Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder and Work Schedules: A new office!

My ability to work without struggling all day is very, very random. I wish there were more of a pattern as it would be easier to get things done with ease! I actually worked for five hours yesterday and I feel like I can do the same today. There is a big reason for this- I finally got an office that feels comfortable. It took seven years to find the right place. I always knew that I could better deal with the restless ADD/Depression if I could just find the right place to work. I tried coffee shops, the library, individual cubes in a rental space and even my own section of an artist’s collective. And nothing ever worked very well. This new space just feels right.

I am lucky- it only took seven years! ha ha. It’s so important that we all have a place to go and people to see throughout the day- [ Read More ]

How to Manage Bipolar Disorder… when you don’t have insurance:

Bipolar Disorder with no Health Care Insurance: What are my options?

I just received this question via Twitter. It’s such an important topic, I wanted to give as many tips and resources as possible. These tips are all excellent ideas, even if you do have insurance!

**Hi Julie, Someone I love is battling bp. I really want 2 help her. She can’t afford insurance. We live in NY. Don’t like 2 see her suffer. advice?Here is my reply: No insurance to treat bipolar disorder? There are ways to get the help you need!

Contact your local NAMI or DBSA and see if they resources for local organizations that help those without insurance. Here are their web addresses www.nami.org and www.dbsalliance.org. If you live in a larger city- there are often branches in your area. Check to see if your state has a low income insurance plan. Often they are full- [ Read More ]

Why are my moods all over the place? Hmmm .. could it be…

Bipolar Disorder?

Ha. ha. ha.

I haven’t been stable for days. It’s up and down all day long. You would think that after 15 years I would at least be used to it. I’m not- I’m resigned to it and I definitely know how to deal with it- but I’ll never get used to it. I am not sure that’s possible. Let’s put it this way- I live with it. It’s all you can do.

I have a dear friend in town. I was upset because I wanted to see her and she had other obligations. I felt like a needy, whiny friend- but I kept it to myself as she is so dear to me and I know she cares about me. Of course, she did have time planned to be with me. And then after we had spent part of the day together- which was great! I felt overwhelmed and [ Read More ]

Where do I find a good psychiatrist?

Where Can I Find a Psychiatrist?

I often get letters from people throughout the US asking if I know of psychiatrists in specific areas.

Hi Julie, Maybe you can help? I’m bipolar and on Medicare trying to get a psychiatrist in the San Jose, CA area and am having a hard time finding someone. Do you happen to know someone in this area? Thank you. Brent

Hi Brent,

I don’t know of psychiatrists in certain areas- but I do have a suggestion. If there is a teaching hospital in town, I would call and ask to make an appointment with the head of the psych department. It’s not likely you will get in, but they will definitely have great references for other psychiatrists! If there is no teaching hospital- it’s fine to call any hospital and see if they have an outpatient psych program. They will even be able to direct you [ Read More ]

Welcome to the Julie Fast Podcast

My new bipolarhappens.com podcast series on bipolar disorder basics is ready to go. The first entry below is a welcome to the podcast with general information on future topics. I will now be able to answer more reader questions! If you look to the right of the blog- there is a list of all the podcasts currently available.

Julie

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No Drama Bipolar Lifestyle

One Bipolar Drama After Another!

I used to have a lot of drama in my life. Much of it was due to my own choices, some of it was due to bipolar disorder causing me to make stupid choices, such as when I get manic.

I have changed completely in the past few years. I’m no longer willing to make decisions and then just hope they turn out ok.

I get too sick when I do this. I have goals in life that I want to reach- speaking to large groups on mental health, reducing the suicide rate in this country, financial stability, physical health, a great romantic relationship- big stuff for sure!

The only way I can accomplish my goals is to examine every potential decision for disaster (drama!) from sending an angry email to saying yes to a request when I definitely need to say no. I’ve learned to ask myself the following [ Read More ]