Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Get it Done When You’re Depressed # 27

Focus, Focus, Focus.

I often space out and float around when things aren’t going well. I’ve learned a simple technique that works. I say, “Focus Julie. Just focus Julie. Focus now. What comes first? Focus Julie.”

This targets my jumbled brain. I can then actually look at something such as a pile of papers and say, “Focus Julie and pick the first step.” Saying this out loud especially helps. It’s better than the thoughts in my head that say I never get anything done!

Julie

Bipolar disorder and work: overwhelmed symptoms

Well, I feel worn out and yet I’m not tired! I have too much to do, but I actually have enough time to do it! I feel like I can’t find a good place to work, but when I sit down I work just fine.

I feel overwhelmed! Now I have to get really honest with myself. Do I have the time to do my work? Yes. Can I find a place to get my work done effectively? This is the tough question because I’m in one of those moods where every location is a problem. I feel restless and the people around me are getting on my nerves. I do know where I can go to work though, and I’m going there now!

I’m simply having a typical bipolar symptoms that happen to a lot of us when we have a lot of requirements, expectations and deadlines. I have to override my brain [ Read More ]

We Dont Feel Motivation- We Create Motivation

I just did an interview with a writer from Self Magazine on the topic of the January blues. She asked some excellent questions- and one of my ideas that she really liked was the concept that we can’t WAIT to want to do something- we have to just do something. That’s my first strategy in Get it Done When You’re Depressed. Depression never wants to do anything! I can sit until I’m frozen solid before I’ll want to get out and get on with my life if I’m depressed.

I think- where’s my motivation? Well, depression is eating it like candy! I want to be motivated, so I create it using the stuff I talk about in my books:

Set up a time to work with a friend- tomorrow I will meet my friend Karen to work together from 1-4PM. I will work on my book that’s due and she is going to [ Read More ]

Hmmm… a lack of words

For those of you who read my blog regularly, you know that having nothing to say is a rarity for me. I write to feel better- so not having something to write today is a great, great thing! I’m off to watch the debate with friends. I went to the coast of Washington last night to give a speech for a great NAMI group. I had a truly wonderful time. I got home and am not depressed- and maybe this time I WILL stay stable for the rest of the week.

I am getting better. It’s finally happening. I want to offer hope if you’re reading this at a tough time. It has taken me a long time just to get to a place where I am focusing on my day and not on what my mind is saying. I once did this for 33 days in a row and I want to get [ Read More ]

Reader Question: Lamictal doses

Hi Julie,

You’ve mentioned taking Lamictal at 500mg a day a couple of times in your blog. Recently my psychiatrist has increase my dosage of Lamictal from 200mg to 300 mg and lately 400mg.The depression and anxiety are still taking a toll. I was wondering what type of relief you get from your dosage of Lamictal.

Does it take away the depression and anxiety or does it just keep it at a manageable level? I’ve been on the 400mg for a week now and the depression and anxiety are worse than ever. I’m facing going out on disability for awhile and I’m hoping its only going to be a couple weeks until we can get this under control with the [ Read More ]

Back from a Speech- and I’m stable!

I had a great time last night- I went to Eugene, Oregon for a talk sponsored by NAMI Lane County. I just can’t say enough about how great everyone was and what a pleasure it was to meet so many people.

Here is why I was able to travel and speak without getting sick like I used to:

– I was home early the night before and I went to sleep early.

– I actually had a books ready ahead of time. I don’t like merchandising- few speakers do!- but selling my books is essential when I speak.

– The event was completely planned by NAMI Lane County. I can plan or I can speak. I can’t do both. To be honest, I don’t do very well when it comes to planning, but I can always speak if an event is well structured.

I can go on and on here, but my [ Read More ]