Showing posts with label bipolar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bipolar. Show all posts

Getting Help for Psychological Concerns - Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder

This post will discuss: considerations when deciding whether to seek professional help; using MDD, and bipolar disorder types 1 and 2 as examples, doing preliminary research, types of mental health professional, vetting & selecting (especially as this process relates to trust). 


When or if should you seek professional help? 

The answer is very personal. For many people, they can navigate life after having experienced trauma without feeling a need for professional help if trauma affected them mildly. Conversely, other persons without support systems or other means to overcome the effects of trauma are likely to be more severely impacted by the same types of trauma and have a greater need for professional help. 

If you are unsure, the answer can best be determined based on symptoms as they relate to the list of 4 points below to any condition. 

If you are only aware of a feeling of malaise without being able to positively name it, simply being aware of and able to articulate it will suffice for a very competent health care provider who can recognize patterns and help you to expressly identify your symptoms and the condition with which they are associated. Such an approach is akin to starting from scratch. 

Alternatively, if you have not yet been diagnosed but have done research and have suspicions about certain conditions, research its official definition and associated list of symptoms in the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual (DSM) used by mental health professionals. Note those symptoms that you observe in yourself. It is useful to consider clear examples. As you will notice from the DSM, conditions apply only if you have the 'A criteria' (ie those criteria that you must definitely have in order for the condition to apply at all) and meet the minimum number of symptoms. In other words, if these criteria are not met, there is no need to proceed further with the particular condition.

In this information age, many mental health clients do preliminary research and then present their suspicions to the professional (who is comfortable with this trend in only some cases). Such clients essentially explain and defend why they think one diagnosis over another fits their circumstances. However, in order to do this, clients must be prepared to go deep down rabbit holes because misdiagnoses are easy, even for seasoned professionals. A case in point is evident in the misdiagnosis of major depression when bipolarity is more appropriate. This issue arises because, in some cases, major depression as a symptom of one type of bipolarity. Since many people overlook symptoms of 'happy' hypomania as positive recovery from depression, they miss the fact that these changes are only one dimension of a mood disorder. Consequently, misdiagnoses like this are common (especially in cases of type 2 bipolarity). In short, much care and broad introspection is required, often in collaboration with professionals and or close relations.

Low mood is an emotional state characterized by sadness (or feeling down), anxiety, tiredness, low self-esteem. (When someone suffers low mood without depression, the low mood usually lifts within a few days).

Example(s)
  • Major depressive disorder (MDD). The DSM-5 posits that someone can be said to be experiencing major depressive disorder if they observe 5 or more of the list of symptoms of depression (below) that deviate from previous functioning.

    • The 'A' criteria, (ie must-be-included among the minimum of 5)  occurring: within a single 2-week period; not attributable to substances (like drugs that slow the nervous system or coming off of stimulants) or other medical conditions

  • loss of interest.
have never been experienced along with manic or hypomanic episodes (associated with bipolar disorder) or cause significant distress or impairment to one's ability to function socially, occupationally or otherwise
Do not shy away from tailoring the formal wording of symptoms so that they are more meaningful to you. For instance, for depression, the term 'hopelessness' is often listed. However, make it your own. You might feel 'overwhelmed' that you feel stuck without options for overcoming circumstances.

Here is a test for MDD with the full list of criteria. 

 

Since MDD symptoms occur in Bipolar Disorder 2, they are discussed below. 


  • Bipolar Disorder Types 1 and 2. Bipolarity is a chronic mood disorder that, in addition to depressive episodes, is also characterized by another extreme; episodes that are manic (in the case of type 1) or hypomanic (in the case of type 2). To differentiate bipolarity from depression, depression is often called 'UNI-polar' depression because unipolar depression is characterized by only the depressive episode while bipolarity is characterized by both extremes of the mood spectrum.     (The term 'chronic' relates to the fact that the condition is not a one-off occurrence but ongoing series of circumstances.)
The 'A' Criteria of mania in bipolarity 1 is a mood that is elevated, expansive or irritable that is also abnormal and persistent. This mood involves increased goal-directed activity lasting for over 1 week and is present most of the day, nearly every day of the week. If hospitalization is required, any duration applies. There should be at least one manic episode.

