Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder Euphoric Mania Symptoms

Bipolar Euphoric Mania Symptoms

An extreme desire for

– sex with no thoughts of the consequences

– spending with no thought of the cost

– travel – no matter who or what you leave behind

– creative projects where you stay up all night with an ‘amazing idea!’

– demanding quick results – the manic person finds ‘slow’ people very annoying

– talking with strangers

People with bi-polar euphoric mania also experience:

– less need for sleep with no tiredness the next day

– excessive ideas that just feel so wonderful they have to tell everyone about them!

– a general sense of well being that is hard to describe unless you have experienced it!

– inability to let others talk (pressured speech.)

Have [ Read More ]

Stunned Bipolar Disorder Depression

I have a many names for the myriad types of depression I experience.

For 10 years, I had ‘stunned depression’ off and on. This type of depression is especially hard because it makes movement difficult. This rotten mood swing makes me sit on the side of the bed with my hands in my head like I’m in a daze. It’s harder to think. I have all of the normal upsetting depression thoughts- that is bad enough- I just can’t beleive how it stuns me. Like a sucker punch. Technically, it’s catatonic depression… it still feels like I’ve been hit from behind.

I could go on and on. Living with this for so long wore me down.

Here is a journal entry from 2011:

I have to [ Read More ]

Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder: Reader Question

Hi Julie,

I have a question. Looking back at about eight months of journaling, I noticed that every two months or so, my entries suggest that I was depressed. It would appear that this is cycling every two months. Could this be accurate? Anything I can do to correct it? Yes, I will bring it up with my psychiatrist at the next appointment.

Thanks!

Hi Sandra,

Bipolar disorder is an episode illness- as compared to psychotic or personality disorders which can be more stable over time. This means a person can have a few severe episodes and then none for a few years- or someone, like myself can have mood swings every day for years and years. I had 23 mood swings from the last part of April and all of May. It was not pleasant. I have rapid cycling bipolar disorder II [ Read More ]

Foolproof Advice for 2013

1. It’s hard to get out of bed when you don’t have anyone to see or anywhere to go. Get out and find some fun even if it feels like you can’t.

2. A bad relationship will make you sick. (This means relationships that make you feel bad. We have all had them!)

3. Messing around with your sleep patterns can be disastrous. Pick a schedule and stick to it. Good sleep changes everything. I know this can be really hard.

4. If you love someone with bipolar disorder, you just might be frustrated, incredulous and worried once in awhile.

5. If you have consistent mood swings, you will not get better if you smoke a lot of pot. A proven fact. Sorry- it’s true.

6. Opiates only make you feel better in the moment. I know. I threw my Vicodin in the [ Read More ]

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 two 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 own. It helps [ Read More ]

It’s ok. It’s going to be ok. You are ok.

I have said this to myself many times in the past 15 years since being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Just a few weeks ago I dealt with a lot of suicidal thoughts- even when I was crying and scared, I said, “Julie, it’s bipolar disorder. It’s going to be ok.”

When I wake up depressed and think, “Oh no, not another day of depression!” I say to myself, “Get up Julie. Make it a day that isn’t ruled by depression. Then it will be ok.”

Oh man. I get tired of this illness, but it’s treatable. I woke up slightly depressed this morning. I then made myself focus on what was going well in my life and the depression didn’t feel so overwhleming. Once I got up and got going, [ Read More ]