Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

I’ve had a song in my head for over 24 hours. I can hear it now as I type. It’s definitely a stress thing. I happen to like the song, it’s by Crowded House, but this is ridiculous. I heard it all night and will probably hear it all day. I don’t need the radio!

I’ve always said that the bipolar brain has it’s own tape recorder. We can hear something and our brain will loop it for way too long. It’s always a sign I’m doing too much, worrying too much, eating poorly, etc etc.

I’m giving a speech tonight. I feel great about the speech, but don’t like the prep. That is probably why I’m hearing the song as I type. This is such an odd illness. I don’t think people with quiet brains have any idea what it’s like to have a brain that is so noisy.

Julie

The US presidential debates started last Friday night. When all of this fighting between parties, and unfortunately fighting between friends started, I wrote a blog on how important it is to be careful not to let all of this upset you too much.

This comes from my own experience! Even this morning- after telling myself I wouldn’t get involved, I did. There are a few reasons this is trouble bipolar wise.

#1. Arguments affect the brain negatively when someone is already in a down swing. I have actually had semi arguments with friends I’ve known for many, many years. We agreed to disagree and the tension eased. Actually, I was the one upset, so I agreed with myself to stop.

#2. Extreme emotion before bed affects sleep which affects bipolar disorder symptoms.

#3. Fear and worry can definitely exacerbate depression.

#4. Mania can absolutely make you do things politically that may affect your future [ Read More ]

I just received the following question from Janine:

Julie,

I was just prescribed Lamictal and doing a little research it seems most people are starting on 25 mg and slowly increasing. I have just started today…100mg a day for a week, and then I bump up to 200mg next week. Is this too much too soon?

**

Hi Janine,

My coauthor Dr. John Preston as well as many of my doctor friends say that medication dosing is a fine science. For many, it’s a shot in the dark when you start. There are definitely guidelines as to what drugs to use and at what dose, but so much depends on you and your background. Are you on any other drugs? Have you had trouble with drugs? Do you have more mania than depression? How well does your doctor know your symptoms? etc….

[ Read More ]