Bipolar Social Anxiety and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders!

I once watched a reality show on becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader when I was at the gym. I had a political interview show on my IPOD, but this was far more intriguing ! First of all, it was a pretty weak premise for a show – as watching cheerleader tryouts probably brings back a lot of bad memories for those of us who were not fond of high school! But there was something very interesting on the show.

The women had to climb up a really high pole and jump off onto a trapeze bar. Yes, that was one of the tasks.  There was one candidate who was very scared of heights. She cried the whole way up the pole. But I had to admire her. She got up there, stood up and jumped off. It was pretty safe as she [ Read More ]





Bipolar Disorder and OCD thoughts

Most people I know with bipolar disorder have OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) symptoms.  They are normal.  

It’s hard to get OCD thoughts to stop- but I do have a trick.  If I’m obsessing about a person and the person’s name is going over and over in my head or something the person said is looping in my head- I just say to myself- “This will be over soon Julie. This isn’t forever. It’s the bipolar. Learn from this Julie and keep away from the trigger so it doesn’t happen again.” 

Sometimes this is easier than fighting and answering the thoughts themselves.

Julie





OCD and Bipolar Disorder

This illness is so much more than depression and mania. Most people with bipolar disorder have anxiety – and one of the main types of anxiety is obsessive compulsive disorder.  I have it often and it’s awful! It’s triggered by so many things- like where I am right now. I love football and watch as many games as possible.  The problem is that there are so many games on at once. The place I go has a lot of people and there are more than five games going at once. Everyone wants to watch their own team, so the bartender Kim has to do a dance every Sunday to try to please everyone.

This environment is one I truly love- but it’s also one that makes me ill. Unfair! My symptoms include: 1. Twisting my head all over the place to look at too many games. 2. Checking my phone to see if someone has [ Read More ]





Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety

Writing through anxietyAnxiety comes in many forms- but there is one thing they all have in common. Physical symptoms.  These symptoms include breathing problems, uncomfortable waves of fear, restlessness and in some, paralysis! Anxiety is complicated because it can be seen as a person’s inability to deal with life- when in reality it’s a well documented and treatable illness. I’ve often sat down to write a book and felt such waves of anxiety I felt there was no way I could go on. I can usually write through them- on really tough days I walk around. Then there really are some days where I just give up and write more later. When I had my own radio show- I loved being live, but the anxiety was so bad a few days before the show I felt like I was going crazy. I’ve never experienced anything like it. When you listen to the shows, I bet [ Read More ]





Bipolar disorder anxiety and work!

I’m sitting here at my desk writing my column for BP Magazine.  The topic is great- the length requirement is great. I have been writing these columns for years and usually enjoy the process. Today, things are tough. My anxiety is just hitting me from all sides! I feel it in my body- my brain and all around me.  There is nothing wrong- I’m on track to write the article, even though I’m a few days past my deadline.Anxiety can be so debilitating because it’s so physical. I can sit and work when I’m depressed or mildly hypomanic. I can even work when I’m mildly psychotic. But anxiety is tough!!!!!I have to finish this though- I need a plan.

1. Change my writing position. I have a crate I use on top of my desk where I can stand up and write instead of sitting.

2. Do a few minutes of yoga. I have yoga [ Read More ]





Posted on July 11th, 2009 | Tags: , , , | Category: Uncategorized

Working through bipolar anxiety

Bipolar anxiety is really common when you’re depressed- and a large part of dysphoric mania where depression and mania are combined.

 But there is also just plain old anxiety that visits on its own. I call this free form anxiety as it just sort of floats around and comes in and out in waves.  When this happens, as it is today- I have to remind myself that….

You can work through anxiety. Your body will still function and work can still get done. It’s just not comfortable. After over two weeks of solid mood swings, I’m feeling better, but the anxiety is floating around! I’m working on an article on psychosis. I love this topic and am excited to get it done- so I have to work through this anxiety that wants me to stop. It makes my body feel so tense and uncomfortable !

I made a promise to myself a long time ago- [ Read More ]





Page 1 of 3123