The 'A' Criteria of hypomania in bipolarity 2 is similar to mania, except that the mood: lasts for less time, specifically 4 - 7 days; is not so severe to cause hospitalization; has no psychotic features. There should be at least 1 hypomanic episode AND 1 episode of MDD.

In summary, a key difference between bipolar 1 and 2 is the fact that type 1 experiences higher highs while type 2 experiences lower lows. For instance, while BP 1 requires at least one manic episode (and NO required episode of MDD), BP2 require BOTH hypomania and MDD. 

The B criteria involves 3 or more of the classic symptoms: no sign of impairment to one's function socially or occupationally. 

  • inflated self-esteem or grandiosity 
  • reduced need for sleep 
  • more talkative than usual 
  • racing thoughts 
  • easily distracted (by unimportant or irrelevant external stimuli) 
  • increased goal-oriented activity such as socially, work/school, sexually, etc -- or -- psychomotor agitation (?). 
  • excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have the potential for painful consequences, like imprudent business decisions, sexual indiscretion, unrestrained shopping, etc 

See  mnemonics at 13:13 of the video below that can be used to remember all of these criteria.

Unlike BP1 which also experiences depressive episodes, BP2 involves MDD that is as follows.
  • more chronically (ie recurrent), even to an extent that exceeds what unipolar depression involves (MDD by nature is chronic, ie ongoing in cycles, with or without triggers or bipolarity)  -- and --
  • more persistently (ie longer lasting episodes). 

 

C criteria requires the manic episode to: 
  • cause dysfunction (socially and or occupationally) 
  • requires hospitalization for treatment to prevent harm or treat    -- or -- 
  • occurs with delusions and hallucinations (psychotic features)

 

C criteria associated with nearly daily major depressive disorder (MDD) episodes that: 
  • cause dysfunction (socially and or occupationally). There is usually a greater lad in occupational recovery after episodes.  
  • I believe that, while hypomania does not hospitalize sufferers, hospitalization is more likely as a result of suicide attempts brought on by the MDD. 

 

Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in Bipolar 2 are as follows. The minimum number required for the diagnosis is 5.

  • (Criteria 'A') Depressed mood. 

  • (Criteria 'A') Significant loss of interest or feeling of no pleasure in all or most activities 
  • weight loss when not dieting, weight gain or abnormal increase / decrease in appetite 
  • sleep disruptions: either insomnia or oversleeping 
  • restlessness or slowed behavior 
  • loss of energy. This might present itself in the form of psychomotor retardation (ie the slowing down of thoughts, emotional responses, gestural behaviors and physical movements). For instance, even activities that involve slow movements like yoga might feel too demanding. Activities (writing, household chores, etc) that one was otherwise able to perform with relative ease can feel considerably harder and more time to perform than before. In the most severe cases of depression (which might begin to transcend MDD), people can show vegetative symptoms, being unable to even manage self-care (showering, dental care, etc), can not work or function otherwise, self isolate severely to the extent that their windows are always drawn and they have no contact with the outside world, remain bed-ridden, continue eating food already in their mouths, unable to care properly for other responsibilities like caring for pets or others. Severest forms of depression may even worsen overall health because individuals do not take medications or other necessary steps towards maintaining health concerns. The severest forms may demarcate some limits of MDD.  
  • feelings of hopelessness 
  • feelings of inappropriate guilt 
  • decreased ability to think or concentrate 
  • indecisiveness 
  • thinking about, planning or attempting suicide




If you have already been diagnosed, you will already have the 'definition' and only need to consult the list of associated symptoms.

To clearly state your list, give each symptom its full assessment on each of the following points. So after identifying one symptom, complete the subsequent points (intensity, frequency, level of disruption) for that symptom before advancing to the subsequent symptom. 

