I’m getting ready to speak at the DBSA (Depression Bipolar Support Aliance) conference in Virginia next week. Some of you have written and asked about the weather- It should not be a problem.
As of today- my talk is one week away. I have to start thinking of my health now. This means planning ahead- well… I could do a better job of this so I really am starting NOW to get things in order. I will then start the sleep regimine I use when I change time zones! It’s three hours ahead so I will go to sleep earlier and earlier until I am exactly on Virginia time when I get there. I will do the same on the way back. It works! Do you have to travel in different time zones soon? You can read more about my travel tips in the travel section on the right menu.
I’m excited that I can travel again! julie
Here is a question about travel from Karen:
Julie, was your plan to adjust your sleep schedule a week ahead of time successful? My BP husband must travel from the West coast to East next month and I have been frantically searching for ways to help him do this without becoming ill. Thank you in advance for your answer!
Karen
**
Karen wrote this question in a comment about my blog post on how I deal with time changes now that I can travel again- if you go to the menu on the right, you can click on travel and the post will come up called Traveling to the NAMI Convention in Florida. It helps to read that before you read this post.
Hi Karen,
I always tell people with bipolar disorder to think way, way ahead about time changes when they travel.
Have you ever noticed that when we hear a tragic story about bipolar disorder in the news- the cause of the mood swing was often travel where a person’s sleep and medications got off schedule? I listen to these stories whether it be of a football player who misses the Super Bowl- or someone who became ill after traveling to a wildly different time zone such as going to South America and I think- we HAVE to have a plan for everything we do. Bipolar disorder does NOT like change, especially time changes.
Bipolar disorder runs on a very strict biological clock- which is why shift work is considered one of the top triggers of bipolar disorder- in fact, [... Read More ...]
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 [... Read More ...]
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 [... Read More ...]
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
Recent Comments