Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Work and Bipolar Disorder

I have three friends who just started work they enjoy. The change in them is amazing.

Less sadness- less arguing with the people around them. A better outlook on life.

These jobs are not about money. They want and need money of course.

I think they just felt a part of the world again.

Work that you don’t like is draining. Work that you like is uplifting.

Do you work? Can you work?

We have to have a purpose. It doesn’t have to be work- but it helps a lot of people!

Julie

Guest Post: Craig Hamilton part 2 of 3

Craig Hamilton – My Story part 2 (Click here for Craig Hamilton Part 1)

Bipolar Disorder effects more people around the world than many people realize. When Bipolar makes the news , it’s usually a bad news story.

The suicide rate in Australia is a disgrace and by simply ignoring the issue or making out that it is someone else’s problem isn’t going to get people who are suffering from a mental illness that can be treated the help they need.

In 2004 I published my story in a book called “Broken Open” with friend and journalist Neil Jameson.

The story was more than anything a plea to society to drop the stigma associated with mental illness and make it [ Read More ]

The BipolarHappens.com blog has added new and valuable info!

Hello to All!

This blog gets up to 20,000 hits a month, so I try to keep the content fresh.

I’ve added two new pages to the menu:

What is Bipolar Disorder?

and The Difference between Bipolar and BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder)

The What is Bipolar? section is truly important if you’re just diagnosed or if you think you have bipolar. It’s also a great tool for family and friends. Feel free to pass on the link to anyone who has questions.

Let me know what you think! And feel free to send some complicated questions! I like a challenge.

I can delve into major topics on a page as compared to a blog.

Julie

[ Read More ]

Depakote (divalproex sodium) for Bipolar Mood Swings

Bipolar Disorder Medications: Depakote (Divalproex Sodium)

Depakote, like Tegretol is an anticonvulsant drug used to treat bipolar disorder MANIA. It’s a misconception that Depakote is a complete mood stabilizer as it’s not as effective for depression treatment- it’s often used in conjunction with other medications that do help depression in order to fully treat bipolar disorder.

When I was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I started with lithium (considered the only true ‘mood stabilizer’ ) – I had really severe side effects with lithium and had to try the next in line drug for people initially diagnosed with bipolar disorder – Tegrotol. When that didn’t work I tried Depakote.

This was a very normal treatment plan in 1995. These days, for those of us with bipolar II (we don’t have full blown mania), Lamictal (Lamotrigine) [ Read More ]

Update: A Passionate Plea… you don’t have to read the news.

Oops! The blog below I wrote this morning must have been more depressing than I intended!

I had people write to see if I was ok and my dear friend Sheri sent me a text that said, “Are you ok? Read your blog. Just checking in!”

It matters to have people in life who care about you. I am always careful with this blog- I want to be honest and reflect what we all go through with this illness, but I want to be supportive and offer awesome information as well! So, in the blog below you can read about some honest down feelings- but I want to say that I was fine a few hours later and actually see some sun now! The next time I write a downer blog- I will make sure to remind us all that the sun will come out .. later in the afternoon!

Here is my downer blog! [ Read More ]