Well! I never thought I would be so well that I could just get ready and get on a plane to Texas without stress! But it’s happening. I leave tomorrow morning for San Antonio where I will see a dear friend and her three kids for New Year’s Eve! As you know, I wrote a lot about having plans for holidays this year- and I did it!
Then I go to Jacksonville, Florida to see another dear friend. I will work on a proposal for my new book while she is working. We will then have fun on the weekends. I have to rent a car and get around by myself. I have done all of my own packing and I am actually getting through today without stress- I have to be at the airport at 4AM tomorrow!
Why am I telling you all of this mundane stuff? Because just a few years ago none of this was possible. i had to travel with my mother or a friend due to the mood swings. I’ve spent many years getting stable enough to travel by myself. I used to do it all of the time, but that was usually when I got manic! Now that I’m better, all of the stress I used to go through when I traveled just seems stupid! It’s just packing getting on a plane, right! Wrong.
For those of us with bipolar disorder, travel can be a huge trigger. I decided that I wanted to travel like a ‘normal’ person- so I figured out what caused the stress and took care of it. I can now travel! I have a lot of blogs on this topic with tips on how I got well enough to get on a plane without too much stress. It has not been easy at all, but the work was worth it.
Now, maybe I can finally try out for a musical???
Julie
I will post blogs in the next few days and maybe even get my act together and add some pictures!
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I’m feeling hypomanic, so I got your TAKE CHARGE book and another one recommended by NAMI. I was hurt by my therapist, took it personally, so I was depressed, and I rapidly cycle. My doctor refuses to give me Lithium, even though the hospital doc gave it to me a couple months ago. It has kept me out of the hospital since. My doc’s regime is why I was hospitalized. I am very angry. I think PA’s system, which got a “d” from NAMI, is wearing and tearing me slowly apart. But them again my perceptions may be wrong. What do you think, Julie?
Dear Grant,
Julie is on vacation, and invited readers to share if questions rose. So, here’s my response, for whatever it’s worth:
Sounds like it may be time to find a new psychiatrist, Grant! Maybe a new therapist, too! Can you have the doctor who prescribed lithium treat you now? There may be a good reason why your doctor isn’t giving you lithium – have you asked about that?
You’ll read in Julie’s book that anger and irritability can be part of hypomania; I get that way, too. Give yourself a little break and realize that the anger and irritability you’re feeling are actually symptoms of BP. I know that can be hard! If you have a friend or family member who can help you see what’s going on, ask them for assistance. (I find that this is helpful.) Spend some time reading Julie’s book. Another one that I have in my library is the Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide. I like Julie’s better, but the other one is also helpful.
Write back, and let me know how you’re faring, okay?
Peace,
Sandra
Hi Sandra,
I am in Texas! I so appreciate your taking the time to give some great advice. I encourage everyone to do so. We have so much in common and hearing that other people go through the same thing helps so much.
Julie
Julie,
I noticed your comment at the end of this entry about your trip that you would “maybe even get my act together and add some pictures!” and I just wanted to say take it easy on yourself. Your traveling well is PLENTY to accomplish for this trip! I too am self-depricating in order to hide how angry and disappointed I am with myself sometimes. I wish others would catch me on it, but usually they don’t, so I am catching YOU on it and reminding you that you are an inspiration and motivator to those that read your blog – photos or not – and just enjoy your trip, don’t worry about any pictures of the Alamo. We can see them on a postcard anyway!
Heather
Hi Heather,
You are so right!!!! I am actually sitting here in beautiful Jacksonville, Florida feeling that I should have pictures up already- so thank you. I will hold off on the pictures as I am busy today. The jet lag has been tough, so I am just giving into it. I have to go back on Portland time anyway. I am going to write about this later! Julie