Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

It Takes Longer to Worry About Something than to Do Something!

Remember:

You can unload a dishwasher in three minutes.

You can clean your room or vacuum your house in 30 minutes.

Get rid of a lot of email in one hour

Think of it in terms of watching television. It’s so easy to sit in front of the TV for hours getting nothing done. I used to do that when I was depressed. Now I know that getting up and doing something for just 30 minutes can make a huge difference in my mood.

Julie

PS….this is one of the tips in my amazing book “Get it Done When You’re Depressed.”

Here is a link to buy it from amazon…..now it’s on the Kindle too…. exciting!!

http://www.amazon.com/Get-Done-When-Youre-Depressed/dp/1592577067/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1309293012&sr=8-1

Bipolar Disorder Moodswings

We have to learn an entirely new language when bipolar disorder comes into our lives.

Here is some very basic information:

There are two types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar one and Bipolar two. The difference between the two is mania.

Bipolar One: Those diagnosed with bipolar I (one) experience depression along with full blown mania.

70% of these full blown manic episodes involve psychosis ..and hospitalization is common, especially during a first episode. (The age of this episode is usually teens to early 20s.)

Biopolar Two: Those with bipolar II (two) have depression with a milder form of mania called hypomania. Hypomania is milder than full blown mania, but can still be very destructive financially, sexually, in the work place and for all relationships.

All forms of mania can be destructive in a very short amount of time, especially if a person makes a life changing decision when ill.

Rapid Cycling: If a person [ Read More ]

Thanks Tina Fey (Bossypants) for helping me get through the weekend depression!

As you can tell by the title of this post, I dealt with depression this weekend. A lot of it.

Sometimes the best way to get out of a depression, even for a short while is to read something funny. Or see a funny movie.

Here are two sugggestions: Bossypants by Tina Fey.

I laughed, I cried! Actually, I was pr0bably crying before I started to read. But I was willing to do anything possible to get better.

The book is raunchy, so beware.

Then I watched one of my favorite and very silly movies: Cold Comfort Farm. This is [ Read More ]

Charlie Sheen and Mania Revisited

I’m spending some time finding out what is currently going on with Charlie Sheen. I came across an interiew he did right when he was manic. I watch the interviewer and I think- what is going through your head! Can’t you see this is an ill man? He isn’t even making sense.

He has now lost his job, most of his friends, his father Martin Sheen said he could not help him.

What’s next? Do you know what’s going on with him now? I would love an update. I will keep you posted on what I find out.

Julie

Kirstie and Maks: Bipolar Disorder Weight Loss Inspiration!

Sometimes a picture does more than any book: Kirstie Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy on Dancing with the Stars. I know she doesn’t have bipolar, but… she has had a lot of very honest conversations about her weight issues. I admire that.

Kirsty looks great- and of course, Maks never needs to change! (Yes, I’m a DWTS geek!)

So many of us with bipolar disorder, myself included struggle with our weight. I like looking at pictures of someone who is doing something about it! We probably can’t dance for a zillion hours every day- but we can walk and do all of the other good stuff!

Julie

Woke up Depressed- Still Went to Work

I’ve been stable for a week. This is a miracle for me as I usually have a mood swing every day.

My mind kept saying, “You will never get depressed again Julie! It’s gone forever!”

Almost 30 years of depression and my mind still doesn’t get it! I am open to being well forever. It’s always my goal- but so far, the depression always comes back.

I was ready for it in my mind, but when it starts I’m always so mad, mad, MAD!

The past week has been so wonderful. It wasn’t mania and my mind wasn’t mean to me. I worked as much as I could. I truly like my work, especially the family and partner coaching. It has meaning for me.

But this morning the big D was back full force. I woke up at 4:00 AM and it started.

“What is the point of getting up Julie? Every day is the [ Read More ]