Mental Health MON - SPECIAL TUE edition

Mania + Midterms + Mercy

This is Part II of my post about bipolar disorders, which I began yesterday. You may recognize some of these symptoms in yourself, in loved ones, in others you know. This disorder is treatable! It usually requires medication & psychotherapy. Rather than self-diagnosis, you should consult a mental health professional. [My source is the Mayo Clinic website.]

MANIA & HYPOMANIA

"Mania & hypomania are 2 distinct types of episodes, but they have the same symptoms. Mania is more severe than hypomania & causes more noticeable problems at work, school & social activities, as well as relationship difficulties. Mania may also trigger a break from reality (psychosis) & require hospitalization.

"Both a manic & a hypomanic episode include 3 or more of these symptoms.

• "Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired
• Increased activity, energy or agitation
• Exaggerated sense of well-being & self-confidence (euphoria)
• Decreased need for sleep
• Unusual talkativeness
• Racing thoughts
• Distractibility 
• Poor decision-making--for example, going on buying sprees, taking sexual risks or making foolish investments."

TOMORROW:  "Major depressive episode"

PoliticalPotpourri

I'm reasonably certain that you know that today is the midterm elections. I've been trying to avoid political commentary, but I have to comment after briefly listening to NPR on the way back from our TUE morning men's Bible study. A woman, identified as a Northern Virginia suburban mom was asked about her thoughts re:  today's elections. She reported that she's been a Republican & has even worked for prior Republican campaigns. This year she's voting Democrat because "I'm sick & tired of the divisiveness." Seriously? Voting for Democrats will help address our divisiveness? Sorry, but that's laughable. 

My prayer for today has been that we elect & re-elect men & women who fear God. I've prayed for God's Will to be done. I'm also aware that God allows us to suffer the consequences of our behavior. Regardless of who wins control of Congress, we will all feel the consequences. And that's all I have to say about that.

Thought for Today

A JOYFUL ANNOUNCEMENT

“My tongue will sing aloud of Your righteousness.” (Ps. 51:14)

“Remember that the righteousness of God is that by which we are justified, or the gift of the forgiveness of sins. This righteousness in God is pleasant, because it makes of God not a righteous Judge but a forgiving Father, who wants to use His righteousness not to judge but to justify & absolve sinners.”  Martin Luther Psalm by Psalm, Concordia Publishing House, 2017.