Recent Meeting Topics



November 8, 2017 - 21 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:(1)Bruce & Kurt's 3 year Anniversary (2) Thinking of moving to Nebraska
THERAPY:Looking for a good therapist
MEDICATIONS:Multi-vitamins
MEDICATIONS:Medical Pot
BEHAVIOR:Lonelines
MOOD ISSUES:Keeping self stable when partner is Depressed
THERAPY:Asking the right questions to a new Therapist
THERAPY:How frequently shall I visit a Therapist?
FRIENDS & FAMILY ISSUES:Lack of support for Family
PHYSICAL HEALTH:Eating Healthy
STRESS ISSUES:Stress
BEHAVIOR:Preparing for a Major Life Change




November 1, 2017 - 15 participants - Phil, Chair
RELATIONSHIPS:Explaining your Illness
WORK ISSUES:Looking for a Job
THERAPY:Looking for a good Therapist
MOOD ISSUES:Accepting being BiPolar
BEHAVIOR:Self-motivating Behavior
MOOD ISSUES:Flat Mood
GOVERNMENT:Accessing AHCCCS
GOVERNMENT:Housing for the Mentally Ill
RELATIONSHIPS:Confrontation to Mania




October 25, 2017 - 14 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:(1)Judy's Birthday (2) Update on Walk (3) Daughter in Hospital
LEGAL ISSUES:Insurance Companies
BiPOLAR ISSUES:Confrontation to Mania
BEHAVIOR:Guilt
BEHAVIOR:Compulsive Behavior
BEHAVIOR:Sobriety when not stable
BEHAVIOR:Isolating vs. Self-care




October 18, 2017 - 21 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:(1)NAMI Walk (2) Homeless person killed
RELATIONSHIPS:Sharing your Story
RELATIONSHIPS:When your friend is Manic
FRIENDS & FAMILY ISSUES:Childhood Emotional Neglect -- Running on empty
SLEEP ISSUES:Nightmares
DEPRESSION ISSUES:Waiting out Depression
STRESS ISSUES:Stress throws off Meds
BEHAVIOR:Suicidal Ideations




October 11, 2017 - 18 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:(1)NAMI Walk (2) WEBSITE: jobipolar.com
MEDICATIONS:Gavapentin
MEDICATIONS:Your mental state before and after meds
RELATIONSHIPS:Relationships with Mental Illness
WORK ISSUES:Jobs
BEHAVIOR:Being stable when in unstable situations
COPING STRATEGIES:Making major life changes without freaking out
MEDICATIONS:Fogetting to take your meds




October 4, 2017 - 24 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:(1)NAMI Walk (2)Elese is absent tonight
SOCIETAL ISSUES:Prejudice against SMI people
COPING STRATEGIES:Show and tell: Self-help book
RELATIONSHIPS:Recognizing sympathy
FRIENDS & FAMILY ISSUES:Telling an 11 year-old daughter about your illness
RELATIONSHIPS:Relationships
COPING STRATEGIES:Rage
BEHAVIOR:Unusual Behavior
SOCIAL SECURITY:SS Disability Income (SSDI)
MEDICAL ISSUES:Healthcare without medical coverage




September 27, 2017 - 21 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:NAMI Walk
MEDICATIONS:Taking Meds in cereal
RELATIONSHIPS:Rejoining a social environment
RELATIONSHIPS:Socializing without being a A--hole
RELATIONSHIPS:Forgiveness
BEHAVIOR:Motivation or lack thereof
COPING STRATEGIES:Rage




September 20, 2017 - 20 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:Other Meetings
MEDICATIONS:Knowing if you are Over-medicated
MEDICATIONS:Under-medicated
MEDICAL ISSUES:Myers-Briggs Personality Test
MEDICAL ISSUES:Medical care
MOOD ISSUES:Managing Hypomania
MEDICAL ISSUES:When to call the Doctor
FRIENDS & FAMILY ISSUES:FianceĀ“'s Mother
COPING STRATEGIES:Motivation
WORK ISSUES:Early Depression to hold a Job
DEPRESSION ISSUES:Anxiety and Depression Intertwined
COPING STRATEGIES:Loneliness




