Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Reader Comment from Lauretha about ECT

Julie,

Help me, I am so scared. It is that time again…very depressed, on medication, still feeling sick…think I need to go for ECT treatment. I am so scared of the memory loss…it is so horrible if you cannot even remember where you live…!

Please pray for me….

Lauretha

Hello Lauretha,

I’m sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I had a little run in with lithium that took me out for a few weeks.

I had ECT in 2010 and have zero regrets. It works for the majority of people who get it. The success numbers are very high. The memory loss can be severe. I would rather have memory loss than kill myself. I believe in ECT as long as a person [ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder and sleep: I slept eight hours!

Well, eight hours of sleep is so amazing for me. I actually woke up and wanted to do a little jig. I’m what I call an undersleeper. I was actually talking with my friend Kristin yesterday- she’s the author of Bipolar and Pregnant, and we spent a long time talking about bipolar disorder and sleep. Here are all the ways bipolar and meds affect our sleep:

#1. Kristin talked about problems with Topamax. She has no idea if it affects sleep- but she’s pretty sure it affects memory. Kristin uses Lunesta to sleep.

#2. When I’m depressed, I have agitated sleep which means my brain doesn’t shut down at night. Bother! I now use Ativan to sleep.

#3. Of course, mania is the biggest problem. I rapid cycle a lot, so on the nights I can actually fall asleep normally and [ Read More ]

Are You Bipolar? Unethical Drug Company Hopes So.’ An article about Seroquel and Depression

I’ve added a link to an article at the bottom of this post that asks the question:

“Is It Really Depression or Could It Be Bipolar Disorder?”

There are reasons I really dislike drug companies sometimes. Have you seen the new commercials where a depressed person is asked if they need more meds to get better- and then the answer is add Abilify to your anti depressant!?

Say what? Abilify? The one used to treat PSYCHOSIS?

I believe the advertisements should be 100% required to say that this new drug ‘addition’ is a freaking anti psychotic! With huge side effects!

Then the consumer can make a choice. Depression almost killed me in 2010 and then tried hard again in 2011. Changing to new medications saved my life.

[ Read More ]

Guest Blogger: Deborah DeMoss Smith talks about her new novel..

It has been a few months since I have talked to Deborah about her book. You can read more about Deborah on the guest blog section. Light Fixtures is doing well on the Kindle and a paperback version is coming soon. If you haven’t ordered the book, it’s a great read. Here is my latest guest blogger Deborah DeMoss Smith- and guess what- her book is a novel is about a teenager with bipolar disorder. Teens need to be represented!

** A note from Deborah:

I first met Julie two years ago at a writing conference. She was there to teach an e-publishing class; I was a volunteer at the Command Central Desk. Rushing up to the desk that Friday morning, [ 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 ]

Get it Done When You’re Depressed Interview with Dolce Dolce

Hi! I was interviewed in a publication called Dolce- Dolce about my book Get it Done When You’re Depressed. The topic is on beating the blues. We all need tips on this topic.