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Quick help for Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

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Published on October 23, 2014 11:32

Three Tips to Get Things Done When You Have Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder Management tips: How I get things done! I find it amazing that on some days I can look at my bills and other ‘to do’ items and just sit down and get them done without over-thinking things! Then there are days where just the idea of paying bills or answering email is so overwhelming I simply shut down. This is one bipolar disorder symptom that is very hard to explain, but it’s very real and needs to be addressed. Here are some tips:

1. HIRE SOMEONE TO HELP YOU MAKE MONEY. If you are missing money making opportunities because of feeling overwhelmed, it makes total sense to hire someone who helps you bring the money into your life. The cost of the person you hire comes directly out of the money you make. I’ve found that I lose money when I don’t have a manager. My manager Tamia often just sits next to me while I work and makes sure I stay on track, especially on the tough days when my brain feels like mush.

2. READ GET IT DONE WHEN YOU’RE DEPRESSED: I love this book as it’s not about managing depression- it’s about working even though you have depression. It also works well for anxiety and ADD symptoms. The 50 strategies in the book are the ones I use daily to keep myself focused.

3. SPEND MONEY IF YOU HAVE IT: A clean house completely changes your ability to get things done. If you have the money, hire someone to clean your house, do the gardening, make your meals or anything else that you can easily hand off to someone who does a great job. I find that people who have money tend to beat themselves up over not getting things done when it’s so simple to hire someone to do the basics! People with bipolar disorder do have money.

This are a few out of the ordinary ways to get things done on the tough days!

Julie

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Published on October 21, 2014 14:43

What are the Signs of Bipolar Disorder Euphoric Mania?

As you may know, I’m a bipolar coach and I specialize in working with parents and partners who have a loved one with bipolar disorder. One of the most common questions I receive is from parents and partners about how they can better recognize mania. Here are some tips on how to recognize euphoric mania. (I will do a post on how to recognize dysphoric mania in the next few days.) If you’re not sure of the difference between the two, please use the search button to the right of the page and either type in euphoric or dysphoric to read more about the two types of mania.

Mania is a “Euphoric” high. You feel like you can do no wrong, you feel great, you’re invincible, you can’t believe you’ve ever been depressed. You are sure you will never be depressed again! Life is good!

You think: This is the best drug in the world and it’s free!

This leads you to spend money recklessly, make big decisions at the spur of the moment and always feel that things will somehow work out. In fact, if you’re really manic, you’re not thinking realistically at all. It’s just pure physical sensation. I say it’s like you’ve been coated in joy juice.

Euphoric mania is awesome at the beginning- when it’s in the hypomanic phase.

For those who are naturally outgoing and good speakers, the early signs of euphoric mania are usually missed. But when you know what to look for, you can see the mania signs in yourself or your loved one. If someone is usually more reserved, you will really notice when the mania starts!

Here are three way to recognize euphoric mania:

1. Look for pressured speech: Most people in a bipolar euphoric manic episode won’t let you talk. They only want to talk about themselves and their ideas. You are just a listening vehicle. When I get manic, it feels like my ideas and words are pressing on the back of my teeth and I just HAVE TO GET THEM OUT! It feels so good!

2. Sleep changes: All people who are experiencing mania will need less sleep. When I’m manic, I have thoughts such as Sleep is such a waste of time! It’s 3 AM and I’m still awake, I don’t think I even need to sleep tonight! or It’s so great to finally get things done- this is the real me! People who are manic do not have insomnia. It’s truly a situation where the person doesn’t need the sleep and can get by on 4-6 hours a night. When mania goes full blown, some people go for weeks without sleeping. I always know I’m manic if I feel the desire to go out and party even though it’s time for bed.

3. People who are in a euphoric mania mood swing are very goal driven. Projects that may have been dormant for years get done in a few hours- it’s easy to clean the house, pay the bills, do your taxes, make jewelry, complete to do lists and so much more! When I’m manic like this, I become very crafty and start so many projects there is no way they will get finished- unless I stay manic for a long time.

If you care about someone with bipolar disorder and are not quite sure when they are starting to get euphoric mania, observe how much they are talking about themselves and their dreams and projects. And definitely check out their rate of speech. That will give you a clue and you can go from there.

Julie

PS. I’m up to date with my waiting list and have a few openings come up in my coaching practice. If you are a parent or a partner of someone with bipolar disorder and you are in crisis, need help and information regarding your relationship, this coaching is for you. To begin the process, please check out my coaching page and fill out an intake. I will reply with information on how to set up an intake call. During the call, I will hear more of your story, explain my rates and offer ideas on how we can best work together. The call is 30 minutes and at no charge. Knowing how to handle a situation can change your life. Please note my coaching is only for parents and partners. Thank you!

