2008 June « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Get it Done When You’re Depressed Radio/Podcast Interview

I recently did an excellent radio/podcast interview with Deborah Harper of Psychjourney. We talked about the release of my new book, Get it Done When You’re Depressed.

Here is a link to our interview. She asked excellent questions and really knew her stuff. All writers dream of interviews that go this well! You can scroll down to see my interview.

http://psychjourney.libsyn.com/index.php?post_category=Depression

There are many other resources on the page as well as a link to my book.

julie

Bipolar and Spirituality

I just received a great blog comment, so I will answer it here! Just curious, Julie….I could be wrong as I’m just getting acquainted with you after hearing you speak recently, but in what I’ve read so far in your website/newsletter/blog writing, there’s a conspicuous absence of any sense of spiritual help for your bipolar issues. Is that a purposeful thing? Does faith of some kind have a place in the life of a bipolar person?

WriteWoman

Hi WW.

This is a great question. I’ve done a few newsletters on it. I know that many people find huge comfort, support and information from their spiritual community. I also know that some, like msyelf are not as connected to a group spiritually. I can also say that I’m not super spiritual individually. This is not from choice. I used to be very spiritual – in that I believed that there was a force that watched out [ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder and Work

I often get letters like the one below:

Hi Julie

“My greatest problem is Work. Please dedicate as much Time to work issues as possible. Most specifically, the alternative ways for people with BP (and other chronic illnesses) to survive and earn a living.”

I haven’t been able to work full time since 1995. I should say- I haven’t been able to work consistently since 1995. That changed last year when my meds and treatment plan just started working a lot better. I now face another problem. I’m able to work a lot more, but I don’t really know how to do it. I don’t have an office. I tend to drive around looking for places to work. When I have a good day I just want to hang out and enjoy it. There were SO few good days in the past. On the tough days, I have trouble focusing. I get overwhelmed with all [ Read More ]

Fantastic Radio Show and a Flooded Basement

I just finished my final live radio show for the season. I interviewed Terri Cheney- the author of the bestselling memoir, Manic. We talked about memoir writing- it was so much fun and great encouragement for everyone who wants to write about their experiences.

The radio show has been really stressful for me- lots of anxiety. It hasn’t really been all bipolar anxiety- I know what that feels like- it has been the kind of anxiety disorder anxiety. Believe me, it’s awful. I love the hours in the studio. It’s the hours up to it that cause me trouble.

But anyway! Today’s show was fantastic. And then I got home…..

My basement was flooded. Hmm.

I am glad the show went so well. I’m super glad my roommate was home and caught it early. I’m extremely glad I’m not depressed.

But gosh! Can’t I [ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder and Work

I Feel Better When I Work

It’s ridiculous that I can spend more time worrying about work than working.

Fact: Two hours of worrying about work leads to two hours of more worry. And nothing gets done.

Fact: Two hours of actual work saves hours and hours of worry and things actually get done.

Julie

MANIC: Terri Cheney on the Julie Fast Radio Show

Hi all, I have an exciting guest this Sunday on my radio show. Terri Cheney, the author of the bestselling memoir MANIC will be the guest.

We will talk about writing mental health memoirs. So many people write and ask me how they can get their story in print- who better to ask than a successful mental health writer like Terri!

I’ve read a lot of bipolar disorder memoirs- and have enjoyed them all- Terri’s is different than many because of its literary style. It reads like a novel. This isn’t easy to do!

You can visit juliefast.com/radio to read more about the show.

Julie