How I manage bipolar disorder successfully……I get a lot of questions from readers asking how I can do so well despite having chronic bipolar disorder mood swings. Here is my long answer. There is a short answer as well. I will put that at the end! **
I can vividly recall what my life was like in 1995. I was just diagnosed with bipolar disorder and I had NO idea what do to about it. There were literally no treatment plan books on the market- Kay Redfield Jamison’s book An Unquiet Mind came out that year and I devoured it! I felt hope from the book, but didn’t learn how to manage the illness. My medical bills were large and not being able to work put a huge strain on my partner Ivan. After two more years of medication troubles and constant mood swings, I said enough is enough and decided to create a plan of my own. I wanted to stay alive and work and have friends and have a life! I called this plan the Health Cards Treatment System for Bipolar Disorder. You can read more about it on this blog.
That was over 15 years ago and I have reached my goals- I can work. I have a lot of friends and life is so much better than it was then. Do I still have bipolar mood swings? Yes I do! I have bipolar disorder symptoms daily, but by managing the illness with my treatment plan I have saved thousands of dollars in hospital bills, stopped all impulsive spending, no longer make disastrous relationship decisions and have created a system that lets me easily recognize my earliest signs bipolar disorder symptoms so that I can counteract each and every one of them with the right steps to really manage my life and get on with the life I want to live.
My family and close friends know exactly what to do when and now easily recognize and understand my bipolar disorder symptoms. They no longer have to live with the fear, confusion and worry that our loved ones pften face. They know exactly how to help and what each of the earliest signs look like. Having a treatment plan has taught them of what to do and how to really help with this often confusing and complex illness. Just the other day- I went out for lunch with my friend Avi. After about an hour he said, “Julie, you told me to be honest with you. And I’m seeing the signs that you’re manic.” I was so upset! I said, “It must be because I drank regular coffee! ” I wasn’t upset with him- but with the illness. I was finally feeling good- but because he knew the Health Cards I got an honest opinion on my mood and I listened. I’ve even taught my five year old nephew David about bipolar and what it looks like when I get sick.
He doesn’t think it’s a big deal!
Most importantly, creating the system has saved my life! And having a treatment plan in place has allowed me to work again. Something I couldn’t do for many, many years. Diagnosis and medications are the very first steps to taking back your life with bipolar disorder but the professionals agree, this may only take care 30 to 50% of the symptoms. I get 50% relief from my Lamictal. Bipolar disorder is an extremely comprehensive illness that can and does affect all areas of your life. It takes a full and comprehensive treatment plan to manage it. I still have bipolar disorder mood swings and side effects from the meds- but I will take that over what life was like for me in 1995. I’m proud of the work I have done and hope it can help others in the same way!
julie
I also chart my moods daily – that helps a lot!
Good suggestions. I watch for mood clues that help me react before its too late.
Living successfully with BPD is possible. It is important to remember that ‘successfully’ does not mean perfectly.
Hi Julie, I still don’t think there is anything wrong with bipolar symptoms. I don’t think it is something that needs to be fixed. I was diagnosed bipolar 12 years ago but to make a long story short, I think that “normal” people should become more bipolar. I’m not a criminal and my logic is just different if not better than theirs. I know you feel the same way about yourself. We do know more. Do you disagree? Do you really want me to sign myself off as being inferior?
Hi Julie, I read your most recent newsletter. Certainly you hit the nail on the head for my loved one. My problem is that I see the signs but don’t know how to address it. I usually say something stupid, perhaps because when we are in the middle of it, I hesitate to say, it seems you are manic right now…….Or perhaps it’s better to say, I think I’m seeing manic symptoms. Even if I say that, what do I say from there. Better to wait until a huge emotional reaction to a situation is over then bring it up, or say something right in the middle of the “melt down”? ARG!!!
Thanks…K
Hi Kathy,
These mood swings throw the people who care about us into no man’s land! It’s not intuitive to know how to talk to someone who is manic or psychotic. All of my books mention the bipolar conversation- I recommend Loving Someone with bipolar disorder if it’s your partner you’re talking about- and Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder if it’s a family or friend!
Your insight is commendable! Julie