I’m exciting to be back on the speaking circuit. I love to be in front of crowds making as many people laugh as a I can. Bipolar can create some pretty funny stories! I don’t get nervous about the speaking- but getting ready is really hard. All the packing- clothes- hair stuff – shoes- books- makeup- etc etc. Where to stay- …. all stuff that is probably fine for others. It’s funny- talking in front of 100+ people is so exciting- getting my toothbrush in a bag is so stressful. Oh no! I just realized I forgot my toothbrush! I will have to buy one at the same time I buy a big cabbage. The cabbage is a prop.
Here is a story from a blog reader about work and bipolar disorder.
Janis: I have a process I use for all of my work projects. I work in television marketing so I often have a lot of different articles, press releases, pictures, DVD’s etc that go with one project. First of all, doing marketing when you’re depressed is more of a challenge than most people ever experience at work. I’ve thought of quitting many times, but the good days make up for the bad days. This is why I have to be organized before I start calling people to book my clients. I know that a lot of agents do all of their stuff straight from the computer. Some days I can do this- but on depressed days, I can’t remember [ Read More ]
My coauthor John is an amazing man. He has helped me more than words can say- it’s great that I get to have a coauthor who is an expert on bipolar disorder. I can get his help with the illness as I’m writing the books. I recently asked him his opinion on the best way to prevent depression. Here is what he said:
Stay active (both socially and physically), keep away from drugs that cause depression (especially alcohol and tranquilizers), maintain adequate sleep, develop a attitude of compassion for yourself…(depressed people are often excessively hard on themselves even between depressive episodes)… give yourself permission to be an ordinary human, with all of the short comings we have as a member of the human race.
Santacon loves odd people. If you’re always wondering what to do for the holidays- this may be your thing! It’s definitely adult only- and it will definitely introduce you to new friends.
Click here to read more about SantaCon. You can then see if there is one close to a city near you!
Julie
PS: I would like to mention again that this is an adult event- people do imbibe!
I went to Eugene, Oregon in the western United States this weekend to give a talk on mental illness. I told my story and then talked about mental health in general. The turnout was amazing. Over 200 supportive people were in the audience. They listened with such intensity- I could tell how much the subject meant to them.
Family members were the majority of the audience- there is so little help for the family when someone they love has a mental illness. I met the parents of people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression. Some of them have children with so many symptoms it’s hard to pinpoint a diagnosis. They asked questions about ECT, caretaking, nutrition, stigma, why hospitals feel like jails for some patients, the role of the family, suicide, the signs of specific illnesses and how to deal with emotions [ Read More ]
This is Sheri Joi, your host for Julie’s coaching calls. It have so enjoyed working with her this year. I learn something new every time we have a call. I could tell she was surprised to hear that I have also struggled with depression and loneliness on the holidays- even though I have a large, happy family. It’s all relative. I’m using her tips this year and have planned for all of the days that are special for me.
Here is one of Julie’s main points: How to deal with loneliness during New Years Eve!
Julie: One of the main problems we face is loneliness during specific days such as New Years Eve. I’m a big believer in planning ahead in order to prevent depression. If you don’t have plans for a day that’s [ Read More ]
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Mom Brain Podcast
Listen to Julie’s latest interview on bipolar disorder and mental health in children, teens and adults on the Mom Brain Podcast with Hilaria Baldwin and Daphne Oz.
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