INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Many schools put out a school supply list every year. Use this as a checklist. If your school does not offer a supply list, write down a checklist of required items. You should have purchased or acquired your items before beginning the packing process. Set all of your items out neatly in the area you will be packing the backpack. The packing process will be easier if you group your items first. Group them according to items that are the same or similar. For example, books go with books, notebooks with notebooks, folders with folders, pens with pens and so on. You can organize by size, color, and/or subject. You should have a folder for every subject and at least two notebooks. It is helpful to have cases for pencils, pens, and other small items. Put these items in cases before putting them in the bag. Having separate cases for small items will make packing easier, and keep the items from getting loose in the backpack. Textbooks are some of the largest, heaviest, and most important items, and they typically take up the most room. Put your textbooks into the main compartment of the backpack first. Put the heavier textbooks towards the back of the backpack to make it easier to carry. If you are in high school, you may not need all of your textbooks every day. If not, put in the textbooks you will need for the first day of school. The first day of school may require paperwork. Make sure all paperwork is filled out. Other important papers might include assigned reading lists, a schedule, and a map. Put these items in a folder that will be seen and used, and make sure all paperwork is put in its proper place before packing it into the bag.  Place contact info into this folder. This can be an index card with your name, phone number, and address written on it in pen or marker. For children, it is helpful to have a folder just for paperwork. Label this folder to make remembering and locating it easier. These items include notebooks, binders, and any other books you will need for class. Put these items in front of your textbooks in the main compartment. If your bag has two main compartments, put them in the compartment separate from your textbooks. Put in larger items first to avoid crushing smaller items. Place any pencil cases with pencils, pens, and erasers into the smaller compartments that may be on the front, sides, or inside of the bag. There may also be a case with art supplies like markers, colored pencils, and crayons to add into a separate compartment. A computer may not be necessary for younger students, but older students might find them necessary. Tablets, however, are often used in schools, whether the students or younger or older. Some backpacks have an extra, padded space in the back for laptops and tablets. If not, put the electronic item in a padded case.  A cellphone is good to have for emergencies, but make sure it is turned off for the duration of the school day. Remember to pack a charger if needed.

SUMMARY: Gather your school supplies. Organize your school supplies. Place small supplies in cases. Pack textbooks first. Place paperwork into folders or binders. Put in the rest of the large items. Add in smaller items. Pack electronic items if necessary.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: It's common for people with bipolar disorder to experience a shift as the seasons change. In some cases, a manic or depressive episode will last an entire season. In other cases, the change in season prompts the beginning of a cycle that includes both mania and depression. Manic episodes are more common in the summertime. Depressive episodes are more common in the fall, winter and spring. This is not a hard and fast rule, however; some people experience depression in the summer and mania in the winter. Some people with bipolar disorder have trouble at work and in school. In other cases, the person may seem to be doing just fine in these areas. Those with bipolar II and cyclothymia can often function at work and school. Those with bipolar I tend to have a harder time in these areas. Up to 50 percent of people who suffer from bipolar disorder struggle with substance abuse. They use alcohol or other tranquilizers to stop racing thoughts during manic episodes. They may also use drugs to try to achieve a high when they're in a depressive episode.  Substances like alcohol have their own effects on mood and behavior. They can be difficult to distinguish bipolar disorder. People who abuse drugs and alcohol are at greater risk of suicide. This is because substance abuse can increase the severity of both mania and depression. Substance abuse may also instigate a cycle of manic depression. People with bipolar disorder are often out of touch with reality. This occurs both during periods of extreme mania and periods of severe depression.  This can manifest as either a dangerously inflated ego or a sense of guilt that is not in proportion to real events. In some cases, psychosis and hallucinations occur. Breaks from reality happen most frequently in bipolar I during manic and mixed episodes. They occur less often in bipolar II and almost never in cyclothymia. Self-diagnosis is useful if it leads to taking the next step toward getting help. Many people live with bipolar disorder without receiving treatment. However, the illness can be better managed with helpful medications. Psychotherapy with a psychiatrist or counselor can also make a big difference.  Medications used to treat bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety drugs. These medications work by blocking and/or regulating certain chemicals in the brain. They regulate dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine.  Mood stabilizers work to regulate a person's mood. They prevent the extreme highs and lows of bipolar disorder. Among these are drugs such as Lithium, Depakote, Neurontin, Lamictal, and Topamax.  Antipsychotic medications help reduce psychotic symptoms like hallucinations or delusions during mania. They include Zyprexa, Risperdal, Abilify and Saphris.  Antidepressant medications used to treat bipolar depression include Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, and others. Finally, to manage symptoms of anxiety, a psychiatrist might prescribe Xanax, Klonopin, or Lorazepam.  Medications should always be prescribed by a qualified psychiatrist or physician. They should be taken as directed to avoid health complications. If you're concerned that you or a loved one has bipolar disorder, reach out to a therapist or psychiatrist for diagnosis. If you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts, immediately contact a trusted loved one or friend. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 for more advice.

SUMMARY: Look for seasonal changes in mood. Understand that having bipolar disorder doesn't always impair functionality. Be aware of substance abuse issues. Notice breaks from reality. See a specialist.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Figure out where to connect it by setting the barrel on the platform next to the downspout. It should be close enough to the downspout that you can connect it with the downspout elbow. Mark the downspout one inch below the height of the rain barrel. You'll need to attach the downspout elbow to the downspout so water will pour directly into the barrel. Use a hacksaw to cut the downspout at the mark. Fit the elbow to the downspout. Fasten it in place with screws, and make sure they're tight. As your measuring and fitting the elbow to the downspout, make sure that the end of the elbow will dip well into the barrel so all the water gets collected there. You don't want the water to be pouring into the barrel from above. If the barrel has a lid, use the hacksaw to cut a hole large enough for the end of the elbow to fit inside. Cover the area around the hole with the metal screen. This will prevent leaves and other debris from running down the downspout and creating a clog in your rainwater collection system. If you have more barrels, set them on the platform and connect lengths of hose to the valves.

SUMMARY:
Connect the downspout elbow to the downspout. Connect the barrel to the elbow. Place a filter at the top of the downspout. Connect the additional barrels.