Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Has it really come to this?

I love soccer- probably too much. But this is going overboard. I went to read the latest news this morning and it looks like I walked into a Jackson Pollock painting! Whatever attention span I had was blown away by this home page.

I’ve had a computer business since 2002. I’m used to it, but I’ve seen a troubling trend. We’re all competing for more and more of the same clients so the bells and whistles are getting quite literal. I think it’s too much. I believe in eMedia completely, but I could also see where there would be a backlash to this. Going through a colored maze to get information is too stressful! What do you think? Julie

Frontline Show: Bipolar Disorder in Children

Many of you have written to tell me about the amazing Frontline television program on childhood bipolar disorder from 2009.

You can watch the show online at pbs.org. Click here for the link: Julie

Bipolar Disorder and Work

I’ve had trouble working for about a week now. That’s nothing new- what’s odd is that I haven’t been depressed- just restless and a bit unhappy. Wait! That is depression! 😉

I’m using all of my techniques to end this non productive cycle.

My goal today is making it to the library to work on a project that’s due next week. Just writing it down on this blog is stressful, so it makes more sense to go take care of the problem than worry about it all day.

I will keep you posted.

Do you need to do something you’ve been putting off? It helps to sit by a brook leaning on a tree in the summer.

Julie

When Bipolar Illness Gets You Down, Lean on Your Friends

I recently asked a NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) friend of mine how he was doing. Roberto is a lawyer who modified his practice to fit his bipolar disorder. He has done so well! We always talk about how we can keep going when we get sick. And he is doing it! Even when he wrote this, he was doing well at work. It seems impossible, but he has learned to have a life despite this illness. I admire him and I learn from him.

Dear Julie,

Thanks for asking how I am. I hate telling you this, but I’ve been really depressed again. I hate it as I’m sure you do! We know what we go through. I’m sad for my friends and mother when I get this sick. You definitely understand- I’ve read your books. But I still feel so alone. It’s ridiculous!

I try hard to limit my crying and worrying when I’m around them, but sometimes I can’t help it. One of my friends said, “Don’t worry Rob. You can be honest with me. I’ll be your guiding light when you need me.” We all need friends like this. Especially when you’re a guy. We need male friends who can be so open. I feel incredibly embarrassed when I cry like a baby- or sissy or the other things I was taught.

I’ve worked really hard to have people in my life who can be there for me when I get really sick. I try so hard not to burden them and I definitely spread myself out amongst them – but they have to be ready for when I get really sick.

A huge part of my treatment plan is the third section of your Health Cards plan – my friends and family have this section memorized and it makes all of the difference for me. I’m often able to get myself through a down swing – but during the times, like this week, when the down swing is particularly severe- I need people even more. I know that if I cry and feel hopeless and helpless they will be there and know exactly what to do- because I taught them how to help me when I was well. It takes special friends to be this wonderful. I lost most of my friends in the late 90’s due to my negativity and neediness. It really is possible to change and be a person that someone wants as a friend, even if that person gets really sick. You mean a lot Julie.

Roberto

Relationship Issues? Get it Going!

Have you ever gone through a tough time over a relationship issue? Relationship problems whether with family, friends, partners or coworkers can be a real nightmare for people with bipolar disorder. We get hit much harder than people with more regulated brains.

I know that things get totally out of proportion in my brain when something happens that I can’t control. I feel like I will go crazy and that I need a solution right at that minute! I can’t wait for anything and I need answers, answers, answers. I will call my friends and talk for hours about what is happening and what I’m doing wrong and what the other person is thinking and what I should do and……… it never ends! It’s embarrassing and very tiring. And it makes it very hard to work.

I’ve found that it’s often up to the well me to just say:

Buck up Julie! Get up and get going! Do your work!

This helps cut through the bipolar fog that often takes over my brain during any type of relationship stress. Even when we get really sick, we have to work. So today, I am listening to myself and working. It took me a few hours to get here, but I’m doing it. Buck up Julie! Will this work for you?

Julie

Cats and Dogs

Bipolar Disorder Treatment and Animal Friends

I call my cat Bibi my depression companion. It always amazes me at how much better I feel when I spend time with her. Even when I’m crying and feel I can’t function- I can still pet Bibi!

It is the same with my mom’s dog Cookie. It’s hard to be depressed around her. I have had days were I sit in my mom’s backyard in a depressed stupor- but I always feel better when I see Cookie.

Petting an animal releases endorphins- throwing a ball with an animal increases endorphins! So it makes sense that our animal friends could help us all manage this illness more successfully.

Bibi needs a lot of attention. It’s hard to focus on her sometimes, but I make myself see it from her perspective. She really loves playing with string- even if it feels like a Herculean task to play with her, I make myself do it. I always feel better afterwards.

Is there a pet in your life that can help you feel better?

Julie