September 13, 2017 - 24 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:Website is updated
THERAPY:Inappropriate Goals in Therapy
MEDICAL ISSUES:Disaster with Doctor
FRIENDS & FAMILY ISSUES:Talking with Family
WORK ISSUES:Starting a new job
COPING STRATEGIES:What to do when you are not working
MEDICATIONS:Weight Management on meds
ANGER MANAGEMENT:Heathy Anger
SOCIAL SECURITY:SS Disability Income (SSDI)
RELATIONSHIPS:Lost Relationship




September 6, 2017 - 23 participants - Phil, Chair
PANIC ATTACKS:Panic Attacks
MEDICAL ISSUES:Asoraphobia
ANGER MANAGEMENT:Anger
COPING STRATEGIES:Old Coping Mechanics
COPING STRATEGIES:Confidence
BEHAVIOR:Supporting people in Relapse
RELATIONSHIPS:Loss of Friendship
RELATIONSHIPS:Worry about a friend
COPING STRATEGIES:Gratitude




August 30, 2017 - 23 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:(3)
MOOD ISSUES:Hypomanic to Manic Mood
MOOD ISSUES:Victories!
MOOD ISSUES:Healthy Triggers
BEHAVIOR:Trusting your Intuition
BEHAVIOR:Reality check on several items you are worried about
RELATIONSHIPS:Loss of Friendship
RELATIONSHIPS:Worry about a friend
COPING STRATEGIES:Gratitude




August 23, 2017 - 15 participants - Phil, Chair
MOOD ISSUES:After a Manic episode, do you remember it?
MOOD ISSUES:Managing after an episode
MOOD ISSUES:Persecution during a bad day
PANIC ATTACKS:Panic Attacks
MEDICATION ISSUES:Mango Health
SUPPORT GROUPS:Support for Others
DEPRESSION ISSUES:Depression
COPING STRATEGIES:Rage




August 16, 2017 - 17 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:(1) Camp next week (2) Gilbertson (3) Hot Car and Pets Law
SLEEP ISSUES:Sleep Apnea
MOOD ISSUES:Balance
ANXIETY ISSUES:Anxiety
RELATIONSHIPS:School and BiPolar Disorder
WORK ISSUES:Work
COPING STRATEGIES:Handling Bad News
FINANCIAL ISSUES:Financing
TREATMENT:Mindfulness




August 9, 2017 - 12 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:(1) Apology- Using female name (2) Depression Treatment (3) Gilbertson
BEHAVIOR:Fear & Isolation
BIPOLAR ISSUES:BiPolar Disorder & Exhaustion
BEHAVIOR:Balancing Self-care
MEDICATIONS:Effexor and Withdrawal
OTHER ISSUES:Who am I today
COPING STRATEGIES:Rebound
SOCIETAL ISSUES:Insecure People
MEDICATIONS:Importance of knowing your meds


August 2, 2017 - 20 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:(1) MMIC Conference, (2) Gilbertson (3) new Job
BIPOLAR ISSUES:BiPolar Disorder & Exhaustion
MOOD ISSUES:What we give up
SOCIETAL ISSUES:Male and Female Equality
OTHER ISSUES:Travelling
COPING STRATEGIES:Adjusting your Attitude
TREATMENT:Dielectial Behavior Therapy (DBT)
MEDICATIONS:Welbutrin took 8 weeks to work
TREATMENT:Snowflake Syndrone


July 26, 2017 - 25 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:(2) Does anyone know about Kodi software?
SOCIETALISSUES:Not defining yourself by your disease
MOOD ISSUES:Irritable Mood
RELATIONSHIPS:Forgiveness
RELATIONSHIPS:Should 2 people with BiPolar Disorder be in a Relationship?
COPING STRATEGIES:Redefining one's identity
MEDICATIONS:Just starting out on Medications
MEDICATIONS:New med for Depression: Trintillix
BiPOLAR ISSUES:Remember the first symptom of the Illness


July 19, 2017 - 22 participants - Bruce, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:Elise's Engaged! UPS Dispensed meds as needed
RELATIONSHIPS:Moving out of living with Boyfriend
RELATIONSHIPS:Entering new Communities
RBHA:Concerns about SMI Interview
WORK ISSUES:Stigma in the Workplace
COPING STRATEGIES:Coping Skills
BEHAVIOR:Self Esteem


