I wonder if there is a way to find out if other people have started support groups for teens or families who have a loved one with BP?
People rave about the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) family to family program. People also get a lot of help from DBSA (Depression Bipolar Support Alliance). You can find more info on the web.
I just corresponded with a reader from Australia- you can look up her organization: Association for Relatives and Friends of the Emotionally and Mentally Ill.
Feel free to leave a comment if you have other suggestions!
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
hi, I often get letters from readers. I like to pass on the ones that show positive stories of how this illness CAN be treated. It takes a team- that is for sure!
Julie,
Thank you for doing this work.
Public, private and municipal awareness is essential.
So is education, school awareness.
You are amazing.
My 13 year old daughter has had an early diagnosis of early onset bipolar disorder and we have had treatment plans and interventions as needed in place for about 5 years now.
She is doing really well, is stable and we provide the best environment, prescribed meds and learning environment for her as possible.
Early detection and “labeling” for treatment and protocol purposes is essential.
It helps to detect, to understand and to treat appropriately.
Thank you for helping me to understand as a parent what exactly the cognizant pieces and self awareness that a BP person needs in order to ultimately help themselves.
I pass this on to my daughter, as she grows and is willing and able to listen and deal personally with her illness and indeed special needs.
Thank you for being a role model to young women with BP disorder.
Mania peaks in the summer. I always feel better that is for sure. I live in Portland, Oregon and the winters are dark and rainy. The summer is so wonderful when it finally arrives.
I have to be careful though. I’ve written a lot about this. If you go to the categories section to the right and click on mania, all of my mania tips are there!
I was rapid cycling yesterday- I’m examining what’s going on. A few changes have to be made. I am making them tonight. I will do everything it takes to stay stable.
My guest on Sunday, June 8th will be Terri Cheney- the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir, Manic. I read this book in two days- I just couldn’t stop reading. Her style is eloquent and heartfelt. I can see why it’s a bestseller!
It was very hard for me to read about all that she’s gone through because of this terrible illness, but it’s hopeful to read that she made it through the hell caused by full blown mania. She’s an inspiration for all of us.
The show is not until Sunday afternoon, so you have time to read the book before listening!
For more info on the radio show- please click on the radio tab on the right hand menu.
I’m so thankful for my life these days. I often wake up cheerful and ready to get on with my day. I was just reading my last entry- about the thoughts that come with depression. When they aren’t here is a darn gift. I want to be normal- work, see friends, plan for the future. My brain is letting me do that today! Yes!
I’ve definitely found that going to sleep earlier helps- this means less karaoke, but more ability to work.
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
