I use the tips in my books every day of my life- which is a bummer in many ways because I would love to have a months- or even a few days without bipolar affecting my life. But the reality is that bipolar disorder affects me every day- that is the nature of my form of illness. I have less mood swings than I used to- and I definitely manage them 100% better, but they are still there. This is why I compare bipolar disorder to diabetes- we all have to manage the illnesses with great attention to detail- no matter who we meet or where we go, the illness has to be in our minds. That is how we stay well enough to lead normal lives! I use the Health Cards to manage my daily life- and Get it Done When You’re Depressed to … get things done! I love the book as it reminds me that success is possible- even when you’re depressed.
Even if you are in great pain right now because of this illness- please know that you can get better. My books will show you how. And if you love someone with bipolar disorder, my books were written specifically for you.
Change is possible. I know because I change every time it’s needed. This is how I keep going with my life and manage the illness to the best of my ability. I want the same for you!
I have bipolar 1 + schizoeffective disorder. I am taking Resperidone 1 mg twice a day and Lamictal 50mg at night, which has somewhat worked to help stop my delusions about being a secret agent, cops spying on me bugging the house, but i almost to the point where the medicine isn’t going to keep on working at this dosage. I am already slowed down enough during my day because of the medicine. But I am still hearing things and smelling and seeing things that aren’t there. For instance the other night I swore I had seen a cat outside and I took a second look and there was no cat. I heard someone or thing banging on my window, but there was no one there. I am wondering if I should just get a higher dosage of Resperidone or go to something else.
Thanks,
Ranen
Hi Ranen,
Psychosis can definitely be hard to manage. I go through phases when it seems to follow me everywhere I go. I find that I am much more psychotic if I am stressed in life- so I know for sure that troublesome relationships cause more psychosis- as do loud noises or busy locations. I find that my psychosis goes in phases- and that meds can definitely work sometimes and not be as effective during other times. Different anti psychotics can definitely work differently- I have found that some work better with less side effects- and it is up to you to find out which ones work the best with your body. Also, a combination of medications can often work better than just using an anti psychotic alone. Also, you can talk with your doctor about the 50mg of Lamictal. That is a low dose and it may be that a higher dose will help. An average dose is 200. That doesn’t mean you go up on that dose on your own- you must talk with your doctor first- but it’s worth a try.
It’s all about experimentation.
I also find that dealing with the psychosis myself helps- just as you are doing. I talk myself out of the odd thoughts and behaviors so that I can get on with my life. It can take up so much of my time- that is frustrating. I haven’t been psychotic for awhile- that has to do with the stability in my life. So you have a few options- a higher dose of Risperdal- a different anti psychotic- or changes in your life that will help reduce the psychosis. A combination of these can work as well. I am so impressed that you are aware that you are psychotic- and you keep yourself from acting on it in ignorance and ruining your relationships. That’s very, very impressive.
Good luck with whatever changes you decide to make! Julie
I want to say thank you for all of the supportive emails and kind words about my books- I am so glad they help so many people.
My health has not been A-OK lately which is why my writing output is limited. But I do promise to get a newsletter out soon! You can go through the blog by topic to get a lot of great tips- there are videos and recordings as well. I will update you on all that is happening in the next few weeks. What matters is that I keep moving forward with my work!
How is your work- how are your relationships? What role is bipolar playing in yourl life? Feel free to send in your stories. I love to read stories on how the Health Cards and my books have changed your life.
I will be a guest on the Audrey Chapman Radio Show out of Washington D.C. tomorrow morning. I look forward to learning more about Audrey’s work and ideas and sharing our ideas on bipolar disorder, depression and the African American Community. Here is some more information on Audrey:
Audrey B. Chapman, Relationship Expert
Audrey B. Chapman is a family therapist, author, trainer, and nationally-known relationship expert. She has developed a “tough love” approach to helping men and women develop loving, interdependent relationships, build communication, and take responsibility for their happiness. She has appeared on dozens of national and television programs, including Oprah, Phil Donahue, 20/20, Sally Jesse Raphael, Maury Povich, BET’s Tavis Smiley Show, Good Morning America , NPR’s Morning Edition, and many, many more; and has been featured in The Washington Post, Essence Magazine, The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Ebony, and others.
Audrey and I will discuss bipolar disorder and the African American community.
As the host of “The Audrey Chapman Show“ on Washington, D.C.’s WHUR-FM 96.3, Audrey conducts weekly live interviews with expert celebrity guests on romantic problems and answers relationship questions from live local callers.
The show airs each Saturday from 8:00-10:00 a.m. EST on WHUR 96.3 FM. in Washington, DC. Listeners outside the DC metro area can listen live on the web at http://www.whur.com! To participate in the live discussions during the show, call (202) 432-WHUR or (800) 221-WHUR.
I will be the 9:00 AM EST guest and I would love for you to call in!
I will be on the Audrey Chapman radio show this Saturday morning May 21st, at 9AM EST- which means I will be up at 6AM here in Portland, Oregon to make my appearance! I love doing radio shows- it’s a great way to meet interesting people- such as Audrey Chapman- and also a great way to let the public know about my ideas on how to manage bipolar disorder.
Audrey is a relationship expert- so I am hoping we will spend time talking about how our moods affect our relationships. I know this is one of the most important topics of my life- I am always so concerned about how I come across to others and I like to help people with bipolar disorder be as aware as possible about their own potential mood disorder affected behaviors. It’s hard to keep your relationships steady when the mood swings are raging.
Here is some more information on Audrey:
Audrey B. Chapman, Relationship Expert
Audrey B. Chapman is a family therapist, author, trainer, and nationally-known relationship expert. She has developed a “tough love” approach to helping men and women develop loving, interdependent relationships, build communication, and take responsibility for their happiness. She has appeared on dozens of national and television programs, including Oprah, Phil Donahue, 20/20, Sally Jesse Raphael, Maury Povich, BET’s Tavis Smiley Show, Good Morning America , NPR’s Morning Edition, and many, many more; and has been featured in The Washington Post, Essence Magazine, The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Ebony, and others.
As the host of “The Audrey Chapman Show“ on Washington, D.C.’s WHUR-FM 96.3, Audrey conducts weekly live interviews with expert celebrity guests on romantic problems and answers relationship questions from live local callers.
“What makes Chapman’s show noteworthy is that it’s targeted at Black listeners, who are traditionally underserved in talk radio.” — The Washington Post
**
I look foward to learning more about Audrey and her work. I hope you can join us for the show.
The show airs each Saturday from 8:00-10:00 a.m. EST on WHUR 96.3 FM. in Washington, DC. Listeners outside the DC metro area can listen live on the web at http://www.whur.com! To participate in the live discussions during the show, call (202) 432-WHUR or (800) 221-WHUR.
It would be great if you could call in to the show! I would love to hear from you!
I am taking Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)(800 mg a day) ..my doctor wants to switch me to Lithium Carb 300mg. I don’t know anything about this medication..does anyone?
Karen
Hi Karen,
It’s not super common for people with bipolar to take Triliptal (Oxcarbazepine) which may be why your doctor wants you to switch. Most people take Depakote, Tegretol or Lamictal – these are all epilepsy medications. Lithium is the only true mood stabilizer and if often the first choice for bipolar treatment. Your doctor is making a very normal treatment change from a anticonvulsant drug to the mood stabilizer Lithium. This change is very much based on your personal symptoms and how you respond to medications- so there is no right or wrong here. A lot of it also has to do with the dosage, so that will probably change around a bit as you work with your doctor. It’s all very normal to experiment with medications- whether it will work or not is a mystery. Most people have great response to lithium. I wish you luck!
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