NAMI Conference

NAMI, travel No Comments

I went to the National Alliance on Mental Illness this weekend. It was amazing for so many reasons.
First of all, sitting around a table talking about meds, bipolar, schizo affective, OCD, depression and schizophrenia with people who actually have the illnesses was FANTASTIC!

I met new friends and also met a lot of people who had read my books. I will write more about all of the people I met. They have real and very inspiring stories. The workshops were informative! I learned a lot- some of it not too encouraging and some of it very encouraging.

Most of all, this trip was amazing because I was able to actually do it! Going to Florida by myself without getting too sick is a real accomplishment. I spoke to hundreds of people and sold my books. I was able to work and network and remain positive. I had quite a bit of paranoia at times, but I knew what to do about it.
I have not been able to travel and work for over 6 years. I’ve been able to do some of each- but to handle all of that stimulation at once has made me sick in the past. The hard work is paying off.

I want to let people know that if I can get on a plane and spend three days at a very busy conference- there is hope for everyone. I never thought I would come this far.

I want the same for everyone with a mental illness. Everyone.

Conference details to follow…. I learned so much.

If you were at the conference, definitely leave comments on this blog!

Julie

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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
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Bipolar, Travel, Stress…. OMG!

About Julie, NAMI, travel 7 Comments

I have to admit I’m a bit stressed.

I go to Florida for a large convention this weekend to give my presentation: Loving Someone with a Mental Illness. I’m not worried about the presentation. There is nothing I love better than getting in front of family members and hearing their stories- we can definitely learn from each other. I remember what it was like to love someone who was in the psych ward for three months and then still sick off and for a year after that. I can pass on my tips for dealing with the fear.

My stress is from getting ready for the travel. The airline that is too busy to even answer my calls- “We are experienceing a high call volume- you will have to call back later.” The CD’s of my radio show I need to take with me have to get labels on them.”

On and on. I can do it. I just have to stick to the basics.

I recently heard a gentleman give a speech about remembering the basics - he told the story of his son’s baseball team. He said, “The team had done great all year- then when they faced this really big pitcher, they started to fall apart! My son swung at a ball that looked ten feet over his head! If we had just rememberd to play the basics- only swing at balls in the strike zone- we could have hit this guy, but we forgot the simple things.”

There is a chance right now that I could swing at the balls 10 feet above my head! But I won’t. I have a list and I have to methodically do it- no matter what my mood.

julie


Bipolar Depression: How Can I Make Today Better?

NAMI, travel No Comments

That is the question.  I’m going to the NAMI (National Conference on Mental Illness) convention this weekend. Considering that I’m not doing too well (euphemism), I have to be very careful how I spend the next few days. I realize that what I do today, will determine how well I am for the trip.

I’m going to pack early (for once!). I’m getting to sleep super early so that I won’t have jet lag. I’m thinking ahead for the books, postcards, business cards, etc that I will need.  Doing this ahead of time is essential- even though I feel overwhelmed.

I’m having mood swings (mostly down). I will remind myself that this is an illness. I have mood swings because I have bipolar disorder.

Taking care of myself is what matters. It often means less success in terms of finances (does this happen to you?), but at least I function on a high level even when I feel ICKY (euphemism).

Julie