Notice the symptoms you observe

  1. number of symptoms. Write a list of symptoms you observe. Continue with the following steps one symptom at a time, Example(s)
    • 5 of manic or hypomanic symptoms, including both of the 2 'A' criteria. 
      • 'A' criteria - agitation like psychomotor agitation that is self-harming (like nail biting, tics). I also get bursts of energy that result in my being able to perform considerably more work-related tasks than normal.
      • reduced sleep ... 
      • etc
    • 5+ of MDD symptoms within a 2-week period, including 'A' criteria: 1) 'A' - depressed mood; 2) 'A' - loss of interest in music, dancing, beach, dreams and other things I usually enjoy; 3) lost _ pounds even without dieting, and so on ....
  2. intensity of symptoms. Example(s)
    • Re mania or hypomania; while I experience this, I do not experience it so intensely that requires external intervention. For instance, I can remain guarded and in control of the positive grandiose feelings or 'happiness'. While I struggle with the symptoms, I do not put myself or others in the hospital or draw more attention to myself than people finding me 'weird'. In short, I can hide it from the public.  
    • Re MDD; The symptoms are persistent, ie they are 'long lasting' in that they last for several weeks on end. I no longer dance. When I go out, I can not contain tears, even during usually enjoyable activities, etc 
  3. frequency of symptoms.  Example(s). 
    • daily (versus one-off instance).
  4. their level of disruption in your life. Can these symptoms persist indefinitely or even get worse if you do not seek help? Example(s)
    • Is your depression a one-off experience ... or is it chronic (ie recurrent) trouble sleeping that does not appear possible to resolve on its own
    • You are unable to work or have normal relationships. See criteria C for manic episodes. 


What type of professional help do you need?
Psychologists (aka therapists) can help with behavioral concerns. Therapy is designed to help you work through the process of changing your mindset around challenges. Examples include the following.
  • resolving trauma experiences.
  • Compulsions
  • Avoidance behaviors associated with social anxiety
  • Relationship issues. 
Doctors can help with the effects of trauma or associated behaviors. Examples include the following.
  • Medication may help you to sleep,

Vetting & Selecting
Regarding selecting on the basis of the hard skills of a professional, you can start by selecting among the types of professional to meet your specific needs. If you are uncertain, a psychologist is usually the best choice. Psychologists can refer to psychiatrists if you need medical treatments that they are not qualified to prescribe.

Establish whether your professional specializes in your area and or has had successful experience. Not all psychologists or psychiatrists are trained or focused equally. For instance, unlike someone suffering mild depression, another person suffering DP2, along with other conditions like anxiety issues (like post traumatic stress disorder, dissociative episodes and so on) will benefit more from professionals with professionals that are specifically specialized in trauma.

Furthermore, professionals that specialize in a particular area can specialize in different approaches to therapy. Professionals may offer pharmacology (ie involving medication) and  or psychotherapy (aka talk therapy). Within those approaches, they may specialize further. For instance, some professionals specialize in certain techniques like cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy.

Deep trust is key. Outside of the trust you give by showing up because of the other person's hard skills, professionals should also win your trust when you interact with them. After all, you need to confide in them and trust their judgement to help you transform your life. Signs that you can trust usually manifest in several ways.
  • Does the professional listen deeply? Does the exchange achieve deep levels of understanding? Are you able to complete thoughts without being interrupted or cut short with hasty and incorrect assumptions about what you mean?
  • Is he or she validating or invalidating of your experiences? Validating does not mean that they agree with everything you say. Rather, it refers to their ability to recognize how real your pain and challenges are to you, within your circumstances. Red flags include them saying that certain types of ailments are 'all in your head'. Beware that there are certain mental health challenges that are so rare that some professionals simply have either little or no knowledge. Some even have difficulty believing in their existence. Returning to an earlier point regarding hard skills, this is why selecting professionals who specialize in out of the ordinary challenges is particularly important.
  • Does the professional interact with you without any biases that can interfere how they deal with you? This is particularly important if you have characteristics that can generate prejudices like sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, racial background and so on. This might be a strong possibility when professionals are assigned by sociocultural organizations (like religions), communities with distinctive characteristics and so on. Review any website or other public description on the professional's target client. Otherwise, seek referrals. Beware; if you get this wrong, you can leave more traumatized than when you arrived! Needless to say, you should also be mindful of and therefore honor your own biases. 
  • How does the person make you feel in his or her presence?
Many adults prefer collaborative professional help.


Admin. 
  • Ensure that there is linguistic compatibility. For instance, speaking the same language and in comprehensible and non-distracting accents is ideal.



