Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

NAMI Speech tomorrow- Fun! Getting Ready… not so fun…

NAMI SPEECH TOMORROW in Eugene, Oregon!

I’m exciting to be back on the speaking circuit. I love to be in front of crowds making as many people laugh as a I can. Bipolar can create some pretty funny stories! I don’t get nervous about the speaking- but getting ready is really hard. All the packing- clothes- hair stuff – shoes- books- makeup- etc etc. Where to stay- …. all stuff that is probably fine for others. It’s funny- talking in front of 100+ people is so exciting- getting my toothbrush in a bag is so stressful. Oh no! I just realized I forgot my toothbrush! I will have to buy one at the same time I buy a big cabbage. The cabbage is a prop.

Julie

Work and Bipolar Disorder

Here is a story from a blog reader about work and bipolar disorder.

Janis: I have a process I use for all of my work projects. I work in television marketing so I often have a lot of different articles, press releases, pictures, DVD’s etc that go with one project. First of all, doing marketing when you’re depressed is more of a challenge than most people ever experience at work. I’ve thought of quitting many times, but the good days make up for the bad days. This is why I have to be organized before I start calling people to book my clients. I know that a lot of agents do all of their stuff straight from the computer. Some days I can do this- but on depressed days, I can’t remember where I put my files and I often feel overwhelmed simply by the logistics of my work instead of the work itself. So, I got large, single accordion files and use one for each client. It’s old school- I remember doing it before there was so much on the computer. I use a label maker and put the name of the client, their phone number, email and address on the outside of the file. I then put everything associated with the client in the file. I keep these files in a box by my desk where I can see them. It’s a lot different than keeping the information in a closed file cabinet. I feel comforted knowing everything I need is there in a nice, clean file. It’ more work to print out stuff and put it in the file, but it’s easier than searching my email folders all day. **

I have to do the same thing. I need to see something before I can figure it out- then I move to the computer.

Julie

My Coauthor Dr. John Preston on Bipolar Depression

Sometimes I love a blog so much I post it twice.

My coauthor John is an amazing man. He has helped me more than words can say- it’s great that I get to have a coauthor who is an expert on bipolar disorder. I can get his help with the illness as I’m writing the books. I recently asked him his opinion on the best way to prevent depression. Here is what he said:

Stay active (both socially and physically), keep away from drugs that cause depression (especially alcohol and tranquilizers), maintain adequate sleep, develop a attitude of compassion for yourself…(depressed people are often excessively hard on themselves even between depressive episodes)… give yourself permission to be an ordinary human, with all of the short comings we have as a member of the human race.

He is so right! I know that the problem is it’s hard to do most of this when you’re depressed, but it is possible. We have to keep trying forever.

Julie

SantaCon: Maybe dressing up as santa and riding around on a bike sounds fun this holiday season!

Santacon loves odd people. If you’re always wondering what to do for the holidays- this may be your thing! It’s definitely adult only- and it will definitely introduce you to new friends.

Click here to read more about SantaCon. You can then see if there is one close to a city near you!

Julie

PS: I would like to mention again that this is an adult event- people do imbibe!

An Amazing Weekend!

I went to Eugene, Oregon in the western United States this weekend to give a talk on mental illness. I told my story and then talked about mental health in general. The turnout was amazing. Over 200 supportive people were in the audience. They listened with such intensity- I could tell how much the subject meant to them.

Family members were the majority of the audience- there is so little help for the family when someone they love has a mental illness. I met the parents of people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression. Some of them have children with so many symptoms it’s hard to pinpoint a diagnosis. They asked questions about ECT, caretaking, nutrition, stigma, why hospitals feel like jails for some patients, the role of the family, suicide, the signs of specific illnesses and how to deal with emotions when a child is missing.

How do we live with all of this and still keep our lives functioning? I know that I asked myself this for the year my partner Ivan was so ill in 1994. My life was his illness. I wouldn’t do that now- I have more skills than I did then- but at the time, I did what I had to do to make sure both of us survived. And we both did. I hope that my experience helped the audience this weekend know that there is ALWAYS hope. We do survive mental illnesses on both sides- those of us with the illness and those of us who love people with the illness.

Julie

Julie’s Message: Plan Ahead for New Year’s Eve!

Hello Everyone,

This is Sheri Joi, your host for Julie’s coaching calls. It have so enjoyed working with her this year. I learn something new every time we have a call. I could tell she was surprised to hear that I have also struggled with depression and loneliness on the holidays- even though I have a large, happy family. It’s all relative. I’m using her tips this year and have planned for all of the days that are special for me.

Here is one of Julie’s main points: How to deal with loneliness during New Years Eve!

Julie: One of the main problems we face is loneliness during specific days such as New Years Eve. I’m a big believer in planning ahead in order to prevent depression. If you don’t have plans for a day that’s important to you, there is still plenty of time! Is there a particular day that is hard for you? Think of EXACTLY what you want to do on that day and plan it NOW.

I find New Year’s Eve especially hard simply because I’m single (basically by choice, but it still feels lonely at this time of the year!) and we all know we have to kiss someone sexy and wonderful at midnight! Of course I am being silly here, but the media creates expectations that can’t always be fulfilled! This year I have plans ready for the 31st. I worked it out two months ago. Yes, I really do plan ahead.

What are your options for the last day of the year?

1. Visit Meetin.org or MeetUp.com to find some fun stuff to do. There are also activities and group events listed at Craigslist.org.

2. Create your own experience. Talk with people now and get something set up. Where will you meet? Where do you want to be at midnight? Maybe it’s at home watching TV with a friend. Maybe it’s going to a party or a club? It’s up to you. Do you want to have a party and invite people?

3. Call around and volunteer. This can start know. I know that it’s a particularly tough time for foster kids, for example.

Create what YOU want. Make this year special!

**Back to you Sheri Joi

Thanks Julie. I always love your tips. Here is a question for the audience. Did you know that Julie struggles with depression almost every day? I’ve seen how planning ahead helps her manage bipolar disorder. I’m so proud of her. I’ve been through my holiday depression- and I agree with Julie. It’s up to us to make the holidays special.

Sheri Joi