Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Fantastic Radio Show and a Flooded Basement

I just finished my final live radio show for the season. I interviewed Terri Cheney- the author of the bestselling memoir, Manic. We talked about memoir writing- it was so much fun and great encouragement for everyone who wants to write about their experiences.

The radio show has been really stressful for me- lots of anxiety. It hasn’t really been all bipolar anxiety- I know what that feels like- it has been the kind of anxiety disorder anxiety. Believe me, it’s awful. I love the hours in the studio. It’s the hours up to it that cause me trouble.

But anyway! Today’s show was fantastic. And then I got home…..

My basement was flooded. Hmm.

I am glad the show went so well. I’m super glad my roommate was home and caught it early. I’m extremely glad I’m not depressed.

But gosh! Can’t I just enjoy the end of the anxiety!

I’m glad I’m not sick and that I can laugh about the…

$340 dollar emergency plumbing bill! That does not include the actual work. I’m in the wrong profession. The plumber was cute.

Terri’s interview will be on juliefast.com in the next few days. I think you will really enjoy it. I sure did. It put me in a good mood so that I could deal with this homeowner crisis.

julie

Bipolar Disorder and Work

I Feel Better When I Work

It’s ridiculous that I can spend more time worrying about work than working.

Fact: Two hours of worrying about work leads to two hours of more worry. And nothing gets done.

Fact: Two hours of actual work saves hours and hours of worry and things actually get done.

Julie

MANIC: Terri Cheney on the Julie Fast Radio Show

Hi all, I have an exciting guest this Sunday on my radio show. Terri Cheney, the author of the bestselling memoir MANIC will be the guest.

We will talk about writing mental health memoirs. So many people write and ask me how they can get their story in print- who better to ask than a successful mental health writer like Terri!

I’ve read a lot of bipolar disorder memoirs- and have enjoyed them all- Terri’s is different than many because of its literary style. It reads like a novel. This isn’t easy to do!

You can visit juliefast.com/radio to read more about the show.

Julie

NAMI Conference

I went to the National Alliance on Mental Illness this weekend. It was amazing for so many reasons.
First of all, sitting around a table talking about meds, bipolar, schizo affective, OCD, depression and schizophrenia with people who actually have the illnesses was FANTASTIC!

I met new friends and also met a lot of people who had read my books. I will write more about all of the people I met. They have real and very inspiring stories. The workshops were informative! I learned a lot- some of it not too encouraging and some of it very encouraging.

Most of all, this trip was amazing because I was able to actually do it! Going to Florida by myself without getting too sick is a real accomplishment. I spoke to hundreds of people and sold my books. I was able to work and network and remain positive. I had quite a bit of paranoia at times, but I knew what to do about it.
I have not been able to travel and work for over 6 years. I’ve been able to do some of each- but to handle all of that stimulation at once has made me sick in the past. The hard work is paying off.

I want to let people know that if I can get on a plane and spend three days at a very busy conference- there is hope for everyone. I never thought I would come this far.

I want the same for everyone with a mental illness. Everyone.

Conference details to follow…. I learned so much.

If you were at the conference, definitely leave comments on this blog!

Julie

Bipolar Depression: How Can I Make Today Better?

That is the question. I’m going to the NAMI (National Conference on Mental Illness) convention this weekend. Considering that I’m not doing too well (euphemism), I have to be very careful how I spend the next few days. I realize that what I do today, will determine how well I am for the trip.

I’m going to pack early (for once!). I’m getting to sleep super early so that I won’t have jet lag. I’m thinking ahead for the books, postcards, business cards, etc that I will need. Doing this ahead of time is essential- even though I feel overwhelmed.

I’m having mood swings (mostly down). I will remind myself that this is an illness. I have mood swings because I have bipolar disorder.

Taking care of myself is what matters. It often means less success in terms of finances (does this happen to you?), but at least I function on a high level even when I feel ICKY (euphemism).

Julie

Julie Fast Radio Show Downloads

Click on the following links to download each Julie Fast Radio Show to your computer.

Gayathri Ramprasad on Depression and Her Life in India

Andy Behrman on Mania and Electroboy

Lani Button on Multiple Personality Disorder

Don Moore: Parent of a (Wonderful) Child with Schizophrenia

Dr. John Preston: Psychiatric Medications 101

Dr. Ajit Jetmalani: Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Disorders

Randi Kreger: Stop Walking on Eggshells– Borderline Personality Disorder

Listener Call In!

Terri Cheney, author of MANIC on Memoir Writing!

These shows are so fun and full of information. My cohost Avi and I talk about the topic of the week, make a few jokes and then talk with some very interesting people.

Please visit juliefast.com for upcoming shows. You can also add the show as a podcast to your Ipod by visiting the Itunes store and searching for ‘Julie Fast Radio.’s