This is Sheri Joi, host for ’Your Best Holidays Ever’coaching call. It was a great success. I learn from Julie every time we have a call. I could tell she was surprised to hear that I have also struggled with depression and loneliness on the holidays- even though I have a large,happy family. It’s all relative. I’m using her tips this year and have planned for all of the days that are special for me.
Here is one of Julie’s main points: How to deal with loneliness during New Years Eve!
Julie:One of the main problems we face is loneliness during specific days such as New Years Eve. I’m a big believer in planning ahead in order to prevent depression. If you don’t have plans for a day that’s important to you, there is still plenty of time! Is [ Read More ]
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 ]
Bipolar is so very weird. When I’m depressed I can look at this rose and see nothing of beauty. I’ve also had experiences where the beauty of something is painful because I feel so left out.
With mania,the rose is too beautiful. I could look into it forever –which is not exactly true as when I’m manic I don’t do anything for very long. My attention would be grabbed by something even more beautiful.
When my ex partner Ivan was really psychotic and in the hospital- I took him a rose- it had a lot of symbolic meaning to him- it was blood red- it caused pain- etc.
Well,it’s pretty obvious that a rose isn’t just a rose is a rose….
Today I want to just look at the rose for what it is. A beautiful flower. I live in Portland,Oregon- also known as the [ Read More ]
Hi,I just received a question from Sandra asking if it’s normal that her depression seems to show up every two months- oh,yes it is normal! Here is my answer:
hi Julie,
I have a question. Looking back at about eight months of journaling,I noticed that every two months or so,my entries suggest that I was depressed. It would appear that this is cycling every two months. Could this be accurate? Anything I can do to correct it? Yes,I will bring it up with my psychiatrist at the next appointment.
Thanks!
Hi Sandra,
Bipolar disorder is an episode illness- as compared to psychotic or personality disorders which are more stable over time. This means a person can have a few severe episodes and then none for a few years- or someone,like myself can have mood swings [ Read More ]
Here is a comment from J. on my blog about the economic climate in this country- it’s a good one!
thank u for this. I needed some cheering up. financially we are at out wits’end. I function only due to my meds. without them i’d be dead now. bipolar is no joke,and having financial problems on top of it…well,it’s hard to stay sane. I CAN choose to enjoy as much of my life THIS MOMENT as I can,no matter what is going on around me. so I try. I fight depression. my meds keep me from mania which is good or we’d be in worse trouble. I thank god I still have left things to be thankful for RIGHT NOW. tomorrow will be dealt with tomorrow. that’s how I cope with money problems I can’t fix. one day at a time. if I live in the present I can cope [ Read More ]
- Try to recreate the hospital environment at home so that you can ease back into life. Hospitals can be traumatic,but they can also be comforting. There is a routine with set meal times and doctor rounds. Structure helps so much when you get out of the hospital.
- Forget the guilt. Just let it go. I mean this. You went to the hospital because you were sick. If anyone is telling you otherwise,tell them they have to mess with me! People who are seriously physically ill go to the hospital and their loved ones feel relief that the person is safe. A person goes to a psych ward and everyone gets freaky scared! You went to the hospital because you have a physical illness called bipolar disorder and it got a bit too strong for you to take care of it on your [ Read More ]
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A Reader Question for Julie Fast 