Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Here is a truism:  Avoiding the letter, doesn’t make it better!

I’m referring to the bills that may be unopened in a drawer or in a pile on your table. It can be so scary to face reality financially. I highly recommend it though- it really is better to know what you’re up against than to imagine what you’re up against.

I have lost a lot and I mean a lot of money by not taking care of bills or other financial business before it’s too late. I am getting better at this.  I look at my account online. Sometimes I cringe- but I want to be aware of my financial situation so that I can stay stable. Also, I want to be able to think rationally when I wake up too early and start to worry! When my bipolar gets bad and I feel overwhelmed, I can miss deadlines- and this costs money so there are more financial worries. Will this illness ever get easier!!!!!
julie

wow.  I always write about preparing for travel way ahead of time in order not to get sick on a trip. Well, I did what I could and have still had a tough time. Not bad though! I’m visiting a very good friend in Texas. Her family is so stable and happy. It makes me see that I need more stability in my life in Portland. Things are so different back home. My family is often unhappy and it’s stressful. I do what I can, but I’m still around it because I love them! Also, I realize I am alone too much. Being around people helps me- so what can I do to be around more people? It’s a constant struggle as I can’t work in an office setting! I am going to create a plan for this in the next few weeks.

And finally, how can I get my sleep regulated when I am going to a party tonight for New Year’s where I know I will be up at least until 2? This is a big problem for me. I have to think of something now. I love parties, but I really, really need to be in bed earlier as I have to drive to San Antonio tomorrow.

I want to be someone who can travel the world and not worry about mood swings and meds and sleep!

Julie

Well! I never thought I would be so well that I could just get ready and get on a plane to Texas without stress! But it’s happening. I leave tomorrow morning for San Antonio where I will see a dear friend and her three kids for New Year’s Eve! As you know, I wrote a lot about having plans for holidays this year- and I did it!

Then I go to Jacksonville, Florida to see another dear friend. I will work on a proposal for my new book while she is working. We will then have fun on the weekends. I have to rent a car and get around by myself.  I have done all of my own packing and I am actually getting through today without stress- I have to be at the airport at 4AM tomorrow!

Why am I telling you all of this mundane stuff?  Because just a few years ago none of this was possible. i had to travel with my mother or a friend due to the mood swings. I’ve spent many years getting stable enough to travel by myself. I used to do it all of the time, but that was usually when I got manic! Now that I’m better, all of the stress I used to go through when I traveled just seems stupid! It’s just packing getting on a plane, right!  Wrong.

For those of us with bipolar disorder, travel can be a huge trigger.  I decided that I wanted to travel like a ‘normal’ person- so I figured out what caused the stress and took care of it.  I can now travel! I have a lot of blogs on this topic with tips on how I got well enough to get on a plane without too much stress.  It has not been easy at all, but the work was worth it.

Now, maybe I can finally try out for a musical???

Julie

I will post blogs in the next few days and maybe even get my act together and add some pictures!