Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Dream Big and Keep Bipolar Disorder in Mind

My next column for Bp Magazine focuses on dreaming big within the confines of bipolar disorder. It’s not a fun topic. I want to say- Dream big and anything is possible! But I don’t think that’s true. I believe those of us with bipolar disorder have to be honest with what the illness lets us do. Then we can set goals and reach dreams in a realistic way. This DOESN’T mean you can’t do great and amazing things. It means that bipolar disorder needs to be a part of the process. How this illness reacts to my actions determines what I can do in my life. I’ve tried to live differently. I haven’t always respected what bipolar disorder will do if I make decisions without thinking of bipolar disorder at [ Read More ]

We need to talk: Violent Behavior in People with Mental Health Disorders

Violence in Mental Health: I was just contacted by a US journalist regarding my opinion on the latest violent killing in Florida. I told her what I tell everyone. These killers have something in common- and it’s not a hate group or terrorism. It’s mental health disorders. I have studied violent behavior in mental health for many years including being honest with myself about my own violent mental health symptoms when I’m in a mood swing from my bipolar disorder. This is not only a gun issue- the person who did something similar in China used knives and in Sweden, a sword. We have to WAKE UP and listen to what family members say about the person who committed the violent act. They speak of mental instability, drug use, problem relationships [ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder and Work Anxiety

Work and Bipolar Disorder. ARGGGGG…….

I am out of my depression, but my work issues remain. Who the heck has panic attacks from looking at email? This illness is DUMB. We can’t explain it in regular terms.

The only way I can deal with what happens to me is to see it in the context of bipolar disorder. For example, being able to coach for hours with no problems regarding life and death situations and then not being able to open an email because I can’t breathe is about mental illness. It’s not about the regular world.

In the regular world this is bizarre- it makes no sense.

But if I remember that I have a very severe mental illness that affects my life in almost every moment, it makes sense that I [ Read More ]

BP Magazine Blog: Letter from a Dysphoric Manic Person

What do people who are in a bipolar disorder dysphoric manic episode really think? I wrote a blog for BP Magazine on this topic based on my own dysphoric manic thoughts and the stories I’ve heard for many years about how dysphoric mania turns us into people no one can recognize.

A bit of background- there are two levels of mania- HYPOMANIA and FULL BLOWN MANIA. Bipolar one has hypomania and full blown mania. Bipolar two has hypomania. There are two sides to the mania coin: euphoric mania and dysphoric mania.

EUPHORIC MANIA- WOO HOO! Most of us know euphoric mania- active,upbeat, positive goal oriented, inclusive, full of ourselves, but not menacing, artistic, bright and filled with energy that often fills a room. Sleep isn’t needed or wanted. Many [ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder Overwhelmed, but Taking Action Anyway!

I move to France on Friday. The mood swings are here as expected, but I’m plowing through them. I’m not depressed, but the overwhelm has started. Feeling overwhelmed and anxious can really put a damper on an adventure. I’m working through it – literally.

The only way I can deal with feeling overwhelmed is to ask for help and do all I can to get things done.

Here are some pics from my stay in the midlands of beautiful England. I encourage you to keep going- even a small action makes a difference in the bipolar brain.

Julie

HEHEHE. We have to laugh at life. I know it helps me! Click here to watch my Bp Magazine video on Bipolar Disorder, Travel and Sleep. I believe in you!

[ Read More ]

Bipolar Depression Arrives, but it Doesn’t Have to Stay!

Dealing with a bipolar disorder downswing? I guess we have to expect downswings if we have bipolar disorder. Life constantly surprises me. Human nature surprises me. A positive attitude about life keeps me going and it also helps me spot depression.

– Crying a bit too much over a TV series.

– Feeling free floating fear when nothing is wrong.

– Waking up at 2:00 AM with no ability to get back to sleep.

All of this reminds me that depression is made up of many symptoms. My goal is to go to bed feeling better than when I woke up. Join me! I’m going to use my plan today – the one in my books- to keep myself stable and happy.

Depression arrives, but it doesn’t have to stay. [ Read More ]