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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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

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