I wrote the following in 2007. Nothing has really changed in terms of what bipolar disorder does- but I can say that I still use my treatment plan and I haven’t made any manic mistakes in a long time!
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It was just lovely. I remember driving down the road to my house thinking. Is this what normal feels like? This is so wonderful. I’ve been doing so well lately! Maybe this is the real me!
And right then I knew I was manic. It was a huge disappointment. I had been having so much fun. I wasn’t covered in the depression fog when I went out. I didn’t eat junk food and I could talk to anyone.
I can’t believe how it snuck up on me. I haven’t had a winter manic episode in a very long time.
My family and friends noticed it first. They all know how to use my Health Cards [ Read More ]
Mania is an abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive or irritable mood. In the elevated state, the mood is upbeat, euphoric, and happy. In an expansive state, the mood is intense, and emotions are shown with no inhibition. Although many people think that euphoria and expansive moods are the main characteristics of mania, many people in a manic episode experience irritability, anxiety or an uncomfortable sense of increased energy.
Mania is a very dangerous, difficult to spot and often very difficult to treat mood swing once it goes too far.
There are two types of mania in bipolar disorder: full blown mania and hypomania. Full blown mania is a requirement of a bipolar I diagnosis. Hypomania ( milder form of full blown mania with similar symptoms, but with much less intensity) is a milder form of mania that is a requirement for a bipolar II diagnosis. This is one of the main reasons it’s so important [ Read More ]
I’ve kept a chart of my mood swings for the past year. It’s amazing to see what triggers most of my downswings. Without question, it’s difficult relationships. I knew that this was a problem, but seeing the reality on a piece of paper forced me to make some serious behavioral changes. I have to limit contact with certain people, no matter how much I care for them. I wish I were the type who could have exciting, but difficult people in my life, but as my chart clearly pointed out. I can’t.
There is a mood swing chart and an example of one of my charts at the back of my book Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder. The Health Cards can provide you a lot of information as well. I faithfully chart my mood every night. It’s depressing to see how this illness controls my life, but I at least know I am doing [ Read More ]
I have read every textbook, self help book, etc. and was still beating my head against a wall until I read your book. I can tell you that Strategy 11, Expect Brain Chatter from Get it Done When You’re Depressed, was the answer to prayer. I don’t know what it was about this specific chapter, but it opened up serious dialogue after 14 years of marriage. This chapter gave me a simple way to explain the on-going dialogue and loop of music in my head and why it is so painful.
Here is a blurb for a class I’m teaching in January. There is a big story behind this! I will tell it soon!
Join Julie A. Fast for a wonderful take action presentaion at New Renaissance Books in Portland, Oregon
Get Things Done Even When Life Gets Tough
Julie A. Fast, Thurs. Jan. 27, 7-8:30 pm Do you have trouble getting things done? Join Julie A. Fast and learn to get things done no matter how tough the day is going, what is happening in life, what the weather is doing outside or how you feel about your own abilities and accomplishments. In fact, you can even learn to get things done when you’re depressed! Julie has. The truth is, you don’t have to want to do something in order to do a good job and you don’t [ Read More ]
When I have certain mood swings, I find myself getting really picky about each word a person says. I will look at a sentence from an email, or remember what a person said and then examine it way too closely. Did they mean this- or did they mean that? Are they mad at me? Have I done something wrong?
This kind of examination is destructive for relationships- especially when it happens over email.
I have found that if someone is upset they will usually tell me. If I have done something to offend them, they will usually tell me. If I never hear from someone again, that is their choice. I now remind myself that I am only responsible for my own behaviors. What is said to me or what is sent to me in email is not in my control.
I still have the same worries and tendencies when I’m sick to break apart [ Read More ]
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The health information contained herein is provided for general education purposes only. This site should not be seen as a substitute for an official diagnosis or for professional health care.
Do you have trouble getting things done? Join Julie A. Fast and learn to get things done no matter how tough the day is going, what is happening in life, what the weather is doing outside or how you feel about your own abilities and accomplishments. In fact, you can even learn to get things done when you’re depressed! Julie has. The truth is, you don’t have to want to do something in order to do a good job and you don’t 