CONTENT RELATED TO GETTING HELP FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL CONCERNS

= Definitions =
Psychomotor agitation refers to a set of signs and symptoms that stem from mental tension and anxiety. It often accompanies major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and sometimes the manic phase of bipolar disorder. (The state can also be a result of substance abuse or involuntary muscular activity in the elderly). The signs are unintentional and purposeless motions. Symptoms are emotional distress and restlessness. Typical manifestations include pacing the floor, uncontrolled tongue movement, excessive blinking, pulling off clothes and putting them on again. In more severe cases, the motions are harmful to the individual such as repetitive motions that eventually hurt or injure the individual. Examples include chewing off or picking off one's skin from some part of the body.    
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Papier Maché: DIY Handmade Products - Art Therapy

paper mache papier maché as a diy art therapy project
Papier maché, aka paper mache, is considered sufficiently simple to allow a very wide age range of people to benefit from its healing effects on anxiety (including PTSD) and other mental health concerns (including bipolar disorder). In fact, when I made papier maché bowls with a young mother and her 2-year old twins, we all enjoyed it. However, in addition to this fun factor, it is a particularly useful form of art therapy for young children who can not yet express complex emotions. 
-- --
I finally understand why my darkest moments at 9 found me doing something I'd never done before. Barefooted outside in a region only hours away from the Amazon rainforest, I squatted low to Mother. I think I'd already begun to speak with her by then. Anyway, I uprooted enough grass to make a small clearing and then  used my fingers to scoop sticky mud balls from the bare ground. I loved how my fingers looked chocolatey brown and messy. With meditative focus, I then moulded the mud into clay bowls, used twigs to carve designs around the sides and then 'baked' my creations in the sun. At times, my otherwise racing mind could barely listen to thoughts other than those impatient ones that were eager for my babies to dry. When the babies were finally done, someone understood their perfection. Mr Khan, dear Mr Khan! (Mr Khan was a security guard whose plump body and white hair and beard made him into an Indian Santa Claus, ie if you could see his perfection.) Mr Khan, I remember! You smiled at their scratchy sides and uneven rims. Then, under my watchful gaze, you used the utmost care to arrange each baby into your canvas bag ... so they would not break. Then you assured me you would keep them safe and even give some to your daughter (who you so often mentioned while you had a special look in your eye). Today, I smile at that bitter-sweet chocolate Summer ... so long ago but so instantaneously near. Thank you Mr Khan!

 For this paper mache (papier maché) DIY art therapy project, you will need:
- A few days
- A Mold & Paper:
  • A mold. I used a bowl. Other common shapes include plates and platters.
  • Mold protector. Plastic cling wrap or aluminium foil will suffice.
  • Paper. Old newspaper is commonly used
-- --
- Glue:
  • 1 part flour (as a glue)
  • 2 parts water at room temperature
  • Pinch of salt  (to deter the formation of mold)
- Painting
  • Base color. It should be sufficiently thick to hide the newspaper print. White paint is usually used. I use construction water-based paint that is non-toxic. It is also the cheapest option, at least in my area.
  • Colored paint. You may use natural food colors like turmeric powder. You may use acrylic paint.
- Varnish (as a sealant)


For this paper mache (papier maché) DIY art therapy project, use the following steps:

  • Place the bowl face down. Cover it with plastic wrap (or even aluminium foil). Do not leave any open gaps. Allow some excess wrap to tuck under the bowl. Set this aside.
  • Make paper strips. This is no science with precise measurements. Mine are roughly 1 inch wide and a few inches long. The length is usually enough to cover the longest part of the mold (like height or diameter for instance). Set the paper strips aside.
  • Combine the flour, water and salt in a bowl
  • Submerge a dry paper strip into the flour mixture until completely saturated. Hold it up and remove excess with your fingers.
  • Place the strip over the bowl. Continue with other strips of paper until you have roughly 3 layers. Smooth each new strip over previous ones to avoid holes and potential air bubbles. Keep in mind that this step allows your bowl to have structure and strength. In that case, allow the strips to cross and overlap each other. Ultimately, your new structure should not have any holes.
  • A golden rule of papier maché is "no moisture". If you do not comply before proceeding to the following steps, your work is likely to grow mold. Place your craft (with its mold) somewhere that allows it to dry completely before moving to the next step. I continue to use the mold at this time to allow the bowl to maintain the shape of the mold. If there is sun, I place it out onto the verandah to get the intense afternoon sun and ventilation. --
     --
  • Do not assume your craft is dry based only on outward appearances. After all, the inner layers may remain damp while the visible outer layer has become crisp. Consequently, I usually allow the craft to dry for an extended period or roughly 2 or more days ... just to be sure. 
  • Apply the base coat of paint (to hide the print). If your design is a solid color without designs, you may color the base coat to skip the drying period between the base coat and colored paint. Allow to dry thoroughly before proceeding. Alternatively, after the base color has dried, paint shapes and use several colors onto the base coat. At this stage, I would recommend a thick acrylic paint that will not bleed with the base color. It is a judgment call whether you should continue to use your mold. If you are concerned about losing the shape, continue to use the mold.
  • After paint has dried, apply a thin coat of varnish and allow to dry completely before applying each required additional coat. I usually use 2 coats of varnish. Since varnish is flammable, I allow it to dry away from the heat of the sun.


