Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder and aggressive irritation…

Aggressive irritation is a unfortunate symptom of bipolar disorder. It often comes with a down swing or a mixed episode where you’re manic and depressed at the same time.

We all experience irritation- that’s a normal part of life. Getting cut off on the free way- rude people- crowds- long lines at the supermarket.

Aggressive irritation is much more bipolar disorder related- this irritation has a lot of strength behind it. Instead of getting irritated when we get cut off on the free way- we yell and scream, honk the horn and if particularly bad- actually chase down the person with our car. Oh yes, this happens!

If someone is rude to a person in an aggressive irritated mood swing- they had better watch out- the person with bipolar may say, “What the @$@#$#@ are you looking at! You have a problem with me!” And [ Read More ]

Twitter Bipolar Definitions

I recently wrote a few short definitions of bipolar disorder related terms. I based the legnth off of Twitter word counts. IE, what you write on Twitter has to be really, really short!

Here are a few more:

TREATING BIPOLAR: Takes a set, daily plan used by yourself and family members. Triggers must be noticed and stopped, relationships must be calm. Meds are essential, but never enough.

Feel free to send these from your own Twitter! I can be found at @JulieBipolar

BIPOLAR PSYCHOSIS: Misunderstood, very common symptom of bipolar disorder, includes hearing and seeing things, paranoia and false beliefs. Goes with mania. Meds: antipsychotics.

SIGNS OF BIPOLAR DISORDER: Very little sleep without being tired (mania). Mania must be present- elevated mood can feel good or awful. Depression, anxiety, OCD, [ Read More ]

Reader Comment: Bipolar Hypomania

Hypomania is not good- hypomania is a milder form of mania, but it’s still mania. Hypomania can be very dangerous. There can be euphoric or dysphoric hypomania. Hypomania does not have psychosis. [ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety

Writing through anxietyAnxiety comes in many forms- but there is one thing they all have in common. Physical symptoms. These symptoms include breathing problems, uncomfortable waves of fear, restlessness and in some, paralysis! Anxiety is complicated because it can be seen as a person’s inability to deal with life- when in reality it’s a well documented and treatable illness. I’ve often sat down to write a book and felt such waves of anxiety I felt there was no way I could go on. I can usually write through them- on really tough days I walk around. Then there really are some days where I just give up and write more later. When I had my own radio show- I loved being live, but the anxiety was so bad a few days before the show I felt like I was going crazy. I’ve never experienced anything like it. When you listen to the shows, I bet [ Read More ]

Chasing Bipolar Mania

Do you chase mania because it feels like the normal you? [ Read More ]

An update from Julie: My toe and my psychosis article!

Hello!

As you may have read in my post from last week- I broke my toe. Thanks to all who wrote such nice messages. I have to admit- a broken toe- some 100 degree days here in normally moderate Portland, Oregon and the finishing touches on a 20 page article on psychosis for healthyplace.com can take a toll on a person!

But, the mood has been good. I am so thankful for that. I have continued to work.

How is the weather where you are? There are readers below the equator who may be quite cold right now. I has been so hot here, the air conditioners in the restaurants aren’t strong enough to keep them cool!

Julie