Julie A. Fast's Blog, page 63

My Coauthor Dr. John Preston on Bipolar Depression

Sometimes I love a blog so much I post it twice.

My coauthor John is an amazing man. He has helped me more than words can say- it’s great that I get to have a coauthor who is an expert on bipolar disorder. I can get his help with the illness as I’m writing the books. I recently asked him his opinion on the best way to prevent depression. Here is what he said:

Stay active (both socially and physically), keep away from drugs that cause depression (especially alcohol and tranquilizers), maintain adequate sleep, develop a attitude of compassion for yourself…(depressed people are often excessively hard on themselves even between depressive episodes)… give yourself permission to be an ordinary human, with all of the short comings we have as a member of the human race.

He is so right! I know that the problem is it’s hard to do most of this when you’re depressed, but it is possible. We have to keep trying forever.

Julie

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Published on December 01, 2012 20:51

SantaCon: Maybe dressing up as santa and riding around on a bike sounds fun this holiday season!

Santacon loves odd people. If you’re always wondering what to do for the holidays- this may be your thing! It’s definitely adult only- and it will definitely introduce you to new friends.

Click here to read more about SantaCon. You can then see if there is one close to a city near you!

Julie

PS: I would like to mention again that this is an adult event- people do imbibe!

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Published on December 01, 2012 11:40

An Amazing Weekend!

I went to Eugene, Oregon in the western United States this weekend to give a talk on mental illness. I told my story and then talked about mental health in general. The turnout was amazing. Over 200 supportive people were in the audience. They listened with such intensity- I could tell how much the subject meant to them.

Family members were the majority of the audience- there is so little help for the family when someone they love has a mental illness. I met the parents of people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression. Some of them have children with so many symptoms it’s hard to pinpoint a diagnosis. They asked questions about ECT, caretaking, nutrition, stigma, why hospitals feel like jails for some patients, the role of the family, suicide, the signs of specific illnesses and how to deal with emotions when a child is missing.

How do we live with all of this and still keep our lives functioning? I know that I asked myself this for the year my partner Ivan was so ill in 1994. My life was his illness. I wouldn’t do that now- I have more skills than I did then- but at the time, I did what I had to do to make sure both of us survived. And we both did. I hope that my experience helped the audience this weekend know that there is ALWAYS hope. We do survive mental illnesses on both sides- those of us with the illness and those of us who love people with the illness.

Julie

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Published on November 30, 2012 14:56

Medication side effects: Lamictal (lamotrigine)

Hi Julie,

I was taking generic Lamictal for 4 weeks during December, but around Christmas the side effects-headache, anxiety-became too much on 50mg. I know you’re not a doctor, but in your experience do these subside over time. I’m a street musician in Portland and just getting turned on to your bi-polar crusade. Your work looks pretty amazing.

Regards,

Ted

Hi Ted,

Well, side effects are so tricky as they depend on the person. For example, I take 500mg of generic Lamictal (also called generic Lamotrigine) and have more side effects when my dose gets too low!

The normal Lamictal dose is 250mg- but that is just an average. What matters is that it works- the dose depends on the person taking the meds.

My first question would be just that- did it work? If it did, you may want to wait out the side effects if you can- if they are even moderately tolerable. It’s such a great drug when it works, but the side effects can be tough. I had them for three months until they got better. Mine were severe neck stiffness and breathing problems. Now I get the restless legs and twitching! It is an anti epileptic drug, so it makes sense it would really affect our nervous systems. If the side effects really are impossible to live with, you have some options.

If you are well enough to function in terms of bipolar- then you can talk to your doctor about going onto a lower dose until you can tolerate the side effects and then very slowing going up in dose. You have to be really careful about going down in dose though as withdrawal can be tough and painful!

This is definitely something to talk about with your doctor. I would have a list of questions to ask so that you can get the most out of an office visit. I don’t suggest doing this on your own as you need to be closely monitored for mood swings. I went down too quickly once and got super depressed.

It can take many months for a medication to work and many months for the side effects to lessen. Sometimes, they don’t go away and you have to switch meds. I hope your side effects can get better as Lamictal is such an amazing drug.

