Julie A. Fast's Blog, page 104

November 28, 2010

OCD and Bipolar Disorder

This illness is so much more than depression and mania. Most people with bipolar disorder have anxiety – and one of the main types of anxiety is obsessive compulsive disorder. I have it often and it's awful! It's triggered by so many things- like where I am right now. I love football and watch as many games as possible. The problem is that there are so many games on at once. The place I go has a lot of people and there are more than five games going at once. Everyone wants to watch their own team, so the bartender Kim has to do a dance every Sunday to try to please everyone.


This environment is one I truly love- but it's also one that makes me ill. Unfair! My symptoms include:
1. Twisting my head all over the place to look at too many games.
2. Checking my phone to see if someone has [ Read More ]


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OCD and Bipolar Disorder
OCD and Bipolar Disorder

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Published on November 28, 2010 12:27

November 27, 2010

Today is a good day.. no depression!

all right!




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Published on November 27, 2010 16:08

Work and Bipolar: OH! It can be so hard!

Here is a story from Sandra that is so amazing- you will read it like a novel! Sandra writes so eloquently about the challenges of having bipolar and how much you can and can't say at work. I tell everyone about my bipolar. Everyone- but I do know it can be hard for some to understand! Here is the story and my response after. Sandra send her comment in response to another reader Jenn who has offered some great advice on the blog as well.


Hi Jenn,


Thank you so much for your very kind and helpful reply. I find myself unable to concentrate or "move" productively, so I will follow my own advice and write a list of what I'd like to do – in small chunks. As I'm writing this, I'm actually shaking; I'm so worried about Monday. Let me explain.


One of my colleagues saw me upset at lunchtime as I was returning to my room [ Read More ]


Related posts:A holiday gift- giving advice!
Cherise asks: how can I manage bipolar illness and also go to work and school?
Bipolar Disorder and Work: BP Magazine Link to My Column

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Published on November 27, 2010 15:02

November 25, 2010

November 24, 2010

A holiday gift- giving advice!

Hi Everyone,


Most of us know Sandra and what happened with her at school- so many people responded the last time she asked for help. I am really so appreciative of people on this blog.  Always know that you can send a blog post here asking for help from readers and I will post it. We can all help each other- from having the illness to being a loved one or a health care professional- we all have great advice.  Sandra wrote before- you can read her blog post here


http://bipolarhappens.com/bhblog/?s=sandra+and+the+teacher


and the amazing comments that followed. Here is her update.


Here is the new request from Sandra:


I could use a little advice – TLC – anything right now.  I know that the people at work are well-meaning and truly have their hearts in the right place, but they are driving me crazy with their intrusiveness of late!


Yesterday, before leaving school, one of my supervisors asked me [ Read More ]


Related posts:Holiday Changes for the Better: Reader Comment
Lisa's advice on bipolar disorder and school
Wow! Thank You Sandra!

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Published on November 24, 2010 09:40

November 22, 2010

Holiday rush advice from Sheri Joi

Yes, it is here again. The time that leads to the holiday stress for many of those with  bipolar and those who care. Wow! What a season.  I have learned to really plan ahead for holiday days as I am beyond depressed if they don't go well. I am someone who has a family that is not always jolly when they are together, so I plan other things for the important days and see them for short amounts of time- and it's truly quality time. That works so much better! I asked my friend Sheri Joi for her advice about Christmas. I know that many of us don't celebrate Christmas, but I know that many do! (It's my nephew's favorite time of the year.) Here is Sheir Joi's advice on planning ahead for Christmas. I love it!


"Traditions are what the holidays are made of.  Hopefully '"stress" "depression" and "anxiety" are not your traditions that you are passing [ Read More ]


Related posts:Bipolar Disorder and Holiday Cheer
The Holidays
July 4th Holiday Bipolar Blues

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Published on November 22, 2010 12:02

Help from readers on mania question..

wow, the responses from all of you were amazing. Thank you. If you are reading the blog for the first time, I posted an email below where a person needs advice as she's in a manic episode. My answer is below her email and if you look at the small comments button below the post,  you can read the answers. Awesome support! Julie








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Related posts:A Note to Readers from Julie
Blog comments … here's how to find them! (and a lot more news…)
Bipolar disorder manic/mania/hospital!
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Published on November 22, 2010 11:48

November 19, 2010

Mania: all right everyone- we have a reader who needs our help.

Hi Julie


I am in a manic state right now and it feels so good after being severely depressed for over two years. At this time I am doing something that is both destructive and dishonest. I am "talking to/dating" four men at the same time (three of them have expressed their love and desire for long term relationships with me). While most of our recent interaction has been over the internet and telephone I have arranged visits with all of them. They are not strangers to me (I have known them all for many years) and I know this behavior and perhaps our friendships have got to stop. The problem is I don't know how to tell these men that I can't be involved with them anymore with out hurting them and making myself look absolutely foolish and of poor moral character (so far I have had sex with three of them). Two of [ Read More ]


Related posts:Reader Comment: Mania and Sex
Newsletter: Mania, hypomania, euphoric mania, dysphoric mania- my plea to you!
Bipolar Mania: Pressured Speech

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Published on November 19, 2010 18:25

November 18, 2010

Mini Newsletter: Mania Story

Mania sneaks up on all of us. Here is a funny mania story. Expensive, but funny. [ Read More ]


Related posts:Watch Out for Summer Mania Newsletter
Bipolar Disorder Mania- Hypomania
Spring = Mania
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Published on November 18, 2010 09:41

November 17, 2010

Julie's Books… Special offer for the holidays!

Yes, the holidays are upon us. Some love them and then there are those of us who dread them! There are so many reason to feel both ways.  I am spreading cheer today- all of my books are 20% off -  when you click on the link below, it will take you to the page that explains the special offer.


http://bipolarhappens.com/bhblog/holiday-special-offer/


Many people ask me how I do so well considering I have such severe rapid cycling. My answer is always the same: My Health Cards Treatment System for Bipolar Disorder. They are everything to me and everyone in my life uses them.  I am alive because of them- there are not many things that can be so effective, but they are.


The holidays have always been tough for me.  How about you? I have a plan I created using the Health Cards and my holidays are fine now. I prepare ahead and know what to [ Read More ]


Related posts:The Holidays are Coming!
Blog comments … here's how to find them! (and a lot more news…)
Latest Bipolar Happens Newsletter: Creating Positive, Stress Free and Enjoyable Holidays

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Published on November 17, 2010 11:22

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