2009 July « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

I broke my toe!

I have had many things happen physically since being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Lot’s of tripping- balance problems and vision problems from bipolar disorder medication side effects. It’s odd how depression can make a person so vulnerable.

Well, I have no excuses for this one. I just stepped off a curb the wrong way! I am so thankful my mood has been stable. I have a lot of work to do and made a plan to get it all done this weekend. I said to myself, “You have a writing project that is due and you are almost done! Don’t let anything stop you from getting it done!” I broke the toe about two hours later.

This is a blog to make you smile! The toe will be fine. I am thankful I am well enough to handle it with ease!

The foot is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Wouldn’t [ Read More ]

Mania and Sleep Reader Comments

Thanks to everyone for such amazing and insightful comments on the Mania and Sleep blog post. The topic is obviously so important. It really is such a chicken and the egg problem. I can be in bed and unable to sleep and I have to go through my list- am I just wound up because I stayed out late? Will I get to sleep eventually? Is it possible it’s agitated depression? What if it’s hypomania?

Then I have to truly assess if I will actually get to sleep if i just lie there. I listen to my Ipod podcasts – which helps a lot. I do sleep exercises (counting something!) and breathing. I do it all! And if I’m still awake, I say to myself. “Ok Julie, it’s essential that you sleep at least seven hours. Take your sleep meds!”

Why is it such a struggle? I think we all want to just sleep normally [ Read More ]

Reader Question: Bipolar Disorder and Natural Treatments

Julie,

I love your book on Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder. I am bipolar and my partner and I have been working with it for HOURS since I got out of the hospital (a true hellhole) a few days ago. I see that you work with a naturopath, but I see no mention of natural remedies that I have found VERY useful, such as Rescue Remedy and other floral remedies, essential oils, homeopathy, and special vitamin and mineral supplements. Any reason why?

Hi Satina, Thank you for your kind comments.

I’m so glad the book is helping your relationship. That book was born from a lot of pain, but it has helped so many people.I mention natural remedies in all of my other books- Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder was meant more for the partner than the person with the illness, so direct bipolar disorder treatment was not explored fully.

I mention Rescue Remedy in [ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder: Relationships and Respect: Reader Question

Here is a reader question from my blog on respect in relationships:

Hey Julie!

Here’s a terrible question. What if the person who is not treating you with love and respect is your husband of 16 years? My friends comment on how he treats me. He’s not a complete ogre – just mostly. But I’m afraid to address the issues and stand up to him and advocate for what I need. Any thoughts?

Hi M,

This is not a terrible question AT ALL. It’s essential that we know who exacerbates our mood swings before we can actually do something about it. At least you’re not lying to yourself and that’s admirable. Here is my advice- the day that you decide you are worth more than the pain- and that you will not longer be treated disrespectfully is the day that you will stand up to him and say-

I love you. But I am [ Read More ]

Podcast: Reader Question: How do I find balance when I’m over extended!

I just received this bipolarhappens.com blog reader question from Melissa. I started to write a response and then thought- wait a minute! This would make a great question for the podcast. So, here is the question and the podcast at the end has my answer:

My prescriber and therapist contend that my lifestyle is the root of many of my problems. I just can’t seem to even visualize what a calmer lifestyle would look like let alone try for it. I have three children – one with special needs -, I work around 40 hours a week, I commute for an hour each direction and I manage the household. Yes I do have a husband which helps take some of the pressure off and then in other ways puts more pressure on. I also dabble in a party plan business and am trying to lose weight and get healthier – including starting training for a [ Read More ]

Amazing Parenting Resource Website

I am going to speak to a branch of the Stand Up Parenting organization in the next few months. I am quite amazed at the quality of what they offer for parents in terms of learning skills to work with teens and adult children. It definietly translates to parents of children with bipolar disorder.

http://www.standupparenting.org/

A dear friend of mine has a 14 year old son who is really acting like a 14 year old! He said to me, “Where are the groups for parents who are great parents who need more skills to deal with teens!”

I look foward to speaking to the group here in Portland, Oregon.

Julie