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Published on October 17, 2014 12:44

Bipolar Disorder and Quitting

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Published on October 15, 2014 15:11

Having a tough day?

If you’re having a tough day, this is a reminder that the world can be beautiful. My mom grew the flowers and my friend Tamia arranged them into this beautiful display. Julie

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Published on October 07, 2014 11:08

A Keynote in Portland, Oregon with Julie A. Fast: Mania and Sex: Why Does Everyone Look So Tasty When I’m Manic?

I’m giving a humorous keynote on mania and sex in Portland, Oregon on Wednesday for PABA- the Portland Area Business Association LGBT branch. Come join me! You can either join the lunch or just watch the speech. I’d love to see local readers and friends. I promise…. you will laugh. The title of the speech? Mania and Sex: Why Does Everyone Look So Tasty When I’m Manic? Oh, the stories we all have!

Click here for more information on the talk.

I’ll stay after the presentation to chat with anyone who wants to say hello!

Julie

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Published on October 05, 2014 15:25

A Quick Tip to Help with Bipolar Disorder Anxiety

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Published on October 05, 2014 15:12

Are you a partner of a person with bipolar disorder?

Are you in a romantic relationship with a person who has bipolar disorder? Here are a few reasons why treating bipolar disorder first is the only way for a relationship to stabilize and become joyful:

Reasons to Treat Bipolar Disorder First

1. Less stress on the relationship

2. Fewer medical bills

3. Less addictive and dangerous behavior

4. Creates a stable environment for children

5. Work is possible Money can be managed more effectively

6. Life can be enjoyable again

When I work with partners of those who have bipolar, I always stress that until the bipolar is treated and managed, relationships rarely change for the better. When the bipolar disorder is treated and managed, relationships ALWAYS change for the better. Have you read Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder? It you’re a partner, this book is the BEST! Yes, I’m biased. Julie

PS: Have you read Loving? If so, how did it help you the most? For myself, the tips on how to deal with the irritation and anger of someone in a dysphoric manic episode have really made a difference in my relationships. The second edition of the book has a new chapter on helping a partner manage medications. It’s good! If you read the orange copy of the book- you might want to check out the new chapter in the blue copy.

PSS. Loving is available in Japanese!

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Published on September 27, 2014 08:05

Anxiety Listorama… how many anxiety symptoms do you share?

Anxiety is a common symptom of bipolar disorder. It’s especially prevalent when you’re depressed or in a dysphoric manic episode. I did a talk in California a few months ago and asked the audience to write down their anxiety symptoms. Here’s the list- wow- there are a lot. How many do you share?

ANXIETY SYMPTOMS

FEARFUL SCARED UPSET STOMACH NAUSAUS WHEN WAKING SHORTNESS OF BREATH HEART PALPITATIONS ROCKING BACK AND FORTH INABILITY TO FOCUS IRRATIC THINKING FOOT TAPPING CANT CONCENTRATE SWEATING BREATHING HARD THINK I’M HAVING A HEART ATTACK PANIC PAIN OVER THE TOP EMOTIONS PACING RESTLESS LEGS CAN’T SLEEP MIND WON’T SHUT UP OBSESSIVE EAT A LOT ANGRY LACK OF MOTIVATION UNABLE TO MOVE FORWARD SCARED SOMETHING BAD IS GOING TO HAPPEN HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES FEEL CLAUSTROPHOBIC BUZZED ALL OVER FEELING DREAD TENSION IN SHOULDERS WORRIED I’VE DONE SOMETHING WRONG BUT I CAN’T REALLY FIGURE OUT WHAT IT IS WRING MY HANDS CAN’T SIT STILL HAVE THE THOUGHT THAT I HAVE TO GET OUT OF WHEREEVER I AM RUNNING AWAY CAN’T DRIVE FEEL LIKE I’M GOING TO DIE UNABLE TO THINK RATIONALLY CATOSTROPHIC THINKING RAPID PULSE CAN’T EAT AT ALL WANT TO DRINK COFFEE WHICH IS SO STUPID NEED TO DRINK TO CALM DOWN SAD AND LONELY FEEL LIKE IT WILL NEVER END DISORGANIZED HEAVY DARKNESS OVER MY HEAD MEAN EMOTIONAL NERVOUS TICS TREMORS EXCESSIVE TALKING WHITE GAUZE OVER MY EYES SHAKING HANDS SWEATY HANDS FEEL LIKE I’M GOING TO PASS OUT CAN’T TALK WANT TO BOLT TENSE MUSCLES DEPRESSION PAIN IN CHEST FRUSTRATION FEEL UNSURE SIGHING NO CONFIDENCE CAN’T SEE A WAY OUT HYPERACTIVE SOCIAL PROBLEMS

oh my…. no wonder anxiety can be so hard to treat! The first step is to write down your own anxiety symptoms so that you can separate yourself from the anxiety- then you can create a plan to take care of the anxiety so that you can get on with life. This is how the Health Cards work. We have to know what we are up against in order to get better. Visit my Facebook page at Julie A. Fast and list any other symptoms you have!

