Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

HealthyPlace.com Web interview with Julie A. Fast

Hello to everyone, I recently did an interview with Gary Koplin  founder of www.HealthyPlace.com, the world’s top mental health informational site. Gary has always been a strong supporter of my work and I enjoy working with him to educate the public about bipolar disorder and depression as well as help those of us directly affected by mood disorders. Here is the newsletter Gary sent out to promote the event:

Web TV: Managing Severe Depression with Julie A. Fast

Watching this week’s HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show reminded me how debilitating Major Depression alone, or as part of Bipolar Disorder, can be. Many days, our guest, Julie Fast, wakes up crying and sometimes can’t seem to get out of bed.

To watch Julie’s video- search for How to Get Things Done When You’re Depressed.

She’s extremely educated on the subjects of depression and bipolar disorder, so you would think she has an edge on most people living with depression and maybe it would be easier for her to cope. But that’s not the case, she says. Most every day, Julie has to use strategies she developed so she can get things done.

One key point that really stood out – when asked about whether it was a matter of “accepting that you have depression,” Julie said it has little to do with acceptance. Instead, she stated that people with chronic depression have to force themselves to do things. It’s not about saying “I have to think positive things,” you have to just do things. And Julie says “it’s an all-day thing, but we work all day on our depression just to get to the days where we don’t have to.”

Whether you are living with depression or bipolar disorder, or are a loved one of someone who is, watch this interview for some really help suggestions and insights. Julie has real clarity around the illnesses of depression and bipolar disorder.

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Thanks to Gary and the Healthy Place staff.

Julie

This is the latest installment of the bipolarhappens.com guest blogger series from Dawn:

The past few years have been extremely difficult. They would be
difficult for anyone, but when you throw schizoaffective disorder into
the mix, things seemed downright impossible! (Schizoaffective
disorder is a combination of bipolar or depression with schizophrenia.
Hell, in other words!) I was hospitalized in 2008 for suicidal
ideations and should have been hospitalized in 2009 for the same. In
fact, 2009 was worse than 2008. All I could think about was that my
life was an irreparable mess (broken marriage, severe financial
difficulties, low self-esteem, and an inability to hold down a job.

 I didn’t see how I could get out from under). The only solution I saw
was to take myself out. However, even in that dark time, I still had
a minuscule will to live. I talked to a friend who understood me and
that helped.

I alternately searched the web for suicide websites and people who were living with mental illness. This is when I found Julie and started following her blog. I really liked her candor. I especially liked the fact that she blazed a trail and created a career for herself while dealing with bipolar disorder. That gave me a teeny bit of hope that I wasn’t doomed to fail because working was so difficult for me. It was difficult for her too!

I started to take better care of myself by going to support groups and being more compliant with my medication. I was referred to a wonderful psychiatrist and I kept the appointments. I slowly started nurturing my spiritual life again. It took a while, and I have experienced major outside difficulties, but I finally feel like I have regained at least a measure of stability.

Mental illness recovery has been a passion of mine, and I want to share my passion with others through coaching, speaking, and writing.  I am hopeful and optimistic that I can achieve these goals because, through Julie’s example, I see that it can be done.

Dawn

A note from Julie:  Dawn’s story makes me cry- out of understanding and empathy- sadness that we have to go through this. Her honesty will help so many people. . But her post also makes me smile. What a strong woman. she is- with a beautiful picture and with beautiful words. Thank you Dawn.  Please leave comments and let Dawn know what you think!

My friend of 20 years Pam. I think it helps that she is in Texas and I can't drive her crazy!

Choose Friends Who  Improve Your Life

 I’ve been mood swing challlenged in the past few months. . 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.  If you love someone with bipolar disorder- you probably know what my mother and friends go through as well. 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 Julie. You can be honest with me. I’ll be your guiding light when you need me.” We all need friends like this.  But I’m often a bit paranoid and think that are just saying it and don’t mean it!

 I try so hard not to burden my friends 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 the Health Cards (you can read about the Health Cards from a link at the top of this blog) – 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, that the down swing is particularly severe- I need them 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 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!