July 12, 2017 - 19 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:Becky's Engaged! Gilbertson Seminar, Website current
MEDICATIONS:Busbar
BEHAVIOR:Rumination
MEDICAL ISSUES:Marijuana
WORK ISSUES:Returning to Work
RELATIONSHIPS:Forgiveness
MEDICATIONS:Meds & Mood Swings
BEHAVIOR:Mind & Body


July 5, 2017 - 21 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:(2) Good News
MEDICATIONS:Visteral
MEDICATIONS:Medications and Hair Loss
MEDICATIONS:Financial help with Meds
MOOD ISSUES:Managing Mania
SOCIETAL ISSUES:Pressure to be HAPPY
RELATED DIAGNOSIS:Anxiety about Altimers
TREATMENT:Service Animals


June 28, 2017 - 25 participants - Bruce, Chair
RELATED DIAGNOSIS:OCD
BEHAVIOR:Psychotic Break
BEHAVIOR:Impulsiveness
BEHAVIOR:Fatigue
MOOD ISSUES:Emotional States
DIAGNOSIS:New Symptoms
DEPRESSION ISSUES:Depression
ACTIVITIES:Travelling
WORK ISSUES:Work Stress
OTHER PROGRAMSOut-Patient Services


June 21, 2017 - 22 participants - Bruce, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:(2)
BEHAVIOR:Obsessive Behavior
MEDICATIONS:Med Changes
MEDICATIONS:Welbutrin
MEDICAL ISSUES:Doctor's Visits
RELATED DIAGNOSIS:BiPolar and other Disorders
ANXIETY ISSUES:Anxiety
COPING STRATEGIES:Confusion


June 14, 2017 - 22 participants - Bruce, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:(2)
RECOVERY:Measuring Success
MEDICAL ISSUES:ECT
WORK ISSUES:Return to Work
WORK ISSUES:Peer Profession
MOOD ISSUES:Mania
COPING STRATEGIES:Life Changes


June 7, 2017 - 25 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:(3) Distribution of Demographics; Advisory Groups
BiPOLAR ISSUES:BiPolar Basics
BiPOLAR ISSUES:Denial
MEDICATIONS:Welbutrin
SLEEP ISSUES:Chronic Fatigue
FRIENDS & FAMILY:Family Support
ACTIVITIES:Activities


May 24, 2017 - 24 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:(2) Ramadon starts; DBT Progress; Court Hearing in August
MEDICATIONS:Attitudes towards Meds
WORK ISSUES:Job Stress-- Physical & Mental
COPING STRATEGIES:What is Resiliency?
BEHAVIOR:Anti-social Behavior
COPING STRATEGIES:Connection to Feelings and thoughts
OTHER ISSUES:Dwelling Arrangements
MEDICAL ISSUES:IBS and BiPolar Disorder
MOOD ISSUES:What is Mania? (Irriatatability, Rage, Euphoria)


May 17, 2017 - 33 participants - Bruce, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:(3) including 1 Success Story
COPING STRATEGIES:Healthy Life Styles
MOOD ISSUES:Mood Adjustments during the Day
COPING STRATEGIES:Triggers
FAMILY & FRIENDS: How to explain Mental Illness to Children
FAMILY & FRIENDS: School and Mental Illness
COPING STRATEGIES:Making Mental Illness a Priority
RELATIONSHIPS:Relationships


May 10, 2017 - 32 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:(4) 2016 data is half done entering into computer; Show & Tell; Victories
ACTIVITIES:Self-Advocacy
TREATMENT:Getting Lithium level checked
RECOVERY:Do people actually recover?
DEPRESSION ISSUES:Depression
WORK ISSUES:Transitioning back to Work
COPING STRATEGIES:Mid-day naps
COPING STRATEGIES:Healthy Boundaries


