Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Buck Up Julie!

Whenever I’m having a tough time and it feels like I can’t get things done- I always say, “Buck up Julie!” I just had the thought that I’m not sure if I’m using the term correctly! So I looked it up:

BUCK UP: to make or become more cheerful, vigorous, etc.:

Yes, that is correct! In my book Get it Done When You’re Depressed I say you can Think Like and Athlete and Be Your Own Drill Sergeant. It’s the same thing. We usually have to be the ones to get ourselves out of mild to moderate depression. I believe we can access a part of our brain that isn’t sick and stand up straighter and just get on with our work.

Depression never wants a person to do anything- but I believe that we can buck up in certain lower depression situations and take back our minds. When you open Get it Done, the [ Read More ]

For all of the writers in the world

I love writing books- but it’s very hard to stay focused when you are your own boss. A friend of mine who is also a writer and who also has bipolar disorder just sent me this quote:

Bestselling novelist Margaret Atwood was at a party talking to a neurosurgeon. He said that as he had just retired, he thought he’d write a book. (Paraphrasing) Margaret said, “That’s a coincidence. I’m thinking of becoming a neurosurgeon when I retire.”

So true! If you’re a writer- no matter what kind- you are talented and it’s not as easy as some may think it is!

I have taught myself to write when I’m depressed- I wrote a book about it- I guess I’m lucky I’m not a neurosurgeon. I don’t think that’s a career that would be as flexible as writing !

Julie

Happy New Year- hope for a stable 2010

I did it! After years of worrying about the holidays- I managed to have a pretty good time due to lots of planning. I hope it was the same for you. Thanks for all of the comments on this topic. It helps so much to hear from others who have similar experiences. I went to a small and very fun party on the 31st. I even stayed up until midnight! A rarity for me due to SLEEP ISSUES! Here is a picture of myself and my dear friend and former radio show co-host Avi.

julie avi new years 2009

I have one goal for all of us in 2010:

STABILITY. When we (and the people we love) are stable, anything is possible.

Julie

Holiday Changes for the Better: Reader Comment

Here is a fantastic testament to how a solid treatment plan with personal changes can make a difference with the illness. I have known Sandra and her comments on this site for quite a while and know that she has gone through many, many changes in the past year in order to reach this level of stability. It takes time to get better, but positive change is possible. I love hearing about it directly from readers!

Hi Julie,

Now that I’m on the right medications, I am able to answer yes to your questions. (See the blog entry below) Only a few months ago, I couldn’t answer yes to each question. Before, I wasn’t on any medication that addressed my bipolar symptoms, so I suspect that the antidepressants I was taking actually made my bipolar symptoms worse. (I learned that from you and was able to talk about this with my new psychiatrist, who agreed!)

[ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder Quiz

Here is a yes/ no quiz to check on your current stability. It’s pretty fascinating to see where you’re doing well and not doing so well. If you care about someone with the illness, answer from your own observations.

Answer yes or no:

1. I feel in control of my bipolar disorder symptoms.

2. I am sleeping regularly without sleep medications.

3. My relationships are stable and survived the holidays!

4. I have plans for New Year’s Eve and look foward to the new year.

5. My medications are working and I take them regularly.

6. I know my mania symptoms and check for them regularly.

7. My family and friends know how to help me when I get sick.

I will stop there- this could go on forever! If you answered all questions with a yes, please write and tell me your secret! 😉 If you have a few no’s, these are good [ Read More ]

The Spiritual Side of Bipolar Disorder Management

Here is something interesting- every time I make a presention- someone in the audience asks my view on how to deal with bipolar disorder on a spiritual level. Some ask me if I agree with the term THE GIFT OF BIPOLAR and if I use meditation or a religion to deal with the illness.

I have a complicated answer. I think that a spiritual approach to bipolar disorder management works well when you’re not in a serious mood swing- I am sure many would agree with that. It can also help when a person is mildly to moderately depressed. But when it comes to serious depression- I feel that spiritual doubt is often the norm. It’s hard to believe when an illness is threatening your life. But…. I know of many people who literally survive bipolar disorder because of their deep spiritual beliefs.

It’s complicated isn’t it.

And it gets very, very complicated with mania [ Read More ]