I want to say thanks to everyone who sends in reader comments- I want you to know that I read all of them.  It helps me to see that others understand what I go through- and that we can then share our stories with readers!

I was hypomanic manic last night and only got about five hours of sleep. I know it was mania because I’m not tired. It’s frustrating as it’s not a good sign. I’ve been rapid cycling for over a month. I’m doing what it takes to stay stable, but life makes it hard sometimes!

How are you? Is there anything you can change right now that could help manage the illness more successfully?  I’m going to stay at home tonight instead of going to karaoke- which is what I feel like doing. It used to be really hard to stay home when I felt like this, but I’ve gotten better at choosing my health over my hypomania fueled desires.

 Thanks for the comments!

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Hi, I just received this comment about my speech last week. I want to respond to it directly.

julie. . . .we attended your speech in Eugene on last Thursday night.  My daughter is having a hard time right now and any little “light” that she can see is SO important, so you can imagine how important it has been for her to be exposed to your hopeful messages, your time that you took to speak with us afterward!  We bought the health cards CD. Haven’t had time to look at it yet, but WILL. Many thanks. becky

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When I meet wonderful people at my talks, I’m always happy to see mothers and fathers with their child. There is so much fear, worry, and a desire for education. I  always feel good when I can chat with them. I have been there and my mother has been there.

Often the children are a bit stunned looking as they are in a crisis or just got out of the hospital. I can tell if someone is on a high dose of anti psychotics or if they are just worn out from a bad episode. I can also usually tell if someone has attempted suicide. Nothing surprises me as this is an illness with very set behavior. We all act the same when we have bipolar disorder- because it’s an illness.

Seeing the children reminds me of myself over the years and of what my mother has been through. But I’m always positive. If I can stand there helping them after all of these years of hell and fear, then they can do the same.  There were many, many years I didn’t think I would make it, but I did. Bipolar disorder is a treatable illness. When parents get out with their children and look for help, their child’s chance of stability grows and grows. We do get better. Yes, it’s a life long illness at this time- but these guys are young and I really believe better treatment is coming in the future as we learn more about the genetics of bipolar disorder.

If you as a parent have the Health Cards and your child is still ill, do the cards yourself and then use them with your child when they are more stable.  A child with bipolar disorder needs so much love and support.  There is no one more important in life than my mother, so it means a lot to me to see al of you parents when I speak!

Julie

  PS: Thanks for your kind words Becky!

I’ve received such amazing comments on the blogs lately- when you look at a blog, there is a little comments icon at the top- if there is a number next to it, this means there are comments. Then you can comment on the comments!

I see all bipolarhappens.com blog comments before they are posted, so your ideas and support mean a lot to me.

Julie

Marie just left a comment on my mania post below. It was very insightful and helpful.

And… she asked this question- it REALLY made me think.

I would like to have one really good healthy day in which I did not question myself! How about you?

At first, my answer was- oh yes! Just one day this week! Then I had another thought- it’s rather esoteric.
This illness stinks. It has been terrible for me this week and it may be terrible today- luckily I woke up pretty stable- but overall, I am a different person because of this illness.

I have to manage bipolar disorder 24 hours a day in order to stay stable. I watch what I say, do and really try to counteract what I think when I’m sick. This makes me a better friend, partner, daughter, student, teacher, etc.
 
We have to be more aware when we have bipolar disorder - which means we can be more aware of the people around us. Most people aren’t like this. They are just living life (lucky!) - but we have to examine our lives continually in order to stay well. We might as well make the most of it.

Julie

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