A daily tip…. bipolar hypomania subtle signs

What is the first thought you have when you’re manic? What is the first thing you say? What is the first thing you do? What signs do you see first? Here are mine:

Say:I’m not manic am I? Do:Drive quickly while listening to loud music. Think:God,it’s so fantastic not to be depressed!

Then,after these typical behaviors I think- oh no,this is so unfair. And I go into treatment mode.

I have a lot of different bipolar mania patterns. Here’s another one:

Say:I really need to go out tonight and have some fun! Do:A Mojito looks really good! Think:I feel so much better and I’m looking really fantastic tonight.

The above sounds really normal- but when it comes after a depression and feels way too good,I know it’s hypomania. I also know that if it’s intense and really short lived with [ Read More ]





Lamictal and Tics:Reader question

Here is a great question from a reader – Amy- regarding Lamictal (Lamotrigine) side effects.

My 18 year old son with BP,anxiety,depression,OCD,ADD tried Lamictal from March to June of this year and once he got above the 100 mg. mark he developed facial tics (squeezing his eyelids shut and mouth grimaces). We went off Lamictal gradually for about one month,and the facial tics disappeared. He had about 3 weeks completely off,then on the advice of Dr. Papolos (author of The Bipolar Child),we started up again and he is on 25 mg./day. So far,so good. But that dose is really equivalent to 50 mg/day because he takes 1500 mg. Depakote as well,and Depakote intensifies the Lamictal in the blood.

Has anyone else experienced facial tics with Lamictal? Dr. Papolos as well as my son’s current pdoc had never heard of that,but a friend who researched [ Read More ]





Bipolar Depression is UNFAIR

I had a wonderful day yesterday. One reason it was wonderful is that it was so NORMAL.

All of us with bipolar disorder strive for one thing- normalcy and stability. Then we can choose things to make us happy and avoid things that make us unhappy- it would be a choice!

I taught a class on writing bestselling non fiction books yesterday. It was just great. I’m finally well enough to plan and teach my own seminars. I’m thankful.

I went to bed tired from real work instead of being tired from being sick all day!

Then,when I woke up this morning,the depression was here. It’s mild,so I will get rid of it. But it’s here. Unfair.

Here are words to describe bipolar disorder:relentless,scary,cruel,awful,petulant and UNFAIR!

At least I know what is going on and can make a joke about it.

I have the power to get [ Read More ]





Teenagers and bipolar disorder pt 2

Hi,

 I really like answering reader questions- unfortunately,I’m limited by time,the illness itself and my darn hurt thumbs,but I will get to as many as I can. If you go down two entries,you will see a reader comment about my teenagers with bipolar disorder entry. I answered the question half way and will do the rest later tonight!

 If you have read all of the entries and want some more information on my work,please visit www.juliefast.com

Talk with you later tonight!

Julie





Please pass on this blog to your health care professionals!

Health care professionals want to help,but they are often limited by time- I know they are looking for resources outside of books- so please feel free to mention this blog to anyone you feel would benefit from the information.  My work is 100% focused on helping people manage this illness- as well as helping the people who care about someone with bipolar disorder- so the more help I receive the more people I can reach!

 Here is the address for the blog-

www.bipolarhappens.com/bhblog

 Thanks! Julie





Teenagers and Bipolar Disorder:Reader Comment

Wow,I am getting so many comments regarding teenagers and bipolar disorder. It’s a topic that is NEVER talked about- maybe that is because it’s so complicated. If you have not read my blog entries on the topic,you can go to the right and click on the teenager category to read them. I am following up with the topic through a reader question- here is a good one that captures the fear and confusion so many of us feel when someone we love has bipolar disorder that isn’t being treated effectively.

This reader comment is from ‘Mom from a 19 year old with bipolar disorder.’

Julie,

I have two bipolar daughters and a bipolar ex-husband. My heart is hurting now for my teenage daughter. She’s not well right now and she seems only to become involved in destructive relationships with guys who have criminal records,drug issues,no job etc. How can I help [ Read More ]





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