Complain O’ Meter

What, you may ask, what is a Complain O’ Meter?

It’s a devise used to see if you complain too much and don’t even know it! I used to be a major complainer. It was terrible for all of the people around me- and it wasn’t so great for me either as I was unhappy all [...]

Testy, snappy people – and bipolar disorder

Testiness and Bipolar Disorder

Some people are just hard to be around. They are snappy, opinionated, sarcastic, and sometimes mean. I have met them! It’s often a personality trait. This means they were born that way and will probably remain that well unless something or someone [...]

Bipolar Stress vs. Regular Stress

Bipolar Disorder Stress vs. Regular Stress

My friends often ask me about bipolar disorder: When you say you’re bipolar stressed, what does that mean?

It is hard to explain to people sometimes. I’ve learned to use comparisons.

For example, I’m going to Virginia to teach a seminar on Thursday at the DBSA- Depression, Bipolar Support Alliance convention. I’m [...]

Bipolar and Political Stress

If you’re outside of the US, you’re certainly missing one of the most contentious and controversial political elections in a very, very long time.
 I have definitely opinions on it all- which is fine. The problem is that I’m letting my upset really work me into a frenzy. My friends and I talk about it- get [...]

bipolar blog reader comment – school, meds and uneducated family members

Ok! I keep saying I’m going to reply to comments when I can. I just have to do it instead of thinking about doing it!
Here is a comment about school:

Hi Julie,
 
I was going to school full time for three terms but this summer my doctor and I decided to change my meds.  YUCK…I have been [...]

Bipolar: Excitement and downswings!

I had a wonderful weekend at a writer’s conference. Because of this, I knew I had to be prepared for a downswing. It was inevitable.  Bipolar disorder doesn’t care if I had a good time – it just noticed that things were different and that I was in an exciting environment.

I woke up slightly down [...]

It’s 2 AM!!!!!!

It’s two am!!! I had caffeine today and this is my punishment. If I didn’t have bipolar disorder, it would not be a big deal. I’d just sleep more the next day or make up for it the next night.

That is not how it works for me. Because I have pretty severe rapid cycling, [...]