Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder » Podcasts

Podcast: Reader Question: How do I find balance when I’m over extended!

Julie Fast — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 00:32:30 +0000

I just received this bipolarhappens.com blog reader question from Melissa. I started to write a response and then thought- wait a minute! This would make a great question for the podcast. So, here is the question and the podcast at the end has my answer:

My prescriber and therapist contend that my lifestyle is the root of many of my problems. I just can’t seem to even visualize what a calmer lifestyle would look like let alone try for it. I have three children – one with special needs -, I work around 40 hours a week, I commute for an hour each direction and I manage the household. Yes I do have a husband which helps take some of the pressure off and then in other ways puts more pressure on. I also dabble in a party plan business and am trying to lose weight and get healthier – including starting training for a half-marathon. This probably sounds bananas to other people but I’m just not sure what to cut out. I have never known anything else. I have trouble stepping away from the cape I guess. Any input would be great.

Thanks

- Melissa -

Click on the arrow to hear the answer.

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Bipolar Supporter: My husband can’t sleep – Bipolarhappens.com podcast:

Julie Fast — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:50:15 +0000

Here is a question from Liz.

Her partner has bipolar disorder and recently got out of the hospital. She asks an interesting question- as a partner of someone with the illness, where does help end and needing the person to take care of themselves on their own begin? It’s surely a fine line. I read the question and answer it on the podcast below.

Hi Julie,

I just want to say thank you for having this site and writing your books. My husband was just diagnosed with Bipolar disorder in December after a very scary manic episode where he was on the roof of a McDonalds 45 minutes from our house.

I have learned a lot about bipolar disorder through your book, Loving someone with bipolar disorder and he has just to really begun to read Take charge of Bipolar disorder.

He is on medication and was on sick leave from his job for 6 months and has just returned last week on a light duty schedule. We have a long way to go. As you know, there are bad days and good days. One of our biggest problems is when it is time to go to sleep at night. He cannot go to sleep unless I am in bed with him. We seem to go through the same ritual every night. He goes to bed much earlier than me because he has to get up much earlier for work. He sits on the side of the bed and says, “this can’t be happening to me or I hate [... Read More ...] Related posts:

Podcast: Conversations with Sherri- Pt 1 MANIA

Julie Fast — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:50:29 +0000

I am excited to post my new bipolarhappens.com podcast series called Conversations with Sherri.

Sherri is a dear friend of mine who has bipolar I. She has been in an off and on manic/psychotic episode for over two years- and of course, there is a lot of depression mixed in there as well. In this opening podcast, Sherri and I talk about her bipolar disorder one history as well as her experiences of mania. She is such an honest and funny person! Our next conversation is on benzodiazapine addiction – Sherri just got off a 20 year Klonopin habit. No kidding. She’s a rock star.

I think you will really enjoy and be enthralled by this candid and very informative conversation about mania and all of it’s symptoms and troubles.

Please do leave your comments on ourconversation and what you would like us to talk about in the future. After the Klonopin conversation- we will discuss Sherri’s hospital stays. 12 in all!

Yes, she is a bipolar superstar. She keeps going no matter what.

Julie

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Related posts:Bipolar I: My Friend Sherri DBSA.. Julie Fast Podcast interview: Families and Bipolar Disorder Julie Fast BipolarHappens.com Podcast Series: FYI

Podcast: reader question – I need help for my son when I travel…

Julie Fast — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:56:44 +0000

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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Julie Fast BipolarHappens.com Podcast Series: FYI

Julie Fast — Tue, 05 May 2009 15:05:45 +0000

Bipolarhappens.com Podcast Series FYI

Sandra, a reader in Virginia wrote and asked how she could download the new bipolarhappens.com podcast series. The podcast on this blog is not ready for download- I just finished the welcome podcast and will have a lot more soon. My webmaster Emanuel will then create a download page where a person can download the podcasts directly to a computer – the podcasts will also be available on iTunes. If you go to iTunes now and type in Julie Fast, you can download my awesome radio shows. I am very proud of the shows.

I’m now excited to get back into recording with the podcasts. On another note, I’m going into the radio studio in the next few weeks to finally record my book Bipolar Happens on CD. It will also be available as an MPS. The publishing profession is moving towards all digital media very quickly. It’s less expensive and easy to get to the customer. It’s already happening with my books on the Kindle Reader.

And finally, I’m going to record a CD companion to the Health Cards where I share my tips and tell stories on how different people use the Health Cards to stay stable. I receive so many testimonials on the Health Cards I should ask people to send them as an MP3 and they can go on the bipolarhappens.com podcast!

I will keep you posted regarding all of my new podcasts and products.

Julie

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Welcome to the Julie Fast Podcast

Julie Fast — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:01:46 +0000

My new bipolarhappens.com podcast series on bipolar disorder basics is ready to go. The first entry below is a welcome to the podcast with general information on future topics. I will now be able to answer more reader questions! If you look to the right of the blog- there is a list of all the podcasts currently available.

Julie

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Related posts:Julie Fast BipolarHappens.com Podcast Series: FYI Julie Fast Video: Feeling intimidated by your bipolar disorder doctor? Thank you for your reader comments!