Other Topics Related to DIY Handmade Products - Paper Mache / Papier Maché & DIY Art Therapy
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Papier Maché: Orange Bowl: DIY Art Therapy

Papier maché, aka paper mache, is considered sufficiently simple to allow a very wide age range of people to benefit from its healing effects on anxiety (including PTSD) and other mental health concerns (including bipolar disease). In fact, when I made papier maché bowls with a young mother and her 2-year old twins, we all enjoyed it. However, in addition to this fun factor, it is a particularly useful form of art therapy for young children who can not yet express complex emotions. Another of my art therapy posts shows an arguably simpler method than the one in this post and how, as a child, I spontaneously resorted to DIY art therapy during my darkest moment at the age of 9.  

 This process involves 3 preparatory stages: 1) shaping, 2) inner surface and 3) outer surface. -- --
STAGE 1 Requirements: To create the shape
  • Plastic cling wrap.
  • A mold. I used a salad bowl
  • Paper. Newspaper or telephone directory paper (white or yellow pages)
  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Water
  • Glue or flaxseed liquid (optional)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Table top protectors. I used old shopping bags.

STAGE 2 Requirements: To prepare the inner bowl surface
  • Toilet Paper, 56 squares from a roll
  • Tissue Paper and or roughly 1/2 of an orange tissue paper, roughly 1/2 of a yellow tissue paper. I actually used all of these. However, I think the tissue paper is unnecessary if you use paint. Besides, toilet paper appears to be less costly. Whatever your choice in paper, tear it into tiny pieces. However, the tissue paper may be used in smaller amounts to add different shapes of your paint and to create texture if torn and squashed into larger, less mashed pieces.
  • Paint. I used food dye to create orange
  • Flaxseeds & / other small dried seeds
  • Glue
  • Flour
  • Water, the colder the better to extend the work time of plaster of Paris.
  • Plaster of Paris (optional. I actually did not use it here but plan on using it in the future)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cup
-- --
STAGE 3 Requirements: To prepare the outer bowl surface of this papier maché project
  • Water, the colder the better to extend the work time of plaster of Paris.
  • Plaster of Paris,
  • Paint
  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Sandpaper, # 180 or so   (FYI: Fine-grade sandpaper is 150 to 220; Medium-grade sandpaper is 100 to 120 and; Coarse-grade sandpaper is 40 to 80)
  • Dust mask (optional when sandpapering)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cup
  • Paint brush, large OR Sponge (to apply the outer layer of Plaster of Paris and paint very smoothly)


STAGE 1  Instructions: Shaping
  • Day 1. In the case of a mold that is a bowl, you have a choice. Decide whether you will line and form the bowl from the inside or outside. I wanted a smooth outer surface and rough textured inner surface. Since the glass will flatten the surface with which it makes direct contact, I lined the inside of the mold. I ensured that the plastic exceeded the edges very comfortably.
  • Line the inside of the mold with plastic cling wrap
  • Shape the bowl with papier maché strips
  • Make a paste with the following ingredients in a mixing bowl. Flour, water and salt
  • Tear the paper into strips that are roughly 1 to 2 inches thick. Tear free hand. There is no need to soak strips.
  • Holding a strip with 2 finger tips, submerge it into the flour mix. Upon removing the strip from the liquid, slide the strip through 2 touching fingers from the opposite hand so as to remove excess paste.
  • Place the strip onto the plastic cling wrap. Continue this process with as many strips as you need to completely cover the cling wrap without leaving any holes. I forgot to take a photo of this step. So here is a photo of an earlier project.
  • I created 2 to 3 layers. Although these few layers seemed too little at first, the bowl was sufficiently strong in the end, especially after the outer surface treatment and coats of varnish. I also made sure that I did not exceed the edges. The inner surface would help with the edges which would not be straight.