May 3, 2017 - 31 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
BiPOLAR ISSUES:Gaining control during depression and Manic episodes
TREATMENT:ECT
TREATMENT:DBT
TREATMENT:Therapy using EMDR
RBHA:SMI Status
MEDICAL ISSUES:Dismissed by Psychiatrist
SUPPORT GROUPSExcuse to come to Group
WORK ISSUES:Pushing through Anxiety when you have to work
WORK ISSUES:Disclosing illness to Employer
MEDICATIONS:Abilify
MEDICATIONS:Medication Side Effects
DEPRESSION ISSUES:Harsh Depression
MOOD ISSUES:RAGE


April 29, 2017 - 27 participants - Bruce, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:BP Magazine
RELATIONSHIPS:Reflections with Close Friends
BEHAVIOR:Feeling Defeated
DEPRESSION ISSUES:Motivation when Depressed
DEPRESSION ISSUES:Concern: Persistent Depression
ACTIVITIES:Crying Spells
ACTIVITIES:Trying something New
BEHAVIOR:Keeping up the fight when Super-tired and Depressed
RECOVERY:Losing sight of Recovery


April 19, 2017 - 23 participants - Bruce, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:(2)
MEDICATIONS:Coming off Lithium
MEDICATIONS:Latuda
MEDICATIONS:Symbalta
ACTIVITIES:Crying Spells
ACTIVITIES:Trying something New
BiPOLAR ISSUES:Dealing with someone Manic
BEHAVIOR:Youth with Mental Illness
SLEEP ISSUES:Fatigue


April 12, 2017 - 19 participants - Bruce, Chair
BiPOLAR ISSUES:Bouncing Back
BEHAVIOR:Unavoidable Triggers
RELATED DIAGNOSIS:Agraphobia (being with crowds)
RELATIONSHIPS:Rejection
BiPOLAR ISSUES:Pain and Suffering with BiPolar Disorder
COPING STRATEGIES:Judgement
MEDICATIONS:Side Effects of Medications
BEHAVIOR:Difference between Beliefs and Mental Illness
TREATMENT:Bielctical Behavioral Therapy


April 5, 2017 - 21 participants - Phil, Chair
BiPOLAR ISSUES:Sexual Orientation, Gender and BiPolar Disorder
BEHAVIOR:Depression and lack of Hygiene
DEPRESSION ISSUES:DepressionL Push forward and just wait
ACTIVITIES:Loneliness
MEDICATIONS:Withdrawal of Medications
BEHAVIOR:It's not me-- its my illness


March 29, 2017 - 26 participants - Phil, Chair
MEDICAL ISSUES:Pregnancy and BiPolar Disorder
BiPOLAR ISSUES:Not recognizing HypoMania
RELATED DIAGNOSIS:Monophobia (being Alone)
ACTIVITIES:Success: Exercise works!
RELATIONSHIPS:Embarrassment
MEDICATIONS:Accepting Medications
RELATIONSHIPS:To tell or not to tell girl friends family
BEHAVIORNot letting yourself become a doormat


March 22, 2017 - 27 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENT:
DEPRESSION ISSUES:BiPolar Issues vs. Situational Issues
MEDICAL ISSUES:Coming home from the Hospital
RELATED DIAGNOSIS:Agraphobia Victory
RELATED DIAGNOSIS:Manias vs Schizophrenia
RELATIONSHIPS:Guilt in breaking up due to BiPolar Disorder
COPING STRATEGIES:
BEHAVIORAutomatic Negative Thoughts for self-talk


March 15, 2017 - 18 participants - Phil, Chair
RBHA:Dealing with your Clinic
MEDICATIONS:Comment on the number of Meds
MEDICATIONS:Medications
MEDICATIONS:Experience with Lamictal & Efexor
COPING STRATEGIES:Secrets
BEHAVIORReconcile after doing wrong
RELATIONSHIPS:Alienating Close Friends


March 8, 2017 - 22 participants - Phil, Chair
RELATED DIAGNOSIS:Mental Fatique
COPING STRATEGIESFrustration in dealing with Symptoms
WORK ISSUES:
SUPPORT GROUPS:Peer Support
ACTIVITIES:Exercise
TREATMENT:Dielectal Behavior Treatment
TREATMENT:Automatic Negative Thoughts
ANXIETY ISSUES:Anxiety
RELATIONSHIPS:Guilt in Support System


