Family and Friends | Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Is it bipolar behavior or is is conscious behavior?

The Bipolar Disorder Denial Dichotomy

This picture really shows what it’s like to deal with a person who has poorly managed bipolar disorder. One day they will talk- the next day they will yell. It’s no fun for the person on the receiving end. I have been there.

You try to help and they yell at you. It’s like tip toeing around a mean animal on some days and then they are fine like a teddy bear on others. It’s part of the illness in many ways- but the person often has a lot of control in these situations and chooses not to make the steps to get better.

Bipolar is tricky.

There is definitely a form where people can’t see they are ill. Research says this is up to 50%. That’s a very high number. These are people who honestly [ Read More ]

My Mother and Bipolar Disorder

My Mother Rebecca!

I am the luckiest person in the world when I get sick. My mother is always there for me. I can only imagine what it’s like for her. I don’t ask her about it much as it would make me cry. She does what she has to do. When I’m suicidal, she reminds me to use my Health Cards. When I’m manic, she gets out my cards to remind herself what to do. Actually, she has them memorized now, so she doesn’t have to read them anymore. She helped edit all of my books before I sent them to the publishing companies!

I can remember being so depressed one day I rolled around on the floor sobbing. Imagine being a mother and having to see your child go through that! It breaks my heart- so I just [ Read More ]

Accepting New Family and Partner Coaching Clients

Writing books on bipolar disorder has been my career for over ten years. I enjoy writing and plan to do a lot more. (It can be a challenge when the mood swings are paying a visit, that’s for sure.)

Over four years ago, I started coaching partners and family members of people with bipolar disorder as an addition to my writing career.

I never, ever thought I would find work that I enjoy as much as I enjoy coaching. I feel at home with the parents and partners as I have been where they are- and I remain calm during the crises that many of my clients are going through while we are working together. Bipolar disorder is like a puzzle. It’s not always easy to find the right pieces on your own. It helps to have a coach as a guide.

My coaching [ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder: Tip for Family Members

1. Read, read, read: Knowledge about bipolar disorder is your number one tool.

Read the DSM-V- the diagnostic statistical manual and learn about bipolar disorder from a medical point of view. The entry on bipolar disorder is only about ten pages- but you can learn so much! All libraries have this book in their reference department. While you’re there, read about psychotic disorders as well. And if you’re really interested, read about personality disorders and anxiety disorders. People with bipolar disorder share symptoms with all of these disorders which is why it’s such a tough illness to treat. And of course, my books are a great read as well!

Julie

My Brother Ed Talks About My Bipolar Mania (and it’s not fun to hear what he has to say!)

I had a live mental health radio show in 2007.

Andy Behrman, the author of Electroboy was one of my favorite guests. It was a fantastic interview as it’s always great to two people with bipolar disorder to discuss the illness!

In order to prepare for the show, I asked my brother to tell me what it’s like to have a sister with bipolar disorder. I did the same with my friends- if you listen to the show, you can hear the letter my friend Karen wrote explaining how she helps me stay stable when I get manic.

Here is what my brother wrote when I asked him about my mania: That’s him grilling his freshly caught salmon!

Hmm…How to Deal with Julie’s Mania

Simple, blunt and to the point…

It’s hard to look for the signs that Julie has taught [ Read More ]

Accepting New Family and Partner Coaching Clients

Writing books on bipolar disorder has been my career for over ten years. I enjoy writing and plan to do a lot more. (It can be a challenge when the mood swings are paying a visit, that’s for sure.)