I’ve written a column for BP Magazine since 2005. It’s a wonderful resource for those with the illness as well as ANYONE who is involved with bipolar disorder – from family members, partners and friends to health care professionals, researchers and the media.
I learn a lot from each issue especially in terms of how others deal with the illness and the latest research on medications and other treatments. I have hope when I am done reading!
Here is the link to the BP Magazine forum. It’s a place you can actually chat with people who understand! If you sign up for the forum, you will be entered into the subscription contest.
Hi, my name is Nicci Wall. I am an Aussie from Geelong, Victoria a bayside regional city. I was diagnosed with Bipolar in November 2001 after 21 years of symptoms, predominately depression.
It wasn’t until I progressed into agitated, rapid cycling mixed states that I was diagnosed. My family was scared of me, hell, I was scared of me and I hated the way I was, but didn’t know what was causing the internal rage or why. I demanded to see a psychiatrist and on doing so my Mum finally disclosed there was Manic Depression in my maternal Grandmother’s family.
It took 5 ½ years to find a medication combination that worked [ Read More ]
Thanks for all of the great comments on the post below. It’s obvious that getting out of bed (and not getting on the couch) is 100% essential for people with depression. We just can’t lie there. We just can’t. Or the day will get away from us. I have a motto.
Beds are for sleeping.
And I stick to it.
Here is a great comment from Rebecca:
” I have learned that the best thing I can do for myself is to get up immediately out of bed, the minute my eyes open…if I stay in bed one more second I become depressed. This may sound so simple, but it works for me…I get up and make myself a good cup of coffee and then begin my day…I’m on disability, so I have to create my days. I try to make each day productive in some way…just going to the store is a major event [ Read More ]
Here is a comment I just received from a blog reader.
Hi Julie,
Thanks for all that you do. I have to be honest- I’m not like you. I read what you write and see what you do and know it’s not possible for me. I do spend hours in bed and sometimes on the couch. I watch dumb TV and don’t make good food for myself. I’ve read Get it Done and I love it- but on some days I can’t do it. I woke up down this morning and see no point in even trying to make today different. I got on the blog and at least know that there are readers like Sandra who keep going even when things get tough. But I don’t feel I will ever be that way.
Manuel
Hi Manuel,
People often tell me that they aren’t like me. I hear it a lot. My first reaction is [ Read More ]
Great question: My friend Marsha and I went round and round with this one. She feels that celebrities with bi-polar disorder have a responsibility to be role models. Even thought I completely see her side, I think it’s wishful thinking.
It’s true that that celebrity endorsements work much better than the stories of ‘real people’ when it comes to getting the word out about bipolar disorder. In one simple statement that she has bipolar two and is getting treatment, Catherine Zeta Jones made it ok for even more people to say they have the illness. But does this means she has to talk about it in the press each time she is in public? In fact, do you think she has a responsibility to talk about it at all?
Here is what I’ve learned regarding bipolar disorder and work.
1. It’s hard to work when you have mood swings. So, decreasing the mood swings with a treatment plan (I use my Health Cards system and my books to remind myself how to help myself!) will help you work more.
2. Bipolar Disorder mood swings can be productivity killers. Especially the ADHD components of the illness. Mania is seemingly great for productivity- but only if you can harness it into real work!
3. Work abililty may not get better, but YOUR ability to work around your mood swings and the other odd stuff that bipolar throws at you can get much, much better.
So, here I am.
I was diagnosed in 1995. Didn’t get relief from meds- in fact they made me worse as I was given anti depressants like candy! When I created the Health Cards, I was able to work a [ 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.
