Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Yes, you can work when you’re manic, depressed, anxious and obsessive

I just wrote a 170 page book in less than two months. It was stupid. That is the only way I can describe my decision to take on the project. Stupid! I guess I forgot what this kind of work pressure does to my moods. I sent in the final edits today. It’s a good book, but I really do have to be more careful with my choices. The book itself was extremely difficult to write. It’s on how to write and sell ebooks- and the deadline was too quick. This is a combination for disaster.

I had three hypomanic episodes, lots of depression, a terrible OCD episode that I wrote a lot about and so much anxiety I had trouble sleeping. But I kept on working. I have taught myself to keep going despite the mood swings- otherwise I would not get anything done. I try to keep away from major stress, but it’s [ Read More ]

Mental Health True or False

Here are some mental health statements. Are they true or false? The answers are below.

#1. OCD is an anxiety disorder.

#2. People with bipolar disorder have psychosis.

#3. Bipolar disorder in children is the same as bipolar disorder in adults.

#4. Lithium is the only true mood stabilizer.

Answers:

#1 True! There are seven types of anxiety disorders, general anxiety disorder, social phobias, specific phobias, agoraphobia, PTSD and OCD

#2. Absolutely true. When my partner Ivan was in the hospital for three months- he was manic and very psychotic. This is normal with a full blown bipolar I manic episode. The psychosis is treated with antipsychotics such as Abilify, Seroquel, Risperdal and Zyprexa. I write about Ivan in my book Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder.

#3. False! The childhood bipolar disorder diagnosis is very controversial. In fact, in the last ten years the childhood bipolar [ Read More ]

Really severe and rotten downswings

wow! I took on a job that really kicked my behind. I wrote a book in less than two months. It was not a good idea and I got sick about half way through, but I always finish! Then bipolar tries to finish me! I went into a severe downswing after the book was done. I’ve often written about how I go down once I finish a project. I’m used to it- but this time I went down in the middle and at the end.

My therapist always reminds me that I have trouble with transitions. Even if the transition is a good one such as finishing a book, I still have trouble. – all of my friends with bipolar have trouble with transitions- a friend of mine went to her family for Thanksgiving. She said, ” Every time I go to Seattle to see my family- it’s too much for a transition! I [ Read More ]

Bipolar Depression… once again!

I have had a tough time lately- can you identify with that! Ha. ha.

I’m an optimist when I’m depressed no matter how sick I get- because in the back of my mind I just have to know it’s an illness. It distorts things so much it’s better just to focus on getting things done. So that is what I’m doing today. I’m helping a friend write a book on public speaking. I got one of his chapters today and here is the opening quote:

“Let our advance worrying become advance thinking and planning.” Winston Churchill

Churchill had a lot of depression, as did Lincoln- and look what they accomplished by moving forward even when the depression just wants you to move backwards and focus on that was bad in the past.

So, today I’m moving forward and using the tips in my books- Get it Done When You’re Depressed helps the [ Read More ]

Bipolar Depression vs. Sadness Pt I

I’m so needy today! I feel like crying and I’m lonely. These are the very typical systems of depression, but they sure are hard to fight aren’t they!

I get so tired of having bipolar disorder

Here is a long post on the difference between feeling sad and having a bipolar disorder downswing……

This can be an awful illness- I go into a downswing when something bad and stressful happens such as a work issue or a troubled relationship, but I also go down when I have a good experience such as seeing an old friend who has to leave the next day. Most people in this situation would feel sad, I get depressed. It’s odd and it’s not fair, but it’s reality. There is a big difference between a depression downswing and feeling sad.

One of my closest friends came to visit yesterday. He lives in Seattle which is about three hours from Portland. [ Read More ]

Bipolar Depression vs. Sadness Pt II

Depression vs. Sadness Part II

The problem with depression is that it takes away the FACTS.

Here is the first fact, I only feel down about my life when I’m depressed. Here are some more facts. This wonderful man is a dear friend, but I don’t want a relationship with him. It’s my choice! My house is small, but I’m still very proud to own a house. That’s quite an accomplishment when you couldn’t work for over five years! (before I started the Health Cards) The weather always sucks in Portland in the winter. And it was just as dark yesterday when I was having fun with my friend.

I’ve already talked to two friends and my mother and brother this morning, so the idea that I don’t have people who care about me is just stupid. Not having plans on a Friday night will not kill me- I can always find something to do! [ Read More ]