Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Reader Story: Bipolar Disorder and Wives, Husbands and Partners

Hi Julie. I just discovered your blog. I have a question; are you married or in a relationship? I am married to someone with bipolar and I have young children. I wake up each and everyday wondering “what will happen today.” I don’t know if I can do it much longer. I guess I’m looking for some sort of hope. Thanks, Marie

Hi Marie,

Here is a short answer. I will answer in more detail in the next newseltter.

1. Most people have trouble when one person has bipolar. Period. I know because I do a lot of coaching with partners. So you are not alone at all- what you experience is common.

2. Many are able to learn skills to help communication when the person is in a mood swing- I call my system the Bipolar Conversation. Remember, when your partner is in a mood swing, you are talking to the [ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder and Weight Gain: Reader Story

I just received the following comment from Suzanne:

Hi Julie,

Like everyone here who has responded I’ve gained weight on my meds–50 lbs. in about 12 yrs. & now am on meds for high blood pressure & high cholesterol & am testing in the diabetic range (both parents were diabetic). I actually had a very bad relapse 3 yrs. ago (suicide attempt) when husband told me he no longer found me sexually attractive due to weight gain (well, duh, it was pretty obvious & since my self-esteem has pretty much always been in the gutter, that remark put me into the sewer system w/the rats). Have been in individual therapy & DBT since then & husband didn’t know my reaction would be so dramatic & self-destructive (as he is “normal”) & he has much remorse & is being very supportive & helpful in repairing our relationship (just celebrated 36 yrs. of marriage). Weight gain is [ Read More ]

Waking up with strike three….

oh wow. Don’t you just love this illness. It is so great- it can actually cause you to wake up with three strikes against you before you get out of bed!

1. Crying as you get ready for your day.

2. Suicidal thought while driving to work.

3. Belief you will never be happy or that anyone will love you.

All by 8AM!

That is three strikes!

But- you don’t have to give in to them. Fight them- read books to counter act them (Get it Done When You’re Depressed is the one I use for this).

Your goal is to reverse the strikes minute by minute- hour by hour.

And make sure you wake up with no darn strikes tomorrow!

Julie

Hello to all and thanks for reading!

As you may have noticed, I have not been as active on the blog as I normally am. The reality is that I went through a period of quite serious illness where I spent all of my time getting better. I am better. And wow do I have a story to tell. I promise I will in the future. I know it will be the topic of my next article in BP Magazine– so make sure your subscription is up to date!

www.bphope.com

I have many blog questions to answer- and my goal for June is to get to all of them. I will point out the questions that are answered in my books- and personally answer those that bring up new topics. Of course, if you want to know my treatment philosophy- it is outlined in the Health Cards- You can read about the Health Cards at www.BipolarHappens.com – the system that [ Read More ]

Reader comment from Gail

I just received the following comment from Gail:

Julie i read a reader comment that you weren’t very successful with your programs because you still suffer with mood swings. this person obviously doesn’t understand the different severities of the disorder. If i get a week of stability I am grateful. The rest of the time I just work at what needs to be done. The good thing is I’m still alive even though I’ve tried very hard not to be. I feel you present a reality for most people and constant encouragement for me

** Hi Gail,

I understand how people could think it odd that I still need to do so much work on myself considering that I have written so many books on managing the illness. The reality of this illness is that it needs daily management for many people. I actually use my tips every day- especially those in Get it [ Read More ]

Julie’s Books

I use the tips in my books every day of my life- which is a bummer in many ways because I would love to have a months- or even a few days without bipolar affecting my life. But the reality is that bipolar disorder affects me every day- that is the nature of my form of illness. I have less mood swings than I used to- and I definitely manage them 100% better, but they are still there. This is why I compare bipolar disorder to diabetes- we all have to manage the illnesses with great attention to detail- no matter who we meet or where we go, the illness has to be in our minds. That is how we stay well enough to lead normal lives! I use the Health Cards to manage my daily life- and Get it Done When You’re Depressed to … get things done! I love the book as it [ Read More ]