STAGE 2  Instructions: Inner Surface
  • For this next step, I did not wait for the product of the preceding process to dry. After all I reasoned, if I allowed it to dry before this upcoming step, the first step is likely to become damp again, even though this step is drier and less messy
  • If you want the toilet paper to display the color evenly, soak it in water and then mix it into a bowl with the orange paint.
  • Combine the left over ingredients and those for this section in a mixing bowl. I preferred to add the water and Plaster of Paris last. In fact, I mixed the water before adding the Plaster of Paris. This precaution is because Plaster of Paris has a very limited work time before becoming hard.
  • NB. Do NOT wash your containers with Plaster of Paris down your sink. Rather, wash such containers outside.
  • Knead the mixture until you achieve a dough consistency that can be maintain any form.
  • To create subtle color variations, I randomly placed 1 layer of orange tissue paper patches onto the base of paper strips. This allowed some hints of the richer orange color to bleed through my dough.
  • Grab and press a ball of dough between your fingers to create a thin layer. Place that layer onto the inside of the bowl. Avoid holes.

  • I ensured that the dough rose slightly above the level of the strips. That way, I would have a rough rim that will still look neat. My task later on will be to be as neat as possible when painting the point where the flat strips meet the overlapping inner surface.


Notice the way the painted outer surface meets this inner surface in the end.

  • Allow to dry in a very well ventilated area. The base was particularly soggy from the glue epaste. I placed my project into a large stainless steel bowl in the sun for roughly 30 minutes.
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  • On day 2, I could see moisture collecting between the glass and plastic wrap. I removed the project from the bowl mold and placed the project back into the stainless steel to get some hot afternoon sun on my verandah. However, to my dismay, since the convex shape of this reflective bowl magnified the sun's heat and light, in one spot, the project had a burnt hole right through it.
I took a tiny piece of dough from a failed project to patch the hole. BTW, as pictured below, the failure of the other project may have occurred because it did not have strips or sufficient glue to compensate for this absence.

I dampened the tiny piece of dough and rubbed it in place before following with a smearing of glue.
Fortunately and as the image shows below, the patch blended in almost perfectly, even though still wet. The tip of the knife points directly to the area of the patch.
The patch was thick enough to reach the surface of the outer side and would therefore only need 1 coat of paper strip. I glued the strip, making certain to cover the edges before coving the hole.
I also realized by this time that the bowl was losing its shape slightly. To counteract this and since it was nearly completely dry, I placed it back onto the glass container before placing it again in the sun, MINUS the stainless steel bowl. Every few hours, I flipped the bowl between the upward and downward positions.






STAGE 3  Instructions: Outer Surface
  • If possible, remove air pockets by gluing down or tearing away the non-conforming raised edges.
  • Since sanding is likely to be unnecessary, do so only in extreme cases. After all, the Plaster of Paris will smooth out rough edges. Sand the outer surface. I read somewhere that you should not apply excessive pressure or allow yourself to feel heat when sanding. The rationale is that excessive sanding with extra-fine sandpaper is known to close the pores of hard woods, thereby making it difficult for stains to penetrate. Perhaps this applies. I realized I did not need to sand this very much.
  • I covered the bowl mold with protective material. In this case, I used a plastic bag.
  • I placed the project on top of the mold

  • Combine the ingredients
  • Add Plaster of Paris to the water, without stirring. Stirring activates the Plaster of Paris. Tap the container so the Plaster of Paris could sink to the bottom. Stir gently to remove lumps. Do NOT whip the plaster of Paris. Do NOT wash your containers with Plaster of Paris down your sink. Rather, wash such containers outside.
Always test the paint color on the bottom of projects.
When the consistency is right, ie when it is not too runny, apply it. However, I think my mixture was a little too runny because I say paint brush marks in the end. Perhaps applying with a SPONGE can also help. -- --
Do NOT sandpaper this surface. If you must, do so with great caution with fine-grade sand paper (#150 to 220). Caution in this regard is to avoid chipping the Plaster of Paris and exposing the layer below as a consequence.



Apply coats of varnish as evenly as possible.

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