Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

I’m going to have a good day… darn it!

Well, I woke up depressed, so I’m going to do every single thing possible to make sure I have a good day.

I will be with friends: I can call or set up times to see them.

I will walk with my friend Sheri.

I WILL appreciate the fact that my mom lives close by and I can see her. I am so lucky and I know it.

I can play with my mom’s puppy- her name is Cookie and she is an amazing depression buster!

and of course,,, I will remind myself all day that this is an illness and that nothing has changed in my life. I’m depressed because I have bipolar disorder.

It will get better as long as I keep moving forward.

I just realized that the above t-shirt can have two distinct meanings!

Julie

You Don’t Have to Watch the News. You Don’t Even Have to Follow the Election!

I don’t! I stopped reading the news, listening to NPR, reading the news on the internet and even talking with my friends about the topics I found upsetting.

Interestingly, I still know everything that’s going on. I haven’t read a Time Magazine in years. I went to dinner at a friend’s on Monday night and saw the magazine and thought that it would be interesting to read. Guess what. It was the same stories I’d read years and years ago! I’m not missing anything.

Regarding the elections. My blood starts to boil when I even look at pictures of the debates. My head begins to explode when I think of the money being spent that could go to schools, etc. Though I know it rarely does.

So, I will read a headline and see what’s going on and [ 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 ]

Bipolar Disorder and Dating Poll

This is one of the site’s most popular polls. How would you answer?

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Reader Question: Julie, what is the best lithium level?

All people with bipolar disoder know the medication called lithium. Did you know that lithium is measured in the blood to make sure the dose is not too high? In the question below, Dyane asks how she can know what level works the best. I wrote a long answer- so be ready to become a lithium expert!

Hey Julie,

I have been taking lithium for the past 4 years. I think it’s a great drug, and I have accepted the fact that I need to take it for the rest of my life as long as it doesn’t poop out on me or destroy my organs. I wondered if you take it or have taken it, and if so, how low a dosage did you take? My other question is do you know ***how low*** do people ever go with [ Read More ]

Are you a parent of a child with bipolar disorder?

Parents of kids with bipolar disorder..

I often feel sorry for my mom. She has to deal with so much concerning this illness. I’m having a super tough day today and she knows it. I always tell her what I’m going through. I am very honest: “I’m sick today. The depression is really bad.”

My mom has used the Health Cards for seven years- this means she knows what I need, but it doesn’t make it easy. She knows I am safe and that I know how to take care of myself. But it must just break her heart to see her child so sick.

I’m lucky that she was willing and able to learn my system. It has saved our relationship – and my life! many times.

I have [ Read More ]