

Misconception #2: BPD is not a serious mental illness.

BPD is a serious mental illness that can greatly impact a person's life. Those with BPD may experience intense mood swings, unstable relationships, and feelings of emptiness or worthlessness. In severe cases, individuals with BPD may engage in self-harm or suicidal behavior. Without proper treatment, BPD can have a profound impact on a person's quality of life.

Misconception #3: BPD is untreatable.

While BPD can be a challenging disorder to treat, it is not untreatable. With the right therapy and medication, individuals with BPD can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their mental health. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has been found to be particularly effective in treating BPD, as it focuses on skills training to help individuals regulate their emotions and improve their social relationships.

behaviorSymptoms of BPD:

   Intense fear of abandonment or rejection
   Unstable or intense relationships
   Impulsive behavior (e.g., substance abuse, binge eating, reckless driving)
   Mood swings and emotional outbursts
   Chronic feelings of emptiness or worthlessness
   Suicidal ideation or self-harming

In conclusion, BPD is a legitimate mental illness that is often stigmatized and misunderstood. Misconceptions about the disorder can prevent those who suffer from it from getting the help they need, which can have devastating consequences. By understanding the symptoms of BPD and debunking common misconceptions, we can reduce the stigma surrounding this disorder and ensure that those who struggle with it receive the support they need to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

Hey there, mental health warriors! Have you ever found yourself sinking deeper into your depression or anxiety, and without even knowing it, you start pushing the people closest to you away? You're not alone. It's a common thing to do when we don't mean to - it's simply a manifestation of some of the symptoms of mental illness. In this blog post, we will explore what happens when you try to survive your mental health on your own, and what you can do instead. So, let’s dive into the art of pushing people away when you have a mental illness and don’t mean to.

First of all, let’s explore the reasons why we push people away. When things get challenging and our mental health is taking a toll on our lives, it's common to feel like you're alone. We don't want to burden our loved ones with our problems, so we try and resolve things on our own. That's where the problem starts. Depression and anxiety feed on isolation. Without realizing it, we can shut ourselves off from the world without even realizing it and that’s when we start pushing people away.

Every one of us has our own unique experience when it comes to mental illness, but we all experience some sort of patterns. Once we recognize the pattern of how we push people away when things start to spiral, we can start to mitigate the harm done by taking action. We can be honest with our loved ones about our experience, we can share our feelings, communicate our needs, and ask for help if necessary.

One of the best things about seeking support is that it allows us to connect with people who understand. Mental health support groups, online forums, or even social media can be a great place to find people who get it. You can gain valuable insights into how others push people away when they don’t mean to. It's helpful to be able to relate to people, especially when it comes to mental health, so finding a community can be so beneficial.

Now that we know why we do it, how to recognize the pattern, and how to connect with others, the next step is to take action. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Take it easy on yourself if you find yourself pushing people away. It's tough to deal with mental health, and it's even more challenging to communicate that experience effectively. But it's worth remembering that you don't have to go through it alone. If you can give yourself space to feel and connect with others who understand, you take the first step towards healing. So, keep going and don't forget to be kind to yourself. In this blog post, we discussed why we push people away when we have mental illness, how to recognize the pattern, and the importance of connecting with others. Remember, we all deserve support and love, and it’s okay to ask for help when we need it. We hope this post helped you understand how you can navigate the art of pushing people away when you have a mental illness and don’t mean to. You’ve got this!

 I have been living with my partner who has Borderline Personality Disorder for the last six years. It has been a challenging experience for me but also an enlightening one. I want to share my story and provide some insights and tips for people who live with someone with mental illness.

Educate yourself - the first thing I did when my sister was diagnosed was to read and learn about the disorder. This helped me understand her symptoms and how to live with them. There are fantastic resources online, books, and support groups that can help.

Communication is key - open and honest communication is vital when living with someone with mental illness. You need to talk about their symptoms and how to handle them in case of a crisis. I have found that talking to my sister when she is calm and in a good mood has been helpful in avoiding emotional breakdowns.

Be supportive - people with mental illness require support both physically and emotionally. Medication, therapy, and regular checkups are necessary for people with bipolar disorder. Accompanying your loved one to these appointments and being there during their low moments can make a difference.

Take care of yourself - living with someone with mental illness can take a toll on your mental and emotional health. It is essential to take care of yourself and seek support if needed. Meeting with friends, going to therapy, and practicing self-care can prevent burnout.

Celebrate little victories - mental illness can be overwhelming and sometimes, it can be easy to focus only on the negative aspects. Celebrating small victories like going to therapy regularly, taking medication as prescribed, and being able to manage their symptoms can go a long way in improving the person's self-esteem and mental health.

Living with someone with mental illness can be a trying and rewarding experience. It is essential to educate yourself, communicate openly, be supportive, take care of yourself, and celebrate small victories. The most important thing you can do is to be there for your loved one, to support them, and to remind them that they are not alone in their journey.