2009 May « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Economic hope for people with bipolar disorder

Well, I certainly know a lot of people who have been hit hard by our ‘current economic situation.’ That is for sure. Some of my friends have lost jobs, others have seen their profits decrease- and many are worried about getting laid off.But! I also have friends who have done very well in this economy. For example, a friend of mine works for an online college and they are doing very well. Refinanice mortgage companies and debt relief companies sure seem to be going strong.

My moods have defintely been affected by all that is going on. It’s a daily task to remain positive- but I have to do it. What is the alternative? I would rather be in a bad situation with a good attitude than a bad situation with a despairing attitude.This takes 24 hour work on my part. The positive attitude can be tough.

I was on TV yesterday – which was [ Read More ]

Podcast: reader question – I need help for my son when I travel…

Here is a question from Jackie regarding her son. So many parents worry about their children when they have to travel or be away from home for an extended period of time. I know my mom worries about me and I’m 45! As you can see from Jackie’s question, it’s hard to find the balance of letting your child be independent and at the same time accepting that he or she needs extra help. Click to the link at the end of this blog to hear my reply.

Hi Julie…I need some direction and advice Please. My 21 yr old sone as bioplar II and does pretty well most of the time living on his own… however, as you know, bi polar being what it is there are times every cple months he needs someone to stay ith him for a few days to get him thru a tough cycle. Most of the time that [ Read More ]

Where is euphoric hypomania when I need it?

That is only partly a joking question. I know that my mania is just as dangerous as my depression. But why can’t I at least have as much hypomania as depression! If a psych read this they would remind me that what goes up must come down. In fact, I write that in all of my books- but I don’t know one person who doesn’t love euphoric hypomania in the beginning and middle stages. When it hits the third stage it’s awful- as is the bad crash that inevitably follows. But I still wish I could have it more- just without the downside. It’s sort of like being able to live on sweets without ever getting fat!

I manage my hypomania just as diligently as I manage the depression. I know how serious it is- but when I’m depressed as I am today- I wish it would just show up for a few hours [ Read More ]

The BP Magazine Forum is finally here!

BPHope Forum: Conversations, questions and a place to put your poetry!

Finally! BP Magazine has started an excellent forum for people with bipolar disorder and their loved ones. And it has a poetry corner! I receive a lot of poetry and am not sure where to send it for publication. Now there is an option. Once you sign up for the forum, you can visit the BP Writers section and have a conversation with me about work.

http://bphope.ning.com/

I am so pleased this resource is available to all of us!

Definitely add me as a friend when you join and we can chat sometimes.

I write a column for BP Magazine and recommend it highly. I learn a lot and get a lot of inspiration when I read the articles. It reminds me that I’m not alone with this illness.

Julie

A Bipolar Disorder and Relationships Secret

A big bipolar disorder treatment secret… .

Surround yourself with people who love and respect you. It’s that simple. I’ve been around people who say they care about me and that they want to be with me- but in reality they didn’t love and respect me. It’s all about them.

I don’t want people like that in my life. I used to know quite a few of them and I have met a few lately- but I’m getting better at seeing them at face value when we meet.

People who don’t love and respect me but still want something from me make me sick. Literally! I would rather be alone for the rest of my life than be with someone who so disrespects me they would continue behavior I have asked them to stop. The only thing I can do in a situation like this is say a strong GOOD BYE!

On the other hand, [ Read More ]

Reader Question: What if my daughter’s therapist cancels appointments?

A Reader Question for Julie

Hi Julie,

My daughter takes Lamictal and Lexpro and I believe she is going to talk to the new Psychiatrist about increasing the dosage, when she finally gets to meet him this week. My daughter has found a therapist that she likes but the therapist has cancelled some appointment- two I think. My daughter has very limited time due to her job so she cannot reschedule in the same week and it’s a time that she really needs the appointment.

I have to say it ticks me off considering this persons job. I’d think the therapist would be more aware of the effect, for many reasons. Is it unusual for a patient to ask for a phone apt.? Just a thought. I don’t want to react with the anger I feel and would like to make a helpful suggestion.

Thanks again, and [ Read More ]