Podcast: reader question – I need help for my son when I travel…

Here is a question from Jackie regarding her son.  So many parents worry about their children when they have to travel or be away from home for an extended period of time. I know my mom worries about me and I’m 45! As you can see from Jackie’s question, it’s hard to find the balance of letting your child be independent and at the same time accepting that he or she needs extra help.  Click to the link at the end of this blog to hear my reply.

Hi Julie…I need some direction and advice Please. My 21 yr old sone as bioplar II and does pretty well most of the time living on his own… however, as you know, bi polar being what it is there are times every cple months he needs someone to stay ith him for a few days to get him thru a tough cycle. Most of the time that [ Read More ]





Are you a parent of a child with bipolar disorder?

Parents of kids with bipolar disorder..

I often feel sorry for my mom. She has to deal with so much concerning this illness. I’m having a super tough day today and she knows it.  I always tell her what I’m going through.  I am very honest:  “I’m sick today.  The depression is really bad.”

My mom has used the Health Cards for seven years- this means she knows what I need, but it doesn’t make it easy. She knows I am safe and that I know how to take care of myself. But it must just break her heart to see her child so sick.

I’m lucky that she was willing and able to learn my system. It has saved our relationship – and my life! many times.

I have options, as we all do- when I’m this depressed. On some days, I really do need to see friends and hang out. But friends aren’t [ Read More ]





What people with bipolar disorder want in a partner!

Here are the qualities a person with bipolar disorder would love to find in a partner!

1. Consistent

2. Understanding of your need for structure

3. Willing to read books about bipolar disorder- especially Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder!

4. Loving and kind

5. When you are unreasonable, they know to say, “This is bipolar disorder talking. We need to focus on managing this illness together. I love you, but I will not have you treat me unkindly.”

6. Stable!

Julie





bipolar disorder and depression ….

I’m so sick tonight.  

This is what I wrote in my journal last night when I tracked my mood. I’ve tracked my moods every night for over four years. It is an amazing tool. Usually, I can tell by looking at a month of data what was helping and hurting the bipolar. These last few months have not been as obvious. I’ve just had so much depression that doesn’t seem related to any event. It’s causing events!  When this happens, I try to look deeper into what my be exacerbating the depression.  1. I know it’s bipolar disorder. It’s al illness. There is nothing wrong with me.  2. I’m very upset and worried about my brother. I’m once again to the point of not spending time with him due to his moods. He’s a wonderful man, but he won’t get help for his [ Read More ]





Bipolar disorder and ignorance….

I used to hear these comments a lot:

Why can’t Julie just settle down? Why is Julie always doing things that make her sick? What is Julie’s problem?

They were often said to my mom.

My mom and I both know what to say now- we have educated everyone we know about the illness. The Health Cards helped as they educated her first.

Now, I see it as an educational/informational opportunity.

Here is what I say:

I know my behavior seems odd… (fill in the behavior here).  It’s normal for people with bipolar disorder to be this way- most of us have trouble with… (fill in the problem here!) We try hard to function in a normal way, but just like someone with a physical illness like (choose your illness!) we have so many darn challenges. I love the books by… (Julie!) I think you would find some interesting info about bipolar disorder that can [ Read More ]





Can The Health Cards work when a person with bipolar disorder refuses to get help?

Can The Health Cards work when a person with bipolar disorder refuses to get help?   

Many people with bipolar disorder either don’t believe or can’t see that they have bipolar disorder. This is a scary and very frustration experience for family members, friends and health care professionals. You probably see very clearly see that the person needs help and when they refuse, it’s like watching someone ruin their life. This is a common problem when a person has bipolar disorder. So the first thing to remember is that you are not alone and the person you care about is not doing anything out of defiance or unkindness. They are ill and the illness will not let them see what is wrong. They may constantly blame others or drink and use drugs to deal with their out of control emotions.   

Can I use The Health Cards to help them see they need help?   

[ Read More ]

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