Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

bipolar disorder and going to the hospital

Just out of the Hospital?

Here are some tips:

– Try to recreate the hospital environment at home so that you can ease back into life. Hospitals can be traumatic, but they can also be comforting. There is a routine with set meal times and doctor rounds. Structure helps so much when you get out of the hospital.

– Forget the guilt. Just let it go. I mean this. You went to the hospital because you were sick. If anyone is telling you otherwise, tell them they have to mess with me! People who are seriously physically ill go to the hospital and their loved ones feel relief that the person is safe. A person goes to a psych ward and everyone gets freaky scared! You went to the hospital because you have a physical illness called bipolar disorder and it got a bit too strong for you to take care of it on your own.

Going to the hospital is a sign of strength. Good for you! Now it’s time to get a plan to manage this illness so that you don’t have to go back.

Julie

Economic hope for people with bipolar disorder

Well, I certainly know a lot of people who have been hit hard by our ‘current economic situation.’ That is for sure. Some of my friends have lost jobs, others have seen their profits decrease- and many are worried about getting laid off.But! I also have friends who have done very well in this economy. For example, a friend of mine works for an online college and they are doing very well. Refinanice mortgage companies and debt relief companies sure seem to be going strong.

My moods have defintely been affected by all that is going on. It’s a daily task to remain positive- but I have to do it. What is the alternative? I would rather be in a bad situation with a good attitude than a bad situation with a despairing attitude.This takes 24 hour work on my part. The positive attitude can be tough.

I was on TV yesterday – which was fun and great- then a few hours later I heard that one of my very important recording studio work projects fell through. It was quite a blow. I was down last night and woke up pretty worried this morning- and then I thought to myself: Only I can do something about this.I made it to my office and started to work. I got online to find another recording studio- I put some flowers on my desk- they are beautiful irises. I talk with my webmaster soon – we will work on continually improving my books and website.You just have to keep going even when you’re crying. Here is one of my favorite pictures of all time.

I am always sending it to people-The way my day turns out is up to me. I may be depressed – I may be sad, but I can still work and see friends and family. What my brain is saying is not always true! There is a big difference between depression and concern about work and the economy! Things will pick up as they always do- and we will be going strong again!Julie

PS: I just sent out a great newsletter on paranoia and relationships- if you are on the mailing list and didn’t receive the newsletter, please check your spam folder. If you

Podcast: reader question – I need help for my son when I travel…

Here is a question from Jackie regarding her son. So many parents worry about their children when they have to travel or be away from home for an extended period of time. I know my mom worries about me and I’m 45! As you can see from Jackie’s question, it’s hard to find the balance of letting your child be independent and at the same time accepting that he or she needs extra help. Click to the link at the end of this blog to hear my reply.

Hi Julie…I need some direction and advice Please. My 21 yr old sone as bioplar II and does pretty well most of the time living on his own… however, as you know, bi polar being what it is there are times every cple months he needs someone to stay ith him for a few days to get him thru a tough cycle. Most of the time that person is me, but sometimes i cannot be there ( if traveling for work ) and i have no idea how to go about finding a resource or finding the right person to rely on. We dont have any other family in this area so i need to outsource and i dont know where to begin.

Jackie

Here is my podcast answer:

Where is euphoric hypomania when I need it?

That is only partly a joking question. I know that my mania is just as dangerous as my depression. But why can’t I at least have as much hypomania as depression! If a psych read this they would remind me that what goes up must come down. In fact, I write that in all of my books- but I don’t know one person who doesn’t love euphoric hypomania in the beginning and middle stages. When it hits the third stage it’s awful- as is the bad crash that inevitably follows. But I still wish I could have it more- just without the downside. It’s sort of like being able to live on sweets without ever getting fat!

I manage my hypomania just as diligently as I manage the depression. I know how serious it is- but when I’m depressed as I am today- I wish it would just show up for a few hours so that I can get a lot done without my brain telling me how pointless my life is and there’s no point to even work!

Just keepin it real here!

Julie

PS: If you’re new to this blog, there is a mania tab on the right that explains the difference between bipolar I and Bipolar II. Bipolar I has full blown mania and bipolar II – which is what I have- has hypomania.

The BP Magazine Forum is finally here!

BPHope Forum: Conversations, questions and a place to put your poetry!

Finally! BP Magazine has started an excellent forum for people with bipolar disorder and their loved ones. And it has a poetry corner! I receive a lot of poetry and am not sure where to send it for publication. Now there is an option. Once you sign up for the forum, you can visit the BP Writers section and have a conversation with me about work.

http://bphope.ning.com/

I am so pleased this resource is available to all of us!

Definitely add me as a friend when you join and we can chat sometimes.

I write a column for BP Magazine and recommend it highly. I learn a lot and get a lot of inspiration when I read the articles. It reminds me that I’m not alone with this illness.

Julie

A Bipolar Disorder and Relationships Secret

A big bipolar disorder treatment secret… .

Surround yourself with people who love and respect you. It’s that simple. I’ve been around people who say they care about me and that they want to be with me- but in reality they didn’t love and respect me. It’s all about them.

I don’t want people like that in my life. I used to know quite a few of them and I have met a few lately- but I’m getting better at seeing them at face value when we meet.

People who don’t love and respect me but still want something from me make me sick. Literally!
I would rather be alone for the rest of my life than be with someone who so disrespects me they would continue behavior I have asked them to stop. The only thing I can do in a situation like this is say a strong GOOD BYE!

On the other hand, I have to be aware that I am sometimes the person who doesn’t act with love and respect. If I’m nervous, scared, intimidated or worried I will be rejected, I too can act unkindly. I can also act in ways that are confusing to others. Depression can distort situations to the point that I assume someone doesn’t care about me so I will make sure I leave first- and it may all be in my head. It’s human nature to want to hurt someone before they can hurt you. It’s our self preservation gene! There is just no way to be perfect in relationships- but we can at least be aware of our own behavior. Mine is not always stellar, but I am trying. This has really improved my stability.

Julie