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, [ Read More ]





Bipolar, Travel, Stress…. OMG!

I have to admit I’m a bit stressed.

I go to Florida for a large convention this weekend to give my presentation: Loving Someone with a Mental Illness. I’m not worried about the presentation. There is nothing I love better than getting in front of family members and hearing their stories- we can definitely learn from each other. I remember what it was like to love someone who was in the psych ward for three months and then still sick off and for a year after that. I can pass on my tips for dealing with the fear.

My stress is from getting ready for the travel. The airline that is too busy to even answer my calls- “We are experienceing a high call volume- you will have to call back later.” The CD’s of my radio show I need to take with me have to get labels on them.”

On and [ Read More ]





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 [ Read More ]





319 Email

It’s Sunday evening. At this time, I have 319 email in my inbox. This email haunts me! I think of it constantly. I worry about it and fret that I’m not getting it done.  I can’t answer all of the personal email I get from readers in the way I want to- and yet I have to answer all of my business email.

I’ve been doing so well for months. I got my work done and actually went to bed and got up feeling pretty good.

Unfortunately, the bipolar has been pretty rough for a few weeks. This means it’s very hard for me to work.

Thus, the 319 email.

I wrote a book on getting things done when you’re depressed, so I know what to do.

First of all, it takes less time to get something done that it takes to worry about it all day!

So,  I have a goal to get it [ Read More ]





The Bipolar Wall

I think there’s a wall for all of us who have bipolar disorder. I certainly ran into mine this week. What I really hate about this illness is that I can get better and better and then suddenly, it just takes one thing to make that wall raise up and slam me in the face.

I don’t think that the people who care about us and help us professionally have any idea what this feels like. That is probably a good thing as I don’t wish bipolar on anyone.

My bipolar wall is up less and less these days. I can really do so much more than I used to. I just have to listen to the signs my body gives me when I’ve done too much.

This week I did too much and have paid for it.  I am now taking care of myself. It was a good day today and I plan to [ Read More ]





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





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