Archive for May, 2009
Thursday, May 28th, 2009
Well, I certainly know a lot of people who have been hit hard by our ‘current economic situation.’ That is for sure. Some of my friends have lost jobs, others have seen their profits decrease- and many are worried about getting laid off.But! I also have friends who have done very well in this economy. For example, a friend of mine works for an online college and they are doing very well. Refinanice mortgage companies and debt relief companies sure seem to be going strong.
My moods have defintely been affected by all that is going on. It’s a daily task to remain positive- but I have to do it. What is the alternative? I would rather be in a bad situation with a good attitude than a bad situation with a despairing attitude.This takes 24 hour work on my part. The positive attitude can be tough.
I was on TV yesterday – which was fun and great- then a few hours later I heard that one of my very important recording studio work projects fell through. It was quite a blow. I was down last night and woke up pretty worried this morning- and then I thought to myself: Only I can do something about this.I made it to my office and started to work. I got online to find another recording studio- I put some flowers on my desk- they are beautiful irises. I talk with my webmaster soon – we will work on continually improving my books and website.You just have to keep going even when you’re crying. Here is one of my favorite pictures of all time.
I am always sending it to people-
The way my day turns out is up to me. I may be depressed – I may be sad, but I can still work and see friends and family. What my brain is saying is not always true! There is a big difference between depression and concern about work and the economy! Things will pick up as they always do- and we will be going strong again!Julie
PS: I just sent out a great newsletter on paranoia and relationships- if you are on the mailing list and didn’t receive the newsletter, please check your spam folder. If you
Tags: , bipolar disorder money, bipolar disorder work
Posted in Work, money | 5 Comments »
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009
Here is a question from Jackie regarding her son. So many parents worry about their children when they have to travel or be away from home for an extended period of time. I know my mom worries about me and I’m 45! As you can see from Jackie’s question, it’s hard to find the balance of letting your child be independent and at the same time accepting that he or she needs extra help. Click to the link at the end of this blog to hear my reply.
Hi Julie…I need some direction and advice Please. My 21 yr old sone as bioplar II and does pretty well most of the time living on his own… however, as you know, bi polar being what it is there are times every cple months he needs someone to stay ith him for a few days to get him thru a tough cycle. Most of the time that person is me, but sometimes i cannot be there ( if traveling for work ) and i have no idea how to go about finding a resource or finding the right person to rely on. We dont have any other family in this area so i need to outsource and i dont know where to begin.
Jackie
Here is my podcast answer:
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Tags: , bipolar family, bipolar family members, bipolar help family, family bipolar disorder, family education, family members bipolar, family says no bipolar, julie fast, loving someone with bipolar disorder, manic depression, mom doesn't understand bipolar, mother father bipolar help, Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder, www.bipolarhappens.com, www.juliefast.com
Posted in Friends & Family, Podcasts | 1 Comment »
Monday, May 25th, 2009
That is only partly a joking question. I know that my mania is just as dangerous as my depression. But why can’t I at least have as much hypomania as depression! If a psych read this they would remind me that what goes up must come down. In fact, I write that in all of my books- but I don’t know one person who doesn’t love euphoric hypomania in the beginning and middle stages. When it hits the third stage it’s awful- as is the bad crash that inevitably follows. But I still wish I could have it more- just without the downside. It’s sort of like being able to live on sweets without ever getting fat!
I manage my hypomania just as diligently as I manage the depression. I know how serious it is- but when I’m depressed as I am today- I wish it would just show up for a few hours so that I can get a lot done without my brain telling me how pointless my life is and there’s no point to even work!
Just keepin it real here!
Julie
PS: If you’re new to this blog, there is a mania tab on the right that explains the difference between bipolar I and Bipolar II. Bipolar I has full blown mania and bipolar II – which is what I have- has hypomania.
Tags: bioplar, Bipolar, Bipolar Disorder, bipolar happens, bipolar illness, bipolar julie, bipolarhappens.com, bipoler mania, boiar, disorder, Get It Done When You're Depressed, Health Cards, julie fast, Julie Fast Radio Show, juliefast.com, loving someone with bipolar disorder, mania, mania tips. www.juliefast.com, manic, manic depression, normal, Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder, www.bipolarhappens.com
Posted in Mania | 4 Comments »
Monday, May 25th, 2009
BPHope Forum: Conversations, questions and a place to put your poetry!
Finally! BP Magazine has started an excellent forum for people with bipolar disorder and their loved ones. And it has a poetry corner! I receive a lot of poetry and am not sure where to send it for publication. Now there is an option. Once you sign up for the forum, you can visit the BP Writers section and have a conversation with me about work.
http://bphope.ning.com/
I am so pleased this resource is available to all of us!
