Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Mancession: Depression in Men During a Down Economy

Men and women are different- so it makes sense they would get depressed differently as well. Here is an interesting article on men and economic change.

Male depression is expected to become a factor for more Americans in the coming years because of growing social and economic pressures.

http://www.thirdage.com/news/depression-expected-hit-more-american-men_3-1-2011

I can’t stress it enough that depression is treatable. Especially with the right medications. If you are a guy with depression, you have different pressures than women. Find a male therapist if that will work better- talk to other guys who are depressed and read books by men who have managed the illness.

Julie

What do you want your family to understand about bipolar disorder?

This is by far the most popular poll on the blog. What did you choose?

My BP Magazine blog: I am not a SCROOGE!

Do you read BP Magazine? I love it. I write a blog weekly- this week I wrote about the holidays- Here is the first part of the blog and then a link to the actual site. I heartily recommend a subscription to the magazine. It’s not only a great resource- it’s also a great tool for a management plan.

My blog:

I heard a man say this at a coffee shop yesterday:

I can’t stand the holidays. Every year we are forced to eat so much food. When did everything become about candy and buying things? I’m not going to sit in a hot room and eat from a big turkey.

That’s funny! Unfortunately, holidays have often been my nemesis. I find them stressful and filled with pressure of what a person should and shouldn’t do. (Scrooge!)

Click here to read the rest of the blog. I hope to ‘see’ you on the call tomorrow.

Julie

Hope – If You’re in a Severe Depression

Hope

I just thought I would write and say that I know how you feel if you’re in a severe depression. I go there often. There is hope- every day when you wake up, get out of bed and say to yourself-

I have bipolar disorder, this is why I’m depressed. It’s an illness. I can treat this illness successfully. I will not let depression ruin my life. I will keep going.

I did this last week and I got out of bed. I drove to my friends and had some fun. I knew I had to get out and do things. The depression lasted three days. I felt like it would never get better, but it did.

Depression is a reality of bipolar disorder.

Keep going and do all that you have to do to get better- if this means going into the hospital then do it- if it means changing medications, then do it. Just do something no matter how depressed you feel.

I am thinking about you.

Julie

Dolce Dolce interview on Get it Done When You’re Depressed

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!

Click here to read the article.

Julie

BP Magazine Blog: What Does Bipolar Mania Sound Like?

I write a blog for the wonderful BP Magazine. (Bipolar Magazine) This week I tell the story of my friend Michela and her hypomanic episode. If you are new to bipolar disorder, there are two types of mania: hypomania and full blown mania.

– Bipolar Disorder II has hypomania

– Bipolar Disorder I has hypomania and full blown mania.

Michela has Bipolar I- her hypomanic episode was pretty funny! Yes, I take mania extremely seriously, but it is good to have a laugh. Here is the first part of the blog and then a link to read the rest!

Michela and I are working together to keep the mania at a slow boil until her new medications can work. The other day Michela called and it was such an amazing example of mania I had to write it down. She said, “Julie, show it to everyone. They need to know what mania sounds like!” Here goes!…………….

Click here for the link to the BP Magazine Blog

Please leave your comments under the blog. It’s great to read the experiences of others. I highly recommend BP Magazine. I’ve written a column in the magazine for five years. I read every issue and learn so much – and the subscription price is amazingly affordable!

Julie