ther·a·py [ther-uh-pee] n. pl. ther·a·pies
2. Psychotherapy.3. Healing power or quality: the therapy of fresh air and sun. I believe we all need therapy to get well and without it I simply feel like a walking-breathing pharmaceutical person. There is so much more to wellness than medication and I have found ways to 'therapuize' myself over the years, but it was not always so easy. People tell you to go see a shrink but the reality is that many certified counselors cost over $100/hr and life coaches charge a similar rate, so what is one to do when you have little money and you need some therapy? ART THERAPY – I have only learned as of late that I have find much comfort in painting. I spent a small amount on paints, many that could be bought at the dollar store and soon discovered that with a stroke of the brush it brings me a sense of solace, even at times when I have been frazzled and distraught. I am able to translate my emotions on paper in a way that is gratifying and it reminds me that I don't have to 'look good' for anybody as this time is just about me. POETRY THERAPY – I have been writing poetry for years and I don't recall when I began. I just knew that the couplets rhymed at an early age and it allowed me to express myself freely as my friend and I exchanged verses. I have found throughout my life that writing and writing poetry have both been essential in my healing. There is nothing more rewarding than having a boyfriend break up with you and slamming him with a few great rhymes and it brought me peace in Korea when I was overseas after one of my hospitalizations. I have shared many of my poems at www.bipolarbabe.com on the 'Poetry Therapy' page with titles such as Embrace the Shadows and Fabulous. Poetry really helps with my highs and my lows and I often cry bringing me relief easing my pain. You don't have to rhyme your poetry but the important thing is to get it out and allow its healing powers to take effect. SOUND THERAPY – I recently met a young man named J Peachy and he hosts a radio program called Sound Therapy Radio, which can be located at http://soundtherapyradio.com Sound Therapy Radio – ‘Art of the Mind’ broadcasts on a bi-weekly basis in a spoken word and music format. If you cannot hear it live, an archived broadcast can be heard on this website. They take a client, peer support approach to their content, however you do not have to be in the mental health system to benefit. They hope those not formally diagnosed can become educated about various issues that may apply to them. There is nothing better than some sound or music therapy. Sound Therapy Radio episodes are on every second Monday @ 7pm, (1st, 3rd and 5th Monday) @ CJSF 90.1 FM I reccomend to try to adopt a G.I. diet lifestyle (low sugar and portioned eating), and I also ensure to drink ALOT of water (10-12 cups a day) to flush my meds through my system. Walking is free and I enjoy dressing warmly with a winter coat and gloves in the evening, strutting in the Fall weather, while listening to relaxing music. I need to take time for myself and I often forget this, and when I do I feel amazing. Most of all I realize that bipolar often has its own ideas and if things fall off course a little, but I can simply turn to my therapies and work to bring myself back to a balance. I also spend time with friends and family, even if on the phone, as these are my most significant resources for happiness. Most of all look in the mirror and realize that you made it here and in the end all things work itself out. It helps to pray a little too. ~Babe
