Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Happens Blog Readers: Thanks for all of your comments!

I just posted all of the recent comments. Even the ones that were not happy with this blog! I do read everything that comes in and wish I could write each person directly. As you know from reading this blog, work is always a challenge. I’m currently working with my friend Dorian on his book The 30 Day Corporate Innovator. I’m excited to write on a business topic again, but wow, this illness is just too hard sometimes. Dorian is phenomenally understanding of my work time constraints due to bipolar disorder. It really is about the hours I can work and not my ability to work. If I limit my hours, I can stay well enough to do an excellent job!

This is a pic of Dorian [ Read More ]

Signing up for my Health Insurance Late: Monday Make it Happen!

Before you think I’m late in doing this because I’m a dodo bird- it’s not what it seems! Two months ago I called Regence and signed up for my new insurance plan over the phone. It took 90 minutes and I was so pleased with myself that I got it done early. I was on a special plan here in Oregon for those with preexisting conditions. This plan ended with Obama Care (thank heavens- choosing my own insurance is heaven!)

But.. why is there always a but when it comes to stuff that’s hard to do when you have bipolar? I just got the following call:

Regence: Ms. Fast? This is Shelly from Regence. I’m sorry, but there has been a mistake. I [ Read More ]

Get it Done When You’re Depressed: A letter from a reader

Hi Julie,

I’m writing to say thank you for Get it Done When You’re Depressed. I went through it really quickly because I was so excited to see myself described so well in a book. Was it written specifically for me? 🙂

I wanted to tell you about how I used two of the strategies today.

– It takes longer to worry about something than to do something

– If you have the money to get help- use it

My car has been disgusting for about three months now. I am probably being too harsh, but when your seat has some crushed potato chips just sitting there, things have to change. A few days ago, my 10 year old nephew said, “You need a new car Uncle [ Read More ]

Blog Reader Question on Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety

Hi Julie,

I am having a really rough time with anxiety and i haven’t been able to track down what the issue is. I’ve also been cycling very rapidly from morning to night. Wish i knew what the problem is. Gail

Hi Gail,

I’ve had anxiety for many years- it’s a normal part of bipolar and it can be reduced. It comes from many areas:

1. Work- sometimes the requirements of work are stressful for people with bipolar disorder. I remember working as a teacher- as long as I was with my students I was fine- but when the classes ended, I would go into the teacher’s lounge and lie on the couch. I am not like that at all anymore now that I do the stuff in my books- I can work through the anxiety, but it is still often there

2. Relationships- I don’t date because the situation adds too much pressure [ Read More ]

I Know Why You Want to Do Drugs, Drink and Eat A Gallon of Ice Cream Until You Throw Up

There is a reason people with bipolar abuse so many substances- I can add stupid sex, quitting jobs, leaving the country and driving like a maniac to the above list!

We hurt sometimes- and when the meds don’t work or we refuse the meds or the side effects grab us by the neck, we want relief.

When you have an illness that affects the emotions, relief often comes in dangerous packages. Danger makes you feel alive- we do dangerous things to FEEL something. We do dangerous things to NOT feel something.

It’s human. So if you have bipolar and you get destructive when you’re sick, you’re normal.

There is a solution.

The solution is to manage the illness and use your good days to set up checks and balances that will prevent the dangerous behavior [ Read More ]