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 ]





Bipolar disorder and the economy:A great reader comment

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 ]





bipolar disorder and going to the hospital

Just out of the Hospital?

Here are some tips:

- 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 ]





A Bipolar Disorder and Relationships Secret

A big bipolar disorder treatment secret… .

Surround yourself with people who love and respect you. It’s that simple. I’ve been around people who say they care about me and that they want to be with me- but in reality they didn’t love and respect me. It’s all about them.

I don’t want people like that in my life. I used to know quite a few of them and I have met a few lately- but I’m getting better at seeing them at face value when we meet.

People who don’t love and respect me but still want something from me make me sick. Literally! I would rather be alone for the rest of my life than be with someone who so disrespects me they would continue behavior I have asked them to stop. The only thing I can do in a situation like this is say a strong GOOD BYE!

On the other hand,[ Read More ]





Reader Question:What if my daughter’s therapist cancels appointments?

   A  Reader Question for Julie

Hi Julie,

My daughter takes Lamictal and Lexpro and I believe she is going to talk to the new Psychiatrist about increasing the dosage,when she finally gets to meet him this week. My daughter has found a therapist that she likes but the therapist has cancelled some appointment- two I think. My daughter has very limited time due to her job so she cannot reschedule in the same week and it’s a time that she really needs the appointment.

I have to say it ticks me off considering this persons job. I’d think the therapist would be more aware of the effect,for many reasons. Is it unusual for a patient to ask for a phone apt.? Just a thought. I don’t want to react with the anger I feel and would like to make a helpful suggestion.

Thanks again,and at [ Read More ]





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