Depression, Suicide and Laughing

I am sure that seems like an odd blog title- but I find the whole thing odd that a person can be extremely depressed and be able to really laugh at something funny, like a silly dog video and then when the laughing is done, the depression is right there.

One of the dangerous realities of suicide is that people who are often very suicidal can actually seem normal. They can go about their lives, laugh a bit and even talk about the future- and inside all they think about is how they want their life to end. It’s very common.

If you are a family member of someone with bipolar disorder this can all be extremely confusing. How is it possible that we can act one way and think another way?  How can we go to a birthday party, have fun and then go home and not be able to stop crying?

It’s part [ Read More ]





Posted on April 4th, 2010 | Tags: , , | Category: Uncategorized

Reader comment on suicidal thoughts….

I write a lot about suicide on this blog. I just received this comment from one of the posts. I replied to the comment below:

Hi Julie,

And, now I’m scared.  This down keeps on keeping on and more and more I cannot see the point of my living.  Diagnosed 12 years ago and many meds later I’m not confined to my bed but I’m just awake more to alienate myself from everyone and experience longer and more excruciating bouts of pain.  I understand that fighting attitude and I keep trying to rise above it and then I get weary and then I can’t fight my way out of a paper bag.  I’ve lost all credibility with family, friends and co-workers.  I don’t want to be around someone like me.  I have not stopped crying for weeks. I cry while I’m walking, I cry at  thru water aerobics  Now, I’m just holding on until I [ Read More ]





Posted on November 29th, 2009 | Tags: , , | Category: Suicide

It’s ok. It’s going to be ok. You are ok.

I have said this to myself many times in the past 15 years since being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Just a few weeks ago I dealt with a lot of suicidal thoughts- even when I was crying and scared, I said, “Julie, it’s bipolar disorder. It’s going to be ok.”When I wake up depressed and think, “Oh no, not another day of depression!” I say to myself, “Get up Julie. Make it a day that isn’t ruled by depression. Then it will be ok.”Oh man. I get tired of this illness, but it’s treatable. I woke up slightly depressed this morning. I then made myself focus on what was going well in my life and the depression didn’t feel so overwhleming. Once I got up and got going, the day looked more positive. It’s getting up that makes the difference.If you’re sick today- it’s going to be ok. If you were super sick and just [ Read More ]





More news from the DBSA conference

Mania from the DBSA conference!  (DBSA stands for the Depression, Bipolar Support Association- the conference was this weekend in Virginia)

I just received the following comment from Denise, a DBSA participant.

I too was at the conference, and found your workshop on Relationships to be an excellent workshop.

Don’t know about others who have BiPolar Disorder who were at the conference, but by the end, I was beginning to feel the mania coming on. Too much auditory stimulation I suppose. As I write this, I am waiting on my dr to return my call, as I also started getting visual ‘distortions’ toward the end of the conference.

Julie, it was a pleasure to meet you at the conference.

** Oh, yes. I experienced the same thing. I often feel there should be a class on how to stay stable when you go to a conference on bipolar disorder! My worries are more that I will [ Read More ]





DBSA Conference in Virginia

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 [ Read More ]





DBSA.. Julie Fast Podcast interview: Families and Bipolar Disorder

I’m speaking at the Depression Bipolar Support Alliance in September, 2008. I really look forward to it.

My presentation is on Families and Mood Disorders. The three hour program is filled with personal stories and tips on managing the illness as a team.

I recently did a DBSA podcast interview on the topic.  Don’t worry! The podcast isn’t three hours. ;)

I think you will enjoy it!

Please click on this link for the podcast:

Julie Fast DBSA Interview: Families and Bipolar Disorder

Depending on your computer system, you can either listen directly from this blog, or you may have to download the podcast to your computer. This is a MP3 file that’s easy to download and then play. You can then put the file on your IPOD.

Let me know what you think!

Julie





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