Definitely add me as a friend when you join and we can chat sometimes.
I write a column for BP Magazine and recommend it highly. I learn a lot and get a lot of inspiration when I read the articles. It reminds me that I’m not alone with this illness.
Julie
Tags: Bipolar, bipolar affective disorder, bipolar blog, bipolar depression, bipolar disorder questions, Bipolar Help, bipolar illness, bipolar magazine, bipolar mania, bipolar questoins, bipolar rapid cycling, Bipolar Treatment Tips, bipolar triggers, bipolarhappens.com, bp magazine, bp magazine forum, bphope forum, DBSA, general bipolar disorder, Get It Done When You're Depressed, julie fast, julie fast bp hope, julie fast question, juliefast.com, loving someone with bipolar disorder, manic depression, manic episode, NAMI/DBSA, reader comment bipolarhappens.com, reader comment for julie fast, reader question on bipolar, Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder, work and bipolar help, www.bipolarhappens.com, www.bphope.com, www.juliefast.com
Posted in Press and News | No Comments »
Monday, May 25th, 2009
A big bipolar disorder treatment secret… .
Surround yourself with people who love and respect you. It’s that simple. I’ve been around people who say they care about me and that they want to be with me- but in reality they didn’t love and respect me. It’s all about them.
I don’t want people like that in my life. I used to know quite a few of them and I have met a few lately- but I’m getting better at seeing them at face value when we meet.
People who don’t love and respect me but still want something from me make me sick. Literally!
I would rather be alone for the rest of my life than be with someone who so disrespects me they would continue behavior I have asked them to stop. The only thing I can do in a situation like this is say a strong GOOD BYE!
On the other hand, I have to be aware that I am sometimes the person who doesn’t act with love and respect. If I’m nervous, scared, intimidated or worried I will be rejected, I too can act unkindly. I can also act in ways that are confusing to others. Depression can distort situations to the point that I assume someone doesn’t care about me so I will make sure I leave first- and it may all be in my head. It’s human nature to want to hurt someone before they can hurt you. It’s our self preservation gene! There is just no way to be perfect in relationships- but we can at least be aware of our own behavior. Mine is not always stellar, but I am trying. This has really improved my stability.
Julie
Tags: Bipolar, bipolar affective disorder, bipolar depression, Bipolar Disorder, bipolar disorder dating, bipolar disorder relationship problems, bipolar disorder sex, Bipolar Help, bipolar illness, bipolar mania, bipolar questoins, Bipolar Treatment Tips, bipolar triggers, bipolarhappens.com, bp magazine, dating help bipolar, DBSA, Get It Done When You're Depressed, julie fast, juliefast.com, loving someone with bipolar disorder, manic depression, manic episode, NAMI/DBSA, relationship help bipolar, Relationships, Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder, www.bipolarhappens.com, www.juliefast.com
Posted in Relationships | 5 Comments »
Saturday, May 23rd, 2009
A Reader Question for Julie
Hi Julie,
My daughter takes Lamictal and Lexpro and I believe she is going to talk to the new Psychiatrist about increasing the dosage, when she finally gets to meet him this week. My daughter has found a therapist that she likes but the therapist has cancelled some appointment- two I think. My daughter has very limited time due to her job so she cannot reschedule in the same week and it’s a time that she really needs the appointment.
I have to say it ticks me off considering this persons job. I’d think the therapist would be more aware of the effect, for many reasons. Is it unusual for a patient to ask for a phone apt.? Just a thought. I don’t want to react with the anger I feel and would like to make a helpful suggestion.
Thanks again, and at your convenience,
Kathy
Hi Kathy,
Therapists can play such an important role in bipolar disorder management. One way they help is to teach their clients how to live consistent and stable lives. If your daughter’s therapist has cancelled two or more times, I see this as a problem with consistency.
I have had to change times with my therapist- and she has had to change times with me- but it’s always done ahead of time and it’s rare. If the therapist is exceptional and really helps your daughter, I would suggest your daughter talk to her and say that sticking to appointments is essential. It’s important to remember that we PAY health care professionals- it’s not the other way around. When we pay for something, it’s natural we want value for our money.
People defintely have therapy sessions on the phone. This usually works if you have already seen the therapist a few times. I would still insist on the therpaist sticking to an exact time.
I think that talking with her therapist and being honest about her concerns is the first step. It may be the therapist is in crisis with something and has not told your daughter. But even then, if she cancelled again, that would be too much stress for me personally and I would look for someone else.
