BP Magazine. How Do You Define Acceptance?

BP Magazine asked all of the bloggers to write about accepting the bipolar disorder diagnosis. This was actually a hard topic to write about. There are a few different kinds of acceptance when it comes to bipolar disorder- I wrote about what it means to me and then had a revelation. Here is the first paragraph of the post and then a link to the magazine blog. (If you don’t have a subscription to the awesome magazine- I highly suggest trying it out. I learn so much- it’s good for family, partners and health care professionals too!)

Blog: How do You Define Acceptance?

I “accepted” my bipolar diagnosis with great joy. I was glad to have a name for what I was going through. I remember sitting in an unknown psychiatrist’s office in Seattle in 1995 after I returned from my [ Read More ]





BP Magazine Blog: Dysphoric Mania. I’ve got to get out of here! I hate my life!

BP Magazine Blog: Dysphoric Mania. I’ve got to get out of here! I hate my life! [ Read More ]





Posted on July 4th, 2011 | Tags: , , , | Category: Mania

My Latest Bp Magazine Article

Do you read BP Magazine? I love it.

I also write a column for the magazine where I get to go into a personal topic in depth and tell a bit about myself in the process. There is always so much to write about – this time I chose the topic of cleaning up after a nasty mood swing. So much is affected when a person gets sick for a long period of time. Even a few weeks of a suicidal depression can change everything at work for example. This is especially true with mania- especially if sex or money were involved!

If you have never read the magazine, you are really in for something special. I recommend it for anyone and everyone affected by bipolar disorder.

Here is a link to read more about the magazine. I think you will really enjoy the [ Read More ]





Posted on April 16th, 2010 | Tags: , | Category: Bipolar Treatment Tips

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

bipolar mood swings and the beauty of a rose

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 ]





Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder: Reader Question

  A Reader Question for Julie Fast  

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 ]





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