Good luck, maybe I will see you when I walk around in Portland!

Julie

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Published on November 24, 2012 17:37

Julie’s Message: Plan Ahead for New Year’s Eve!

Hello Everyone,

This is Sheri Joi, your host for Julie’s coaching calls. It have so enjoyed working with her this year. I learn something new every time we have a call. I could tell she was surprised to hear that I have also struggled with depression and loneliness on the holidays- even though I have a large, happy family. It’s all relative. I’m using her tips this year and have planned for all of the days that are special for me.

Here is one of Julie’s main points: How to deal with loneliness during New Years Eve!

Julie: One of the main problems we face is loneliness during specific days such as New Years Eve. I’m a big believer in planning ahead in order to prevent depression. If you don’t have plans for a day that’s important to you, there is still plenty of time! Is there a particular day that is hard for you? Think of EXACTLY what you want to do on that day and plan it NOW.

I find New Year’s Eve especially hard simply because I’m single (basically by choice, but it still feels lonely at this time of the year!) and we all know we have to kiss someone sexy and wonderful at midnight! Of course I am being silly here, but the media creates expectations that can’t always be fulfilled! This year I have plans ready for the 31st. I worked it out two months ago. Yes, I really do plan ahead.

What are your options for the last day of the year?

1. Visit Meetin.org or MeetUp.com to find some fun stuff to do. There are also activities and group events listed at Craigslist.org.

2. Create your own experience. Talk with people now and get something set up. Where will you meet? Where do you want to be at midnight? Maybe it’s at home watching TV with a friend. Maybe it’s going to a party or a club? It’s up to you. Do you want to have a party and invite people?

3. Call around and volunteer. This can start know. I know that it’s a particularly tough time for foster kids, for example.

Create what YOU want. Make this year special!

**Back to you Sheri Joi

Thanks Julie. I always love your tips. Here is a question for the audience. Did you know that Julie struggles with depression almost every day? I’ve seen how planning ahead helps her manage bipolar disorder. I’m so proud of her. I’ve been through my holiday depression- and I agree with Julie. It’s up to us to make the holidays special.

Sheri Joi

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Published on November 23, 2012 04:59

My BP Magazine Blog is Ready. It’s a Holiday and You are Never Alone!

I started my bipolar disorder web page in 2002. Blogs, podcasts, You Tube, Ebay, Facebook, and smart phones were either new or didn’t exist. People regularly wrote me and asked, “What do you mean by a download book and what is a PDF?” Just ten years ago! The desire for info on bipolar disorder back then was huge, but there was very little information about bipolar on the web. Times have certainly changed.

Please click here to read the rest of the blog.

Julie

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Published on November 21, 2012 19:51

Bipolar Disorder and Thanksgiving part two…….

Continued from Thanksgiving part one…..

My friend Margery who has bipolar disorder just called and told me that her sister has decided to come down to Portland instead of staying in Seattle. Sherri said, “I cooked dinner a few years ago, Julie. I’m not spending days cooking for something that is gone in a few hours. It’s too stressful!” I agree. Margery just reserved a full Thanksgiving dinner from Whole foods. She said it was so cheap when everyone went in on it. They bought less than they thought they needed and it was plenty of food. These stores have great and inexpensive salad bars as well.

Good idea.

I’d like to say I’m immune to the whole Thanksgiving thing- but I’m not. I have to make sure I have something to do that day or I know I will get depressed and lonely. It’s my nature. The concept of Thanksgiving has been burned into my American brain. My dinners were so wonderful as a child- that is what I remember.

Here are some tips if Thanksgiving is important to you:

1. Plan now. Where do you want to be? Start hinting to the people you know that you would be a good addition to the party.

2. Send out an email to friends saying you are looking for a fun dinner. You will get replies.

3. Volunteer for the day. Many people do this and you meet new friends.

4.Crash a party!

5. Go to Target to check out the Black Friday specials. Oh – this just sounds terrible… but people love it! Buy a TV the next day!

6. Go to the movies with a friend. Pay for one and then sneak into the others…. Just kidding!

7. If you are going to order a dinner from a place such as Whole Foods, do so ahead of time. They do sell out.

Or… you can be like me.