I have been with my therapist Robin for five years. She is essential to my stability.
Julie
Tags: Bipolar, bipolar affective disorder, bipolar depression, bipolar disorder therapy, Bipolar Help, bipolar hope www.juliefast.com, bipolar illness, bipolar mania, bipolar questoins, bipolar rapid cycling, Bipolar Treatment Tips, bipolar triggers, bipolarhappens.com, bp hope, bp magazine, DBSA, do I need a bipolar therapist, general bipolar disorder, Get It Done When You're Depressed, julie fast, juliefast.com, loving someone with bipolar disorder, manic depression, manic episode, NAMI/DBSA, Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder, therapist bipolar, where can I find a bipolar therapist?, www.bipolarhappens.com, www.juliefast.com
Posted in Reader Questions | 2 Comments »
Friday, May 22nd, 2009
Three Travel Tips for the Holiday Weekend
It’s a three day weekend here in the states. Many people are traveling out of town or have events on the weekend. On the other hand, there are those who are lonely and wish they had something planned. Holidays can be tough for both sides. If I’m manic, I’ll just go have a blast no matter where I am. I’d walk up to strangers and she what they’re doing. If I’m depressed, all I can think about is that other people have a lot more fun than I do. They go to picnics and see people and throw Frisbees and have a wonderful time. I’m sure I’m missing out.
Of course this is a great illustration that my moods are not my own- and that I need to get focused and create my own moods. I do this by planning ahead.
Here are some tips:
1. Time Zones: If you’re traveling with a time change: Start now to get on the new time. This may mean going to be earlier or later. This has made a huge difference in my traveling over the past few years.
2. Travel Companions: I always tell others how travel affects bipolar disorder so that they can help me look for signs that I’m getting ill. People are always really helpful. If you haven’t told people, it helps for you to have a list of the signs that you’re getting ill! It’s the small things you have to notice- such as partying a lot more where you drink and stay out all night long after others have gone to bed. Tell your travel friends that this is not what you want to do and have a plan before you go out!
3. Time Out: I can get really overstimulated on a vacation. If you’re going to Disney World for example, it’s fine to say to others- I’ll just let you guys go on Space Mountain for the fifth time, I’m going to sit at this café and read. There are many things you can do to create successful travel- if you click on the travel tab to the right, I have a lot more ideas.
I keep saying I’m going to write a travel book! I will have to do that before the winter travel craze!
Julie
Tags: airports bipolar, Bipolar, bipolar affective disorder, bipolar blog, bipolar depression, bipolar disorder blog, Bipolar Help, bipolar illness, bipolar mania, bipolar questoins, bipolar stress travel, bipolar travel tips, Bipolar Treatment Tips, bipolar triggers, bipolarhappens.com, bp magazine, DBSA, general bipolar disorder, Get It Done When You're Depressed, juile fast blog, julie fast, juliefast.com, loving someone with bipolar disorder, manic depression, manic episode, NAMI/DBSA, Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder, travel and bipolar disorder, travel tips bipolar, www.bipolarhappens.com, www.juliefast.com
Posted in travel | 1 Comment »
The BP Magazine Forum is finally here!
Monday, May 25th, 2009BPHope Forum: Conversations, questions and a place to put your poetry!
Finally! BP Magazine has started an excellent forum for people with bipolar disorder and their loved ones. And it has a poetry corner! I receive a lot of poetry and am not sure where to send it for publication. Now there is an option. Once you sign up for the forum, you can visit the BP Writers section and have a conversation with me about work.
http://bphope.ning.com/
I am so pleased this resource is available to all of us!
Definitely add me as a friend when you join and we can chat sometimes.
I write a column for BP Magazine and recommend it highly. I learn a lot and get a lot of inspiration when I read the articles. It reminds me that I’m not alone with this illness.
Julie
Tags: Bipolar, bipolar affective disorder, bipolar blog, bipolar depression, bipolar disorder questions, Bipolar Help, bipolar illness, bipolar magazine, bipolar mania, bipolar questoins, bipolar rapid cycling, Bipolar Treatment Tips, bipolar triggers, bipolarhappens.com, bp magazine, bp magazine forum, bphope forum, DBSA, general bipolar disorder, Get It Done When You're Depressed, julie fast, julie fast bp hope, julie fast question, juliefast.com, loving someone with bipolar disorder, manic depression, manic episode, NAMI/DBSA, reader comment bipolarhappens.com, reader comment for julie fast, reader question on bipolar, Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder, work and bipolar help, www.bipolarhappens.com, www.bphope.com, www.juliefast.com
Posted in Press and News | No Comments »