Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Funny

Bipolar Disorder and Work

I had many jobs when I was younger, but never a career that I liked. I was an ESL teacher by accident for many years. I then couldn’t work because I was too sick. This was from my diagnosis in 1995 until I created my Health Cards Treatment Plan in 1998.

I remember doing temp jobs and being terrifically miserable. I was way too educated to be stuffing envelopes- and yet I was way too sick to work at a regular job. I would go in as a receptionist and be offered a higher up job by the next week. I could never take it. I wasn’t well enough. This was a long time ago!

Then I created the Health Cards and got my life back.. It took years of learning and practice [ Read More ]

I think a lot about the people who read this blog

I think a lot about the people who read this blog.

– Do you have bipolar?

– Are you looking for help for someone who does?

– Are you suicidal?

– Did you just get out of the hospital?

– Did you do something when you were manic that your feel really ashamed about now?

I’ve been able to answer yes to all of the above many times in my life. I want to remind people that is does get better. It just takes longer for some of us.

Life comes back. Friends are made and life can be good. Never forget. It’s an illness and an illness can be treated.

Julie

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 to have a coach as a guide.

My [ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder Medications and Weight Gain

I gained weight recently when I started on Lithium because my dose was too high. I basically became an eating machine! I’ve been through this so many times. I’m mad at myself because once the extra lithium was out of my system, I kept eating. This happened to me with Seroquel as well. (Seroquel is an anti psychotic- lithium is a mood stabilizer.) I know people who have been on lithium and have not gained a pound! It’s the same with Seroquel- I know a guy who has been on it for ages. No weight gain! It’s depressing

I will just have to have some more chips and salsa to feel better.;)

I know that I could have stopped the eating. I didn’t. So now I have more weight to [ Read More ]

A Reader Plays the Fiddle and Manages Bipolar Disorder Too!

I recently received an email from a woman who plays the fiddle! This is a long exchange, but I think the information is interesting, informative and encouraging!

Here is her note:

Hi Julie,

In a week I am teaching at a fiddle camp and have been struggling to get well for quite awhile (too much fiddling this past year!). I am starting to feel more balanced and want to maintain that wellness during the week of instructing and ensure I don’t ‘crash’ after the weekend. (No late late night ‘jamming’ for me 🙂 – It’s difficult when that is a part of the culture- and I know you already know all of this – just sharing. I am also thankful for your material – I am working through the Health Cards [ Read More ]