Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

bipolarhappens.com reader comments

Wow, I’ve had some great blog comments lately. They are so appreciated. I read them all. There is a small icon above each post- if there is a comment, a number appears beside the icon.

Of course, I want to answer all of the comments, but this is pretty impossible. I’m finding it hard to work these days, but I will keep going! And I will respond to comments when possible.

I saw a great movie tonight called In the Shadow of the Moon. I mention it because it was hopeful and uplifting. We need that! Julie

Bipolar Meds: Lamictal (Lamotrigine) side effects

Hi, Julie. I know you have been on Lamictal a long time. What side effects do you have? Regina

Hi Regina,

I call Lamictal my wonder drug. It gave me a much more normal life. It can have some intense side effects though.

Lamictal side effects can be there from the beginning- literally from the first week- in the form of a stiff neck, clenched jaw or some mild breathing problems. I had these for quite a while and then they went away.

There is definitely a rash associated with Lamictal- one, called Stevens Johnson Syndrome is serious the other benign. My coauthor Dr. John Preston said that most of the rashes from Lamictal are very mild and not of concern- but I also know one person who had the rash from head to toe. No matter what, see your doctor if [ Read More ]

Julie’s Bipolar Treatment Videos!

Hi, if you’re new to this blog, make sure you go to the video tab on the right and check out my videos.

You can see my cat… and hear more about my work and how I started writing books after being sick for so long.

I will post later today.

Julie

Bipolar Disorder Depression and then it was gone!

Bipolar Disorder Mood Swings are so unpredictable!

Well, I just got out of a rotten down swing. What’s so amazing and just as frustrating about this illness is that we can be extremely ill one day- even suicidal and then boom. It’s gone. It wears me out, but I’m glad to be my normal self again.

When I get really sick- no matter what the mood swing- I use all of my energy to remind myself of one thing:

I think, say and do certain things depending on the type of mood swing I’m experiencing. This means it’s an illness.

Once I learned all of my symptoms- I wrote them on my Health Cards and my life changed forever.

I used the Health Cards all week last week! Depression is so hard. But it [ Read More ]

Ignoring Bipolar Reality- messing with sleep

Like everyone, I struggle with doing what’s right for myself versus doing what I want to do.

I’m paying the price. Sleep is always an issue and lately I haven’t been a good girl when it comes to getting to bed on time. In fact, I’m doing things that are counter intuitive. Eating way too close to bed. Eating foods I’m allergic to- which means body pain that makes it hard to sleep.

Drinking too much decaf- eating chocolate and drinking iced tea. They all have caffeine!

Watching TV really late- but that’s because of the Olympics!

I can make so many excuses. Managing sleep is one of the best ways to manage bipolar disorder. I get tired [ Read More ]

bipolar blog reader comment – school, meds and uneducated family members

Ok! I keep saying I’m going to reply to comments when I can. I just have to do it instead of thinking about doing it! Here is a comment about school:

Hi Julie, I was going to school full time for three terms but this summer my doctor and I decided to change my meds. YUCK…I have been feeling horrible and really had two steps backwards as far as treatment goes. I am thinking of taking fall term off so that I can get medical help, read your cards and books and get well again. It is sometimes discouraging to try medications and have them mess you up more than help. To make matters worse my family and friends seem to think I can think my way out of this without medications or help…I am still hopeful for the future but I am struggling but I guess with bipolar WE are always struggling. smile

** [ Read More ]