Stunned Bipolar Disorder Depression

I have a lot of names for the myriad types of depression I experience. For the past week,I’ve had stunned depression off and on. This type of depression is especially hard because it makes movement difficult. This rotten mood swing makes me sit on the side of the bed with my hands in my head like I’m in a daze. It’s harder to think. I have all of the normal upsetting depression thoughts- that is bad enough- I just can’t stand how it stuns me. Like a sucker punch. Technically,it’s catatonic depression… but it still feels like I’ve been hit from behind.

The holidays aren’t the best time for a lot of us. My friends are out of town- there are too many expectations-  people are out of the office- my hands are injured.

I could go on and on- which is exactly what depression wants me to do. [ Read More ]

Comments are closed



Fighting Depression on New Years Eve

I managed to get depressed on Christmas Eve,despite having a plan to make sure I didn’t get depressed! Some of my plans fell through and I went straight down. It just makes no sense! I worked through it. Now it is time for New Years- it’s as bad as Christmas in terms of expectations. I have solid plans with a friend.

What about you? If you had trouble this week- you still have time to plan for the last day of the year. Plans make sure that the depression doesn’t take over.

Julie

* Be sure and see the Preventing Holiday Blues newsletter posted below for more tips.

[ Read More ]





Bipolar Disorder Conversations

The Bipolar Conversation I talk about the bipolar conversation in all of my books. It’s a concept I created to help family members and friends communicate with people who are in a mood swing. (You can read more about this technique in the Health Cards and my Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder book.) This truly is a technique that can improve your relationships immediately.

A Change is Needed

I think it’s time we change the way we treat mental illnesses. It’s time to stop talking to them and listening to them. It’s time for US to tell these illnesses how to behave. It’s time for friends and family to learn how to respond to the illnesses instead of reacting to them. Here is an example of the bipolar conversation and how this much needed change can take place in your family.

Scene one:A mother is talking to her daughter who is [ Read More ]

Comments are closed



Posted on December 19th,2007 | Category:Bipolar Treatment Tips,Family and Friends

Very Good Job! Good for You Julie!

Before I created the program I use to stay stable- I used to be terrifically hard on myself. I don’t think I praised myself for years- except when I was manic of course and then the praise was a bit grandiose. ;)

I now praise myself each time I accomplish something. Always. It’s automatic now- even when I’m depressed. When I finish something,I have the thought- Good for you Julie!

Do you do this? It took me a while to master the technique,but I’m glad I did. It’s a lot better than what my mind used to say. 

Julie





Prevent the Holiday Blues Newsletter

Prevent the Holiday Blues

The holidays are a great time to visit with family and friends,exchange presents,look at beautiful lights and eat delicious food. Unfortunately,they can also be a very stressful and depressing time for people with a mental illness and their family members. As a person with bipolar disorder,I often have trouble with the holidays.   This is why I plan my day’s way in advance to make sure I minimize stress and increase my enjoyment.  

Do you have a plan for the holidays yet? No matter what you celebrate- now is a good time to really think where you want to be and what you want to do during the last few weeks of the year.  

The following ideas can help:  

Holidays have the reputation for being jolly,family oriented,exciting times. People are often on vacation and families who haven’t seen each other in a while get together. [ Read More ]

Comments are closed



What if Excitement Leads to Bipolar Mania?

“Are you manic Julie?” said my business manager Laura when I just talked to her on the phone.

Gosh darn it! I hate that question! (I used stronger language than gosh darn it!)She then said,“I’m sorry Julie. I always feel like I’m the one with the bad news.”

I said,“Well,you’re using the health cards and being honest with me. I often need that if I’m mildly manic. I just don’t know if I am though. Maybe I’m just excited because my hands are better and I can finally write again?”I know that the above answer to her “are you manic” question- means I’m hypomanic. I ALWAYS try to justify the mania. Maybe it’s just the real me! Maybe it’s just that it’s sunny outside. Maybe it’s not what it seems! 

It’s always what it seems. I know that if more than one person thinks I’m manic- I’m manic. It’s not excitement that causes [ Read More ]