I’ve had a lot of work stress lately- maybe you have too! I am sure you’re laughing- all people with bipolar have work stress- either the work is too much, too little or not at all. There is a good chance that if you care about someone with bipolar disorder, you have supported them financially at some time in the past. My former partner Ivan supported me off and on from 1995-2001. Wow, that is kindness.

I just finished the amazing book Electroboy and was struck by a scene in the book that is all too familiar for many of us. After Andy Behrman, the author went through a series of ECT treatments, a vocational rehab counselor suggested that he try, ‘Volunteering.. or a bookstore.”

I had to laugh at that- So many of us with bipolar disorder have heard this suggestion- “Ok, you’re not well enough to do the high powered, creative and stimulating job you want to do.. So how about volunteering?”

As though that is ANY substitute for not being able to work the way we want to. There is nothing wrong with volunteering- but most people do it by choice and often as a adjunct to a regular job- when you’ve been sick and want to work but can’t, volunteering can be a bit of a letdown. I know-  I did it for years when I was too sick to handle a job.

And then there are the bookstores- Why do so many people think that working at a bookstore is so easy and that all of us who just came out of the hospital or a major mood swing would love to work there?

Ha ha. I have a friend who works at Barnes and Noble and there is nothing any more relaxing about a bookstore than many other jobs!

The real problem is that people with bipolar desperately want to be productive and make MONEY. Thus, volunteering is helpful, but not always the help many vocational rehab specialists think it is.

I get so fired up thinking about this! I am 44 and for the first time in my life I’m working like a ‘normal’ person. By normal I mean that I can work for more than 20 hours a week- sometimes I can work 25! I have used the Health Cards for so long, I have them memorized- they help me get through the tough work days- like today when stress is giving me a stomach ache. I have so much work to do it feels impossible that I will get it done. But I will. I’m finally stable enough to WORK. It’s a privilege and I’m thankful.

If you have the Health Cards, a work card is really helpful. It took me a few years to see what I could and couldn’t handle- so give it plenty of time. Your future can be a lot more successful work wise if you do.

PS: I interviewed Andy Behrman for my last radio show. He was amazing!

Julie

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Hello!

I just sent out an announcement for my new mental health radio show-  believe it or not, I forgot to add the link for information on the show!

Please visit www.juliefast.com/radio.php to listen to the previous shows and find out the topics for the new shows.
Julie

My coauthor, Dr. John Preston has written an essential book for anyone with bipolar disorder or the people who love them. His book, The Medical Treatment of Bipolar Disorder covers everything you need to know about the medication treatment of the illness. It’s now available exclusively from BipolarHappens.com. It’s available in download or hard copy format (as so many of you requested). I’ve provided links to the book and ordering information below.

We all need to stay informed about our bipolar disorder medications and their possible side effects. This last episode I experienced really reminded of the importance of correct medication management. Don’t be in the dark about your medication treatment!

More information about the book can be found by visiting Medical Treatment of Bipolar Disorder If you have trouble with the link you can copy and paste or type this address directly into your web browser.
http://www.bipolarhappens.com/mdtx.php

Thank you for all of your support. It means a lot to me!
Julie

Negative thoughts are a normal part of depression- this means that you’ll have them no matter what you really think about a situation. I know I used to! I was a @$#%. You can fill that in with any word you like. Nothing was ever good enough. When I lived in Japan for three years- I complained for three years- I just can’t believe that people put up with me! It was awful- and now I feel I wasted so much time there with my anger and irritation. In hindsight,  most of this was due to untreated bipolar disorder. I still have some of the thoughts now- I still want to kick things and yell at people – but I just don’t do it. It’s a struggle- especially with email as it’s so easy to complain on email. But I don’t do it! I truly try to step back and think before I do something stupid.
The thoughts are still there- my brain still races all night when I feel someone has done me wrong- or when I feel I’ve been treated unfairly- but it’s often just bipolar talking. I can listen, but I don’t have to act on the thoughts. This saves relationships and saves me a lot of stress.

Julie

Mania season is starting for those of us above the equator- and this is a dangerous time as it feels so good to feel better after the winter months.
Have you become manic at this time in the past? Do you have a plan for mania prevention now?
Here are some signs of mania: 
You need a lot less sleep, but feel fine.
You talk louder than everyone else.
If you are in a room of people, your behavior gets stares.
You think- oh god! It’s so great to be better! This is the real me!
You drink more.
Work is easier.
You start to think you don’t need meds.
This list could go on and on. Look at your mania Health Card and see what happened at this time last year. If you’re like me, you have to be careful! If you don’t have a mania Health Card, now is a good time to create one as you’re stable enough if you’re able to read this.

Julie