My brother Ed

My brother Ed- it's an interesting relationship.

Sometimes you have to walk away from a family member and create a new relationship that works for you – in terms of bipolar disorder.  I love my brother- just as you probably love your family members even when they drive you bonkers. But, and this is a big one- you can’t always have the kind of relationship you want and need with someone just because they are a part of your family.

I know what I want from my brother- and after a lifetime of being together, you think I would know what he can and wants to give. I have to change and I’m trying.  He is who he is.  I found a journal from 1994 the other night and opened to a page randomly. And believe it or not, I found [ Read More ]





Posted on August 12th, 2010 | Tags: , , | Category: Uncategorized

Julie Fast’s brother Ed on having a sister with bipolar disorder video!

 I asked my brother, “What’s it like to have a sister with bipolar disorder?” His answer was totally unexpected. I thought he would talk about the problems I had in the past. But that was a long time ago – and now we get along well. It’s good to ask family members what they think. You can record them and add them to your blog!

Julie





Reader Comment: Mother of daughter with bipolar disorder

Hi, I just received this comment about my speech last week. I want to respond to it directly.

 

julie. . . .we attended your speech in Eugene on last Thursday night.  My daughter is having a hard time right now and any little “light” that she can see is SO important, so you can imagine how important it has been for her to be exposed to your hopeful messages, your time that you took to speak with us afterward!  We bought the health cards CD. Haven’t had time to look at it yet, but WILL. Many thanks. becky

 

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When I meet wonderful people at my talks, I’m always happy to see mothers and fathers with their child. There is so [ Read More ]





Bipolar Disorder: Tip for Family Members

1. Read, read, read: Knowledge about bipolar disorder is your number one tool. Read the DSM-IV diagnostic manual and learn about bipolar disorder. The entry on bipolar disorder is only about ten pages- but you can learn so much! All libraries have this book in their reference department. While you’re there, read about psychotic disorders as well. And if you’re really interested, read about personality disorders and anxiety disorders. People with bipolar disorder share symptoms with all of these disorders which is why it’s such a tough illness to treat. And of course, my books are a great read as well!





Family Support Groups

Hi Julie,

I wonder if there is a way to find out if other people have started support groups for teens or families who have a loved one with BP?

People rave about the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) family to family program. People also get a lot of help from DBSA (Depression Bipolar Support Alliance).  You can find more info on the web.

I just corresponded with a reader from Australia- you can look up her organization: Association for Relatives and Friends of the Emotionally and Mentally Ill.

Feel free to leave a comment if you have other suggestions!

Julie