Author Archives: Melissa Mackay

Along with issues about bright sunshine and lights, another side affect is weight gain. I find one hour after taking my nightly meds, I get really hungry and crave something to eat. Fresh fruit or light snack of cheese on toast of veggies is the best option. I actually can only eat once a day…..IContinue reading “Side affects of medication”

The eyes are the heart to our soul…. clear bright and big reflects all is well. Small, clouded and puffy shows we are on struggle street. It’s a good indicator of how well we are travelling. Bright lights is hard to deal with (a side effect of medication), warmer yellow toned night lighting is best.Continue reading “The eyes can tell it’s own story of how we are managing with bipolar”

Some days it hard to tell which hat your wearing. You can have various moods and scattered thoughts all rolled into one. Just breath….and take it easy….your just having one bad day, things will work out alright in the end. Try and remain positive and take one step at a time.

My mental health issues began about 26 years. I was hospitalised for what was termed back in those days as “a nervous breakdown”. Work stress was my initial trigger. For the first day or two I was unable to speak. That was truly scary. I could hear, see and understand others but my only meansContinue reading “A Nervous Breakdown….or is it something more”

Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and a balanced diet is wonderful for a healthy mind. Be it juices, salads, roast dinners and healthy barbecues give you a good source of vitamins and minerals. There is so much focus out there at the moment about healthy eating and we are blessed in Australia with soContinue reading “Nutrition”

You need to have a support network of medical experts to touch base with from time to time. A regular appointment with either of the above is a must. My go to doctor is a psychiatrist who is the most highly trained in mental health than any of the others. I see him about everyContinue reading “General Practitioners, Psychologists, Psychiatrist”

You may have a lot of medication to juggle on a daily basis. Unfortunately it’s the nature of the beast. It’s better to be medicated and have a healthy mind, than live on struggle street. Its just not worth the risk to stop taking your meds. You need them for a reason, just like anyContinue reading “Medication, medication and more medication…..”

Sometimes hospitalisation will be required when things have spiralled too deeply out of control. Never be embarrassed, this can happen to the best of us. Just remember there are a lot of help and services out there to assist you to get back on the road to recovery.

You need to limit any forms of stress in your life to maintain a steady mood. The first signs of stress is normally crankiness, irritability, you may find your mind is overactive whilst trying to fall asleep. Remember to be kind to yourself. Sometimes a mental health day off work to rest up is allContinue reading “Say No to Stress”

Living on the beachfront is awesome. Where I live there is a fabulous walking track ideal for riding bikes, a casual stroll, skate boarding and general people watching. I get to see wonderful sunrises and sunsets over the ocean.