2008 October « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Sports Psychology and Bipolar Disorder

As you may have heard me say a million times in the past, I get a lot of inspiration from professional athletes. They are unique in the world in that their minds must be completely under control in order for them to be successful at such a high level. Here is an example. The world series of baseball is going on these days – the pitcher on the mound tonight had a fight with his catcher earlier in the year. This of course is not ok in the multi million dollar world of professional baseball.

So the pitcher saw a famous sports psychologist named Ken Ravizza and learned to get his mind under control so that he could use his physical talents to win games. Here is what the psychologist said:

“It’s not like an elite-level athlete is messed up and we’re going to fix him,” Ravizza said. “It’s about what it takes to be [ Read More ]

Teleseminar #2 Preventing Seasonal Affective Disorder and Holiday Blues!

Here is the information on my next teleseminar.

http://www.juliefast.com/teleseminars.php

I always have a tough time when the weather gets dark- and I certainly have to have a plan to make sure the holidays are fun and not lonely and stressful! I hope you can join me when we talk about these issues!

Julie

Excellent book on anxiety!

Most people with bipolar disorder experience anxiety symptoms. I recomend the book: The Idiot’s Guide to Controlling Anxiety by John Johnston. I learned SO much from this book.

Did you know there are seven forms of anxiety inluding general anxiety and OCD!

This book is good for a general audience as it can help explain your behaivor or that of someone you love- as anxiety is pretty wide spread here in the States!

julie

OCD: Dating and Bipolar……Brain… please leave me alone!

A note to my brain: Please leave me alone!

I recently found myself in a fun and interesting situation with a guy that was simply a mild flirtation. As you may know, I gave up dating almost exactly a year ago and I have not regretted it once. I have definitely felt a bit lonely, but it calmed my brain down so that I could work. My brain doesn’t handle flirting at all. Not even 1%. It starts to do strange things. It talks and talks and won’t stop. What it says is not real. It’s a lot of conjecture and fantasy. It’s chattering away every minute and it affects my ability to concentrate.

Sure, other people go through this. I’ve asked them what it’s like in their brains when it’s happening. They explain that they find themselves [ Read More ]

Get it Done When You’re Depressed # 27

Focus, Focus, Focus.

I often space out and float around when things aren’t going well. I’ve learned a simple technique that works. I say, “Focus Julie. Just focus Julie. Focus now. What comes first? Focus Julie.”

This targets my jumbled brain. I can then actually look at something such as a pile of papers and say, “Focus Julie and pick the first step.” Saying this out loud especially helps. It’s better than the thoughts in my head that say I never get anything done!

Julie

Bipolar disorder and work: overwhelmed symptoms

Well, I feel worn out and yet I’m not tired! I have too much to do, but I actually have enough time to do it! I feel like I can’t find a good place to work, but when I sit down I work just fine.

I feel overwhelmed! Now I have to get really honest with myself. Do I have the time to do my work? Yes. Can I find a place to get my work done effectively? This is the tough question because I’m in one of those moods where every location is a problem. I feel restless and the people around me are getting on my nerves. I do know where I can go to work though, and I’m going there now!

I’m simply having a typical bipolar symptoms that happen to a lot of us when we have a lot of requirements, expectations and deadlines. I have to override my brain [ Read More ]