Julie, it took my fiancé to call the cops twice to make myself sign into the hospital for treatment. I was hurt and angry @ first as to why she did this because I didn’t understand what was going on at that time. I yelled at her and told her I didn’t want her to visit me. That’s when the doctor told me I was full blown bipolar disorder and more.. But since April, 2006 a lot changed: the right meds- a great pysc dr and counselor and things have been going great..
Curt in Altoona, PA
* A note for reprinting Julie's work**
You now have permission to reprint “Bipolar Happens” Newsletter articles and blogs on your web site, in your e-zine or share them with your support groups, forward to friends, or print copies for your health care providers. Publishing Requirements: Each article must be reprinted in its full form, with no changes.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Julie A. Fast best selling author of Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder, Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder and Get it Done When You're Depressed is a critically acclaimed six-time author, award winning bipolar disorder advice columnist, national speaker, and sought after expert in the fields of bipolar disorder and depression. Julie’s work specializes in helping people manage all aspects of their daily lives -despite the complications that bipolar disorder creates. To learn how to personalize a plan to help yourself or a loved one find and create stability that ensures the quality of life that we all deserve, visit: http://www.bipolarhappens.com
I have read every textbook, self help book, etc. and was still beating my head against a wall until I read your book. I can tell you that chapter 11, Expect Brain Chatter, was the answer to prayer. I don’t know what it was about this specific chapter, but it opened up serious dialogue after 14 years of marriage. This chapter gave me a simple way to explain the on-going dialogue and loop of music in my head and why it is so painful.
I just want to pass a very big thank you to Julie Fast. My 30 something daughter became ill 5 years ago and without Julies cards (my first purchase), books (I buy each one as it comes out), blogs and news letters I just don\’t know what would have become of us. The gratitude I feel brings tears to my eyes, I am sorry that such a bright young woman has bi polar, but I am greatful as well. Our battle with the disease is not easy as we live in an area where there are no councelors and no phyciatrist that isn’t so overworked that there is no time for a bi polar. Even on the meds that the gp gives she swings wildly. But it is better than before and we know there is hope.
Thank you for helping me to understand, as a parent, exactly what the cognitive pieces are… and as well, the self awareness that a BP person needs in order to ultimately help themselves.
I will pass this on to my daughter, as she grows and as she is willing and able to listen and to deal personally with her illness and indeed special needs.
Thank you for being a role model to young women with BP disorder.
P.W.B.
L.A. California
Best Mental Health Advice Column in the United States goes to Julie A. Fast
June 2007
Mental Health America recognizes superlative media coverage of mental health issues by journalists in television, print, radio, online, wire, photography and entertainment. The MHA media awards are the only peer judged competition for mental health reporting in the United States.
Along with 12 other media professionals, Julie Fast will receive a recognition award in Washington DC on June 8, 2007.
"Mental illnesses ruins lives, but it doesn’t have to be this way. I want my readers to know that if I can have a productive life despite being mentally ill, they can do so as well. The Mental Health America award helps me see that my writing does make a difference and it certainly makes me want to continue educating the world on how to treat mental illness successfully. It is possible!” - Julie Fast