Julie

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Published on September 24, 2014 17:45

BIPOLAR DISORDER MANIA 101

Here is basic info about bipolar disorder mania. It’s MANIA 101!

I’ve decided to label mania each time I talk about it.

As you may now there are two levels of mania: hypomania and full blown mania.

People with bipolar disorder II (two) have hypomania only. People with bipolar disorder I (one) have hyomania and the very dangerous and very life disrupting full blown mania. I have bipolar disorder two, but I’m one of the unfortunates- My type of hypomania is right on the verge of full blown mania. If I ever do move into full blown mania, I will then have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder one. Fingers crossed that never happens!

Within these levels of hypomania and mania, there are two types of mania: Euphoric and Dysphoric mania. It’s simple to describe the difference between the two.

What are the signs and symptoms of euphoric mania?

Euphoric mania feels better than the greatest sex a person can have. It feels like falling in love, getting a dream job, winning an Oscar, traveling the world and seeing flowers bloom. You get the picture. People with bipolar disorder get these feelings without any of the actual events. People tell me that cocaine has a similar feeling, but unless you have experienced euphoric mania, you will not understand how good it feels. It feels so good it gets people with bipolar disorder into a lot of trouble. I met my boyfriends and two husbands while manic- then they had to deal with my depression! Wonderful guys- they stuck with me- until I left! Often when manic. (In case this sounds stressful- I should let you know that this is NOT my pattern now. The Health Cards helped me cure that manic behavior!)

When the euphoric mania strikes, I’m more artistic, sing karaoke with no stage awkwardness, talk with anyone and I mean anyone, can pick up any guy and talk so fast it’s hard to stop myself, but I donl’t really want to stop because it feels so darn good!

What are the signs and symptoms of dysphoric mania?

Now for the tough, tough, awful dysphoric hypomania and mania. It’s easy to describe this mania as well- it’s often called a MIXED STATE because it’s a combination of the very high energy of hypomania and mania combined with agitated depression. There is no feeling of good will or peace or fun- it never feels good. The body is restless, jumpy and the mind is always irritated, often aggressive and swirling like a blender full of ickiness! Once again, there is little way to describe it unless you have experienced it.

Dysphoric mania is often mean, accusatory, unreasonable and fickle. Nothing is every right with life when you are dysphoric manic. I had a big episode a few years ago where almost every moment of the day I thought- I have to leave Portland. I must get out. My life is terrible -people are terrible- moving is all I can do. Luckily, I once again had the Health Cards and they got me through it. Much of this episode was internal. I wrote about it in my Bp Magazine column. Dysphoric mania has a high rate of road rage and suicide. Most of the people in jail who have bipolar disorder are there because of a full blown dysphoric manic episode.

Both levels of mania and both types of mania have some very specific and shared symptoms. 1. It’s extremely and I do mean extremely hard to see that you’re manic. 2. Pressured speech. That’s why I used the mouth graphic for this blog post! 3. Need a lot less sleep, but are never tired the next day. 4. Increase in non thought through and unsafe behaviors- such as driving way too fast or sleeping with someone you don’t know- something you would not do normally. 4. The behavior is not part of your life while stable.

There are many more symptoms of course, but those are the main ones the two have in common! One thing I should add- there is one very big difference between the levels of mania: people in a full blown manic episode often have full blown psychosis. This is especially true with dysphoric full blown mania. Hypomania rarely has any psychosis.

My book Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder has an excellent description of mania- as well as a management plan. To be honest, I work well when I’m mildly to moderately depressed- but mania! Wow, like anxiety, it’s tough to recognize and treat. This is why preventing euphoric and dysphoric hypomania and mania is the ONLY treatment path that works!

If you have mania, I wrote a lot on my Julie A. Fast Facebook page about my last euphoric and very funny episode – involving the picture below. Mania can be managed, but it has a nasty way of slipping back into your life when you least expect it!

Julie

PS: Mania and Depression are two side of the bipolar disorder coin. One is not better or worse than the other- they are both BAD.