Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Accepting New Family and Partner Coaching Clients

Writing books on bipolar disorder has been my career for over ten years. I enjoy writing and plan to do a lot more. (It can be a challenge when the mood swings are paying a visit, that’s for sure.)

Over four years ago, I started coaching partners and family members of people with bipolar disorder as an addition to my writing career.

I never, ever thought I would find work that I enjoy as much as I enjoy coaching. I feel at home with the parents and partners as I have been where they are- and I remain calm during the crises that many of my clients are going through while we are working together. Bipolar disorder is like a puzzle. It’s not always easy to find the right pieces on your [ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder Medications: Tip from a Reader

Jennifer left the following suggestion on one of my ‘I missed my Lamictal!” posts. It’s such a good one, I put it here!

“What I do so I don’t miss my meds is my pill box has an alarm on it and goes off when I need to take my meds just in case I forget. I’ve never missed a dose in years. Hope this helps in some small way.”

“Reaching out to help one person at a time-Jennifer”

** Thanks to Jennifer! I am going to do this. I have also thought of setting an alarm on my phone. Please leave your comments if you have any other ideas! I had NO idea these pill boxes even existed!

Julie

Bipolar Happiness: It is alway possible to have the life you want!

Today is a good day to focus on the many POSITIVE bipolar disorder stories I know:

– My friend Marsha was in and out of the hospital for all of her 20’s. She now has the right treatment plan with a good med and has not been in the hospital for ten years! She is also in a stable relationship.

– After 22 tries, I found medications that ended my depression.

– An ex of mine wasn’t able to work due to office stress. Once he found the right job, he can work full time and loves what he does! (Management didn’t agree with him at all.)

– People with bipolar get sick all of the time- it’s the nature of the illness, but I know many who still live the life [ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder Medications: Lithium

About the Bipolar medication Lithium. [ Read More ]

What is manic pressured speech? Why can’t I stop talking!!!

I recently wrote a blog post for BP Magazine on the topic of talking too darn much when you’re manic. I know what it feels like from both sides. I’ve talked so much I’ve worn myself out and I recently went through a friend’s manic episode where she was talking so fast- and her flight of ideas were out of control- I couldn’t keep up!

“Julie, I’m not manic. Am I manic? ‘I’m going to walk it off. I just got up this morning- well I didn’t really sleep- but I got up and took an hour power walk and then I went to the gym and swam for two hours. Do you think that exercise will cure this mania? I do! I think it can. I’m just going to [ Read More ]

Is it bipolar behavior or is is conscious behavior?

The Bipolar Disorder Denial Dichotomy

This picture really shows what it’s like to deal with a person who has poorly managed bipolar disorder. One day they will talk- the next day they will yell. It’s no fun for the person on the receiving end. I have been there.

You try to help and they yell at you. It’s like tip toeing around a mean animal on some days and then they are fine like a teddy bear on others. It’s part of the illness in many ways- but the person often has a lot of control in these situations and chooses not to make the steps to get better.

Bipolar is tricky.

There is definitely a form where people can’t see they are ill. Research says this is up to 50%. That’s a very high number. These are people who [ Read More ]