5. Watch football!

If you’re someone who loves Thanksgiving and has a good time, please invite me over this year. I will even fly to Siberia if you are there on a holiday.

I will bring a house plant as a thank you gift. And if you’re someone like me who doesn’t have firm plans yet, start making them today. It’s hard to be lonely on the holidays when you have bipolar disorder.

There is a place for everyone.

Julie

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Published on November 18, 2012 06:17

Bipolar Disorder and Internet Dating: Match.com, E-Harmony and Craigslist!

Internet dating was one of the most stressful experiences of my life! In fact, it can be stressful for people without bipolar disorder! I stopped using the internet to date over a year ago. What a relief! I have to admit I did meet a lot of guy friends that way, but the other people I met… whew! A lot of trouble!

Maybe internet dating works for you- but if you find it making you obsessed and unhappy, there are many other ways to meet people that are less stressful.

I have friends who met on Match.com, etc- but they are pretty calm and could handle the constant email and constant judgment from strangers! Not me! I used to put up profiles when I got manic. Now I use my mania more wisely. ha ha.

Julie

PS: How about speed dating!

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Published on November 17, 2012 20:13

Bipolar Disorder and Thanksgiving Part One…………..

Let’s Make Thanksgiving Great This Year!

There is a commercial on the radio where I live here in Portland, Oregon that always makes me laugh. It says… ‘Beware of the holiday horrors! Buy all of your holiday presents now, the day after Thanksgiving and save yourself the stress of waiting until the last minute!” Can’t wait. I stopped giving presents years ago. (I talk about this a lot on the blog, so luckily I will miss this sale!)

As a person with bipolar disorder or a person who cares about someone with the illness, there is a chance you have had some difficult holidays. Is this true?

I hear people laughing all the way to the Starbucks where I am sitting in Portland, Oregon.

Thanksgiving can be hard. For those outside the states, it’s a family holiday based around a traditional dinner. I had many wonderful Thanksgiving holidays while growing up – my grandmother in Alabama sure did know how to cook. As I got older, the holidays became a fun time with friends. And then…. It just became too much.

Is it the same for you? Maybe you don’t want to cook, don’t have the $200 to spend on a dinner for eight. It might be you don’t like your family! And finally, the hardest is when you don’t have anywhere to go. It doesn’t mean you don’t have friends- it might just happen they are all with their families and yours are out of town.

And finally, it may be that your family is here, but the atmosphere is stressful. I have seen a few snarky faces at Thanksgiving before.

All of this for one day! This is too much pressure. To lighten the mood, check out this turkey. Yes….

It’s a turkey wrapped in bacon!

Julie

PS: Yes, I know that Thanksgiving can be wonderful. That’s why we have to plan ahead! Part two of this post is below.

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Published on November 17, 2012 06:25

Bipolar ii Disorder and Bipolar I disorder- what is the difference?

What is the difference between Bipolar ii Disorder and Bipolar I Disorder? Do you know the answer? Many don’t though it’s very specific.

Bipolar ii disorder has all of the same symptoms as bipolar I disorder with one MAJOR difference. Bipolar I disorder has full blown mania that often comes with psychosis. Bipolar ii disorder has hypomania that rarely comes with psychosis. My dear friend Alena has bipolar I disorder. She has to be very careful as her mania is always lurking around and waiting to take over. She takes lithium and zyprexa to keep the mania and psychosis at bay. I have bipolar ii hypomania. Mine is very euphoric though it can be agitated. Mine doesn’t have psychosis- my bipolar psychosis can be around without any other serious mood swings though I am usually depressed.

Bipolar I disorder was the only bipolar disorder recognized for many, many years. Recently, the bipolar ii disorder diagnosis has become more common as doctors now know the signs of hypomania.

I have just as much trouble with bipolar ii disorder as my friend Alena has with her bipolar I diagnosis. Just in different ways.

This is a fascinating topic- there is a lot of information on the right that describes the difference between the two bipolar disorder diagnoses. Which one do you have? If you care about someone with the illness? What is their diagnosis? Knowing your diagnosis is extremely important as it determines the medications used to treat the illness!

Julie

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Published on November 16, 2012 20:02