@bright-opal, I wish I could tell you, but to be honest, I'm just not sure. At that time I was in such turmoil that nothing much seemed to matter. I started to write poetry to help funnel the emotions, but I did lose my connection to the wilds as they say in Druidism. This was because of my state of mind though, I do not think Lithium caused it.
That said, it has an impact on the brain, so you might have to work harder to make a connection with your gift. You won't lose it though. Lithium doesn't take things away, it's 'just' dulled.
Hi Bright Opal!
I am not on lithium. I take (generic)Seroquel, Quetiapine for bipolar disorder, Atomexetine(generic Strattera) for newly diagnosed Inattentive ADHD, and medical mj for Anxiety. I have other meds for asthma and some other physical issues, and while I am still not as even as I would always like to be, I am told the ADHD med will continue to help my brave improve. I have a new Art therapist who also does traditional talk therapy. That is very helpful. The meds set the stage and then I try to help myself with good food, good sleep, and good friends.
I find that daily exercise for half an hour walking, dancing ,or isolated exercises , and singing or listening to music and making Art provide the most relief. Also remembering that I am good, and that I am more than my problems, I am more than just a collection of symptoms, more than my disordered moods, more than my Anxiety which lies to me... and that I have and will continue to heal.
Some days are better, and others are worse.
I wish you the confidence of healing that I also wish for myself.
Prayers for all our Oregon families appreciated.
Oregon is on fire. My own family members have evacuated under a level 3 evacuation order. Friends and family from the Santiam Canyon headed north and several families are staying here in our house and even makeshift beds in our garage. Cats and dogs too.
Up all night too tired getting beds ready to find links, info etc. Making do with what we have and happy we can.
Little kids finally fell asleep but dogs are worried and pacing Smoke scented cats scared and meowing.
Masks and social distancing all but impossible with too much happening at once and cars not finding our house in the dark etc. But all here now
Knowing they have good chance of losing their homes they just grabbed and ran. Will try to find their cars gas and get more food for special dietary needs tomorrow
Just listening to fears and keeping them company now as little kids at least are finally sleeping.
When you have a moment to catch your breath, please let us know how your family members and friends are doing. Do you have an update on their home situations yet, those can take quit some time?
How are you holding up?
Continuing to send you mush love, light and prayers.
@michele-b, thinking of you and sending love and light to you and all your people as we breathe the same smoky Oregon air here in Olympia. So far, the nearest fire has been over 5 miles away, but here in the woods a stray spark from any source can be catastrophic. Topped off the fuel in our camper van yesterday, planning to fill the fresh water tank today and make a list of what to grab if we have a hour's notice, vs 15 min notice, vs grab and go. When we catch our breath may it be free of smoke and may we have a clear view of the road ahead.
Is there any benefit to pre-loading items into the camper you might otherwise be forced to grab at a moment's notice?
I've only had to evacuate for hurricanes in the past, with plenty of warning, but I packed all my jewelry, sentimental heirlooms and non-replaceable family photos and had them in the trunk of our (locked) car just in case.
We also keep 1/2 our emergency kit in the back of the car, and the other 1/2 is in a covered tub by the front door 24/7.
Some of these fires have moved so swiftly, people have had no notice.
Five miles is close, especially if there is wind and an ember carried by the wind ignites as you mentioned.
It is wonderful that you are preparing right now.
I would start collecting things which can be gathered and placed by your front door at least. Also, take pictures/video of items in your house for insurance purposes. This has been VERY helpful when dealing with claims.
Remember pet supplies/carriers and leash your animals and make sure they have ID on them. Cats will hide and are difficult to find when evacuating during a fire.
Don't forget medicine. And computer/phone chargers.
Say safe!!
@moonbeamFinally I ended up on Epival. Lost of side effect. And mood swings. But that’s ok, it will get better with time
@michele-b. Oh Michele, I am keeping you and your family in my prayers. Please keep use posted.
his situation is absolutely horrible. Let’s hope it will be over soon. I send you and everyone on the west coast, love light and praying for blessings.
Blessings Lovendures!
Doing fine, everyone coping, holding onto hope as news for us and our families and friends with our massive fire news poured in as each day went along. Family since early Monday but all doing well.
Updating this morning here as i catch phone signal and have time between meals, laundry and lots and lots of grandkids time. They hadn't seen us except from a distance recently much less be in our house since March 2. Beyond thrilled to be with us but aware instinctively that much was happening just from our general conversation and the oddity of living with us and others all of a sudden .
Am sharing installments here
https://www.jeannemayell.com/community/climate-and-earth-predictions/wildfires/paged/2/#post-34584