Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar hypomania: It’s 11:45 Pm and I’m ready for bed, but let’s go party!

Mania is a strange thing. It completely takes away reasoning if you let it. Last night, I went into a mild upswing around 10PM, but I was able to keep it in check. I knew it was there as it’s been happening all week. While I was in bed reading and writing in my journal, I suddenly had the strong urge to go to karaoke and drink! It just felt like such a good idea. It was fleeting, and of course I didn’t act on it, but god almighty, that is ridiculous. Especially considering that I have cut my social activities in half in order to stay stable enough to work.

I stayed in bed and managed to sleep with the help of Ativan and a little extra Lamictal. But it worries me.

julie

[ Read More ]

Throw out your junky clothes Julie!

I dress like a bum if I’m depressed- especially if I’ve gained weight. One day, my dear friend Janea said something I’ve never forgotten.

Julie, the is no reason a person can’t look great every single time they walk out the door.

She is right. I feel better if I look good.

So I threw out all of my junk clothes. Actually, I cut a lot of them up so my brother could use them as paint rags. Yes, they were that bad!

I now only have presentable clothes in my closet. And I always look good. Anyone can get nice clothes on a budget- because as Janea also says:

You can dress inexpensively if you have good taste!

julie

Sports Psychology and Bipolar Disorder

As you may have heard me say a million times in the past, I get a lot of inspiration from professional athletes. They are unique in the world in that their minds must be completely under control in order for them to be successful at such a high level. Here is an example. The world series of baseball is going on these days – the pitcher on the mound tonight had a fight with his catcher earlier in the year. This of course is not ok in the multi million dollar world of professional baseball.

So the pitcher saw a famous sports psychologist named Ken Ravizza and learned to get his mind under control so that he could use his physical talents to win games. Here is what the psychologist said:

“It’s not like an elite-level athlete is messed up and we’re going to fix him,” Ravizza said. “It’s about what it takes to be [ Read More ]

Teleseminar #2 Preventing Seasonal Affective Disorder and Holiday Blues!

Here is the information on my next teleseminar.

http://www.juliefast.com/teleseminars.php

I always have a tough time when the weather gets dark- and I certainly have to have a plan to make sure the holidays are fun and not lonely and stressful! I hope you can join me when we talk about these issues!

Julie

Excellent book on anxiety!

Most people with bipolar disorder experience anxiety symptoms. I recomend the book: The Idiot’s Guide to Controlling Anxiety by John Johnston. I learned SO much from this book.

Did you know there are seven forms of anxiety inluding general anxiety and OCD!

This book is good for a general audience as it can help explain your behaivor or that of someone you love- as anxiety is pretty wide spread here in the States!

julie

OCD: Dating and Bipolar……Brain… please leave me alone!

A note to my brain: Please leave me alone!

I recently found myself in a fun and interesting situation with a guy that was simply a mild flirtation. As you may know, I gave up dating almost exactly a year ago and I have not regretted it once. I have definitely felt a bit lonely, but it calmed my brain down so that I could work. My brain doesn’t handle flirting at all. Not even 1%. It starts to do strange things. It talks and talks and won’t stop. What it says is not real. It’s a lot of conjecture and fantasy. It’s chattering away every minute and it affects my ability to concentrate.

Sure, other people go through this. I’ve asked them what it’s like in their brains when it’s happening. They explain that they find themselves [ Read More ]