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My goal as a coach is to help as many partners and family members of loved ones with bipolar disorder as possible. If this applies to you, please click on the above poll- I can then find out what topics you would find the most interesting in a webinar.
Julie
Please note that I continue to work with private coaching clients.
I havn’t been able to sleep on my own for about two years- and no, I am not talking about a relationship! I mean that I can’t sleep without sleep meds. This is a concern as my body is eating up the dose I’m on now and I’ve had to increase my amount.
When I say I can’t sleep, I mean that my eyes simply won’t close. It’s not insomnia. I’m not rolling around in bed getting upset that I can’t sleep, instead I just lie there and have the thoughts, “I’m not going to sleep tonight am I? It’s very worrisome, so I take the meds.
I know that there are many things I can change to help myself get to sleep naturally:
1. Stop ALL caffeine – and that means all: tea, chocolate, cola, etc etc. I rarely have regular coffee, so that is not a problem, but I sure do drink tea [ Read More ]
I’m 46, married, and have 2 great kids: Jad and Mira, they study at the National Protestant College. I was born from a Muslim father and a Christian mother. I have been working at the American University of Beirut (lucky me) for 26 years. I’m also a writer by hobby: I have 2 poetry collections and 2 novels and I write weekly in a local paper. Personally I’m doing fine with bipolar depression; thanks to the medical insurance at AUB and my great DR Munir Khani.and thanks to my wife, kids, family and friends. Bipolar people need a lot of understanding people around them; and we in Lebanon, family has survived and social life is still booming. I’m doing fine with my BP because it has taught me to be patient, accept myself and protect my privacy and peace of mind. When I’m not [ Read More ]
The following is a sample conversation you may have experienced if someone you love isn’t getting the help they need to manage bipolar disorder.
Marcee is a 28 year old woman who has been in and out of the hospital since her early 20s. She can’t hold a job, goes through constant boyfriends, drinks beer, smokes pot and gets very, very angry if anyone tries to talk to her about making positive changes in her life. Here is a sample dialogue:
Mom: Marcee, I really need you to see how bad things are right now. You never leave your apartment and your dad and I don’t know what do to. We’ve tried everything. You refuse your medications and I know you’re drinking again. What are your plans Marcee? We want to help you. We don’t know what to do!
Marcee: (cuts off her mom and yells): Leave me alone mom! Just leave me alone and [ Read More ]
Mom: You dad and I are so worried! Can’t you see what is happening? This isn’t a life. We don’t want this life for your Marcee! You can’t work! We are giving you money just so you can buy food. You have bipolar and need medications. (Starts crying.)
Marcee: If you really want to help me mom, you will leave me alone and just let me do things my way. I will not talk about bipolar disorder. Not everything is about you. I’ve told you that I’m fine. Do you think I’m just out there having a great time? I’m thinking about things! If you guys don’t leave me alone, I’m gone.
**
So many family members have gone through this conversation with someone who is obviously in great need of help. Their loves one’s world is often crumbling around them and for many, not much is left due to the [ Read More ]
I hope that he can make it through his tour – but my question is where are his family? Friends? Surely someone is around to guide this …… Shah
Hi Shah,
It’s really common that by the time someone gets this sick and bizarre- most people have left. I read an article with his faher Martin Sheen: His father said, “I’ve tried everything. We have done everything. All I know do to now is leave and hope he will be ok.”
People in Charlie Sheen’s position burn bridges daily. I know that I did when I was manic. People around you can become inconsequential. They are someone to hang out with and play around with. Or, if you are in a dysphoric manic episode, you can be mean and dismission. Of course, not everyone who is manic is like this!
Both of his wives have tried to help. I know of one [ Read More ]
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Mom Brain Podcast
Listen to Julie’s latest interview on bipolar disorder and mental health in children, teens and adults on the Mom Brain Podcast with Hilaria Baldwin and Daphne Oz.
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