Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder and Consistent Relationships….

I was talking with a friend this morning and saying that I wish that all of my relationships could just be ‘consistent.’ The problem is that people really aren’t consistent. Things happen and to expect everyone to stay the same just because you want them to is not realistic.

Of course the main problem is that people with bipolar disorder need such incredible consistency in every way in order to even come close to stability.

I do work hard to have people in my life who love and respect me, but sometimes even those people change due to outside circumstances. They get into new relationships and our friendship changes. They have health problems and work problems.

I do know that one thing I can do is remain as honest and consistent as possible so that I can handle this stuff a bit better. I [ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder and College

I recently had an email asking if a person with bipolar disorder can finish college.

Well, sure they can! But….

There is always a but…

College is the same thing as work. It’s a stimulating environment with a lot of people and a lot of pressure. Bipolar disorder doesn’t like this. It took me eight years to finish college. I didn’t have a treatment plan then. In fact, I didn’t know I had bipolar disorder! The diagnosis explains a lot.

As with any stressful situation, the solution is planning.

You will need a treatment plan before college starts.

I have to be honest and say I can’t go to school full time. It’s too stressful for me- but I can go part time! Many friends of mine with bipolar have master’s [ Read More ]

What bipolar wellness feels like……

Sleep: I’m more able to get to sleep on my own without being scared to go to sleep or so depressed I write in my journal for an hour just to deal with the depression. I need less sleep medications.

Relationships: I’ve learned that it’s better to stick with who you know than to chase the excitement of strangers. It’s easier now that my brain is leaving me alone so that I can make more rational decisions.

Work: I can get up and work for at least four to five hours a day. It’s a goal. I can even work a few days in a row without getting sick.

Success: I’m reaching goals and actually feeling a small sense of accomplishment. I’ve never felt prolonged excitement over my writing success.

Family: I’ve become an asset instead of a burden to my [ Read More ]

Is it Mania or am I Just Amazing?

Here is a comment from Marcello- a reader from Texas. He told me what it feels like to have a manic episode.

“I can hear myself talking and talking these days. I have trouble letting people finish their sentences and always feel the need to get my words in. It’s embarrassing as it’s hard to monitor myself when I’m actually in a conversation. I know it’s happening! But it feels so good to talk- especially after a depression that made me so desperately unhappy. My friends are used to my talking- I just apologize and try to be a good listener when I’ve got too much manic energy. Then I have to face reality and talk to my nurse practitioner. I use your books Julie, but the mania still shows up. I wish that I could keep it away forever. As [ Read More ]

Reaching a dream

I gave a talk for a very large crowd this weekend. It was such a great experience- and I am very aware that a few years ago it was an experience that would have been too stressful for me to even contemplate. But after years of work, I am now well enough to reach a dream- to help people who are in crisis by talking to them in a live setting.

I did all that I needed to do to stay well. My trusted business partner Sheri went with me- she helped with all of the set up. My hosts did all of the preparation for the talk. I made sure I got enough sleep the night before- and I had a plan ready for how I would feel after the [ Read More ]

Guest Blog From Lauren R. Tharp

A Simple Blood Test That Could Save You Thousands of Dollars in Psychiatric Bills

By: Lauren R. Tharp – http://littlezotz.com

I do not have Bi-Polar Disorder.

But, for a while, doctors thought I did.

……………Let me explain…

In my teen years, I was acting, well, a little “mental” as my dad would say. So, of course, I was taken to the best “mental” doctors. Various psychiatrists and psychologists hmm’d at my situation, nodding their heads, and stroking their chins: “Bi-Polar Disorder!” “Depression!” “Borderline!”

They had all sorts of ideas about my situation.

But why did all of my symptoms virtually disappear sometimes, usually right after a good meal? And why weren’t any of these doctors addressing my physical symptoms—like my cold hands and feet, chronic headaches, or sensitivity to light?

Long story short, my [ Read More ]