Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Has it really come to this?

I love soccer- probably too much. But this is going overboard. I went to read the latest news this morning and it looks like I walked into a Jackson Pollock painting! Whatever attention span I had was blown away by this home page.

I’ve had a computer business since 2002. I’m used to it, but I’ve seen a troubling trend. We’re all competing for more and more of the same clients so the bells and whistles are getting quite literal. I think it’s too much. I believe in eMedia completely, but I could also see where there would be a backlash to this. Going through a colored maze to get information is too stressful! What do you think? Julie

Frontline Show: Bipolar Disorder in Children

Many of you have written to tell me about the amazing Frontline television program on childhood bipolar disorder from 2009.

You can watch the show online at pbs.org. Click here for the link: Julie

Bipolar Disorder and Work

I’ve had trouble working for about a week now. That’s nothing new- what’s odd is that I haven’t been depressed- just restless and a bit unhappy. Wait! That is depression! 😉

I’m using all of my techniques to end this non productive cycle.

My goal today is making it to the library to work on a project that’s due next week. Just writing it down on this blog is stressful, so it makes more sense to go take care of the problem than worry about it all day.

I will keep you posted.

Do you need to do something you’ve been putting off? It helps to sit by a brook leaning on a tree in the summer.

Julie

When Bipolar Illness Gets You Down, Lean on Your Friends

I recently asked a NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) friend of mine how he was doing. Roberto is a lawyer who modified his practice to fit his bipolar disorder. He has done so well! We always talk about how we can keep going when we get sick. And he is doing it! Even when he wrote this, he was doing well at work. It seems impossible, but he has learned to have a life despite this illness. I admire him and I learn from him.

Dear Julie,

Thanks for asking how I am. I hate telling you this, but I’ve been really depressed again. I hate it as I’m sure you do! We know what we go through. I’m sad for my friends and mother when I get this sick. You definitely understand- I’ve read your books. But I still feel so alone. It’s ridiculous!

I try hard to limit my crying [ Read More ]

Relationship Issues? Get it Going!

Have you ever gone through a tough time over a relationship issue? Relationship problems whether with family, friends, partners or coworkers can be a real nightmare for people with bipolar disorder. We get hit much harder than people with more regulated brains.

I know that things get totally out of proportion in my brain when something happens that I can’t control. I feel like I will go crazy and that I need a solution right at that minute! I can’t wait for anything and I need answers, answers, answers. I will call my friends and talk for hours about what is happening and what I’m doing wrong and what the other person is thinking and what I should do and……… it never ends! It’s embarrassing and very tiring. And it makes it [ Read More ]

Cats and Dogs

Bipolar Disorder Treatment and Animal Friends

I call my cat Bibi my depression companion. It always amazes me at how much better I feel when I spend time with her. Even when I’m crying and feel I can’t function- I can still pet Bibi!

It is the same with my mom’s dog Cookie. It’s hard to be depressed around her. I have had days were I sit in my mom’s backyard in a depressed stupor- but I always feel better when I see Cookie.

Petting an animal releases endorphins- throwing a ball with an animal increases endorphins! So it makes sense that our animal friends could help us all manage this illness more successfully.

Bibi needs a lot of attention. It’s hard to focus on her sometimes, but I make myself see it from her perspective. She really loves playing [ Read More ]