March 1, 2017 - 18 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:Self Determination for internal group rules
SUPPORT GROUPS:Peer Support Groups
BiPOLAR ISSUES:Sick and Manic
BiPOLAR ISSUES:Review of Diagnosis
BiPOLAR ISSUES:Misunderstood Symptoms
RECOVERY:Victory
RELATED DIAGNOSIS:Seasonal Affective Disorder
RELATED DIAGNOSIS:Obscessive Behavior
MEDICATIONS:Medications for Stress
MEDICATIONS:Side effects worse than the medication
WORK ISSUES:How to tell your boss about your disorder


February 22, 2017 - 34 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:Proposed Waiver to reduce AHCCCS eligibility to 5 years
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ACTIVITIES:Management Training
ANGER MANAGEMENT:Anger and Forgiveness
RELATIONSHIPS:Relationships
RELATIONSHIPS:Love, not Fear
MEDICATIONS:Mania returns before next dose is due


February 15, 2017 - 22 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:New Brochure: Depression and BiPolar Criteria for Social Security
PHYSICAL HEALTH:Being Ill and Having Mania
FAMILY AND FRIENDS:Is the Disorder Contagious?
FAMILY AND FRIENDS:I have a Relative showing Symptoms
BEHAVIOR:Loneliness
BEHAVIOR:Troubled Behavior Causes Concern
BEHAVIOR:Resentment and Guilt
TREATMENT:Not taking Criticism
MEDICATIONS:New Drug Trintalics


February 8, 2017 - 21 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENT:Moving to Flagstaff
PHYSICAL HEALTH:Mania as a form of Vacation
GOVERNMENT:Vocational Rehabilitation
DEPRESSION ISSUES:Functional Depression and Sadness
DEPRESSION ISSUES:Handling Depression when you don't have time for it
MEDICATIONS:Depression related to Meds
COPING STRATEGIES:Supporting Others without Falling in yourself
MOOD ISSUES:Sadness and Depth of Emotion


February 1, 2017 - 22 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENT:New Job
ANNOUNCEMENT:
STATEMENT:
COPING SKILLS:Fear of Falling into Insanity
COPING SKILLS:Overcoming Temptation
COPING SKILLS:Meditation Management
RECOVERY:Marriage Counseling
RECOVERY:Why is is so hard with Setbacks?
DEPRESSION ISSUES:Depression and Anger


January 25, 2017 - 19 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:Girl Scout Cookies
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
PHYSICAL HEALTH:Migrane Headache Solution
RECOVERY:Having a Good Plan(2)
TREATMENT:Dietary Adjustments
BEHAVIOR:Fear
SOCIETAL ISSUES:BiPolar Disorder and the Popular Media
COPING STRATEGIES:Letting Go of Something Important
WORK ISSUES:Deciding to go back to Work
BEHAVIOR:Guilt over loss of Jewelry


January 18, 2017 - 26 participants - Phil, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:Consensus
ANXIETY ISSUES:Getting through Serious Anxiety
ADMINISTRATIVE:Fetch Student
SOCIETAL ISSUES:Stigma
BEHAVIOR:Neotropics
MRELATIONSHIPS:People who mean well
STRESS ISSUES:Unexpected Live Stressors
COPING STRATEGIES:Loneliness and Empty Feelings
GOVERNMENT:Public Fiduciary
MOOD ISSUES:Staying Positive


January 11, 2017 - 20 participants - Phil, Chair
TREATMENT:Levels of Care at Clinics
ADMINISTRATIVE:Measures of Success
ANNOUNCEMENT:
BEHAVIOR:Anahonia: Inability to experience pleasure
BEHAVIOR:Changing Life Styles
MOOD ISSUES:Mania all the way and how to detect this mood
TREATMENT:Getting Response from Clinic
DIAGNOSIS:Having a bad month due to new Diagnosis


January 4, 2017 - 29 participants - Bruce, Chair
ANNOUNCEMENTS:BP Magazine
LEGAL ISSUES:Behavioral Health Insurance
SLEEP ISSUES:Sleep Patterns
FINANCIAL ISSUES:Setting Money Goals
BEHAVIOR:Racing Thoughts
FAMILY ISSUES:Family Relationships