Julie A. Fast's Blog, page 71

What if Excitement Leads to Bipolar Mania?

“Are you manic Julie?” said my friend Marsha when I just talked to her on the phone.

Gosh darn it! I hate that question! (I used stronger language than gosh darn it!)She then said, “I’m sorry Julie. I always feel like I’m the one with the bad news.”

I said, “Well, you’re using the Health Cards and being honest with me. I often need that if I’m mildly manic. I just don’t know if I am though. Maybe I’m just excited because my hands are better and I can finally write again?”I know that the above answer to her “are you manic” question- means I’m hypomanic. I ALWAYS try to justify the mania. Maybe it’s just the real me! Maybe it’s just that it’s sunny outside. Maybe it’s not what it seems!

It’s always what it seems. I know that if more than one person thinks I’m manic- I’m manic. It’s not excitement that causes it. It’s bipolar disorder. In other words, if I’m excited and feel like having a beer in the afternoon and staying up all night with the wrong people, it’s mania. I rarely drink outside of mania.

Excitement is contained. It is a response to something. The kind of excitement I feel when I’m manic is so beyond what non bipolar people feel. And I have to remember that and respect it when the people in my life point it out.

$%#$%#

Darn it.

Unfair.

It feels so good when compared to the terrible depression I often have.

No fair!

Do you have a mania plan? I know that mine keeps my relationships, bank account, drinking and decisions under control.

Thank you Marsha

Julie

View more on Julie A. Fast's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on July 15, 2012 07:29

My Coauthor Dr. John Preston on Depression

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

View more on Julie A. Fast's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on July 11, 2012 16:07

Guest Blogger: Karen Tyrell tells her story

“I’ve triumphed over bipolar disorder, not experiencing an episode since 2006. “

Guest Blog Karen Tyrrell…My Triumph Over Bipolar Disorder

My name is Karen Tyrrell, Australian mental health advocate and author of Me and Her: A Memoir of Madness. I’ve triumphed over bipolar disorder, not experiencing an episode since 2006.

As a teacher, disturbed parents of one of my students repeatedly harassed me to the breaking point and beyond. For over a year, these parents dished out daily verbal, written, emotional and psychological abuse. I couldn’t escape them. The school encouraged me to discuss my angst with a counsellor but I laughed it off, saying I was all right. But I wasn’t. I developed extreme stress, anxiety, night terrors and sleep deprivation. Over time, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder caused my bipolar to come out, me becoming severely manic and psychotic.

Police forced me into a psychiatric hospital under an involuntary treatment order. I spent weeks refusing medication and treatment. Eventually I accepted my diagnosis. After I was released, I was determined to recover. I immersed myself into Julie’s book, “Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder” creating my own individual wellness plan, striving to understand my triggers and how to avoid them.

I tried different coping techniques, working out how to combat fluctuations in my mood. I empowered myself with pro-active strategies… a brisk morning walk with positive gratitude, visualization techniques, mindfulness (living in the Now), a calming sleep routine, daily meditation and expressive writing.

I literally wrote myself to recovery. Daily journal writing created a positive way to reflect on my issues and my ongoing treatment, producing a powerful cathartic effect. When I scribbled down my angst and my inner most thoughts, a weight was lifted from me. Writing gave me a voice, a way to express myself, to make sense of what was happening to me.

I’m thrilled creative writing became my new passion. I converted my daily scrawls into what many have called a brave memoir. Me and Her: A Memoir of Madness narrates a teacher’s journey through harassment, mental illness and recovery. I share my wellness strategies via a FREE newsletter. Please leave a comment below and on my website. if you wish to subscribe. http://www.karentyrrell.com

View more on Julie A. Fast's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on July 11, 2012 15:08

Bipolar Disorder, Work and College

Here is a wonderful comment from Gerry in Australia. Yes, you can work full time and go to school when you have bipolar disorder!

G’Day all. I am new to the blog, but would like to say something positive on this issue which I hope will encourage everyone else with bipolar. I’m lucky because I don’t suffer from some of the worst symptoms of bipolar & also was rather old when I had my first psychotic episode. So before that I managed to get a BA with Honours & a Phd. Now I am a full time academic in Politics. It was only after working full time for 7 years that I discovered that I had bipolar. It does impact my work sometimes, but my Dept. has been very good about making some allowances.

I have published 2 books and many articles. I have learned Spanish and travelled to Latin America on my own to do field research on numerous occasions.

You too can succeed!

As a teacher who has studied all I can say: Go to “college” as you call it in the States. Go do it!

Dr. Gerry

View more on Julie A. Fast's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on July 09, 2012 23:12

Food Signs that You’re Manic

You don’t eat like you usually do.

You haven’t had a vegetable in days.

Your fridge is empty.

You can’t remember your last meal.

You smoke more.

You drink more alcohol or coffee.

You have more energy even when you don’t eat.

You lose weight really easily.

Yes, if you’re overweight this can be one of the only positive things about mania. But if you’re already thin, this can lead to serious weight loss and dehydration. I definitely know people who have had to go to the hospital for an IV after a serious manic episode where they didn’t (or couldn’t) take care of their bodies.

Hypomania has always knocked on my door in the summer. I’m doing every single thing I can to monitor it now that summer is here. Wow. I sure do love the weight loss- but I will not let mania affect my life. It’s time for the Health Cards and asking for help.

Do you get manic in the summer? Do you have any of the above symptoms? What are you going to do?

Julie

Return to Bipolar Happens

View more on Julie A. Fast's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on July 08, 2012 15:33

Keep Going! Julie!

I just found this blog. It’s from August of 2007! One scary thing is that I still go through what I write about below. The great thing is that my management skills have grown exponentially as the years pass. I’ve learned that even if bipolar disorder doesn’t go away- I can progress with my life.

**

Keep Going Julie

I need to remind myself of this today. When I got out of bed this morning my first thought was:

There is nothing good in my life.

This was my first thought! How am I supposed to have a good day after this? There is nothing wrong with my life really. Today is like my other days. I will write my book, see friends, play with my nephew and work with a writing student tonight. I will then go see my mom and watch our favorite TV show: Dancing with the Stars! Don’t laugh, I highly recommend this show as it’s so positive.

But then there is the thought from this morning- and the other thoughts it caused. And of course the crying that starts when I think of how unfair bipolar disorder is.

But I will NOT let this keep me from getting things done today. I am here at the library writing my book. I will have a good lunch. I will see people and do the things I’ve planned. I may not feel good about it, but I know that energy of others will keep me going no matter how depressed I am.

I will not give up and let this rotten illness take this day from me.

Julie

PS: Where are you today as compared to 2007? What is going well?

View more on Julie A. Fast's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on July 08, 2012 15:29

Bipolar Disorder Mania Quiz

Have you:

Slept less but felt more energized?

Had the thought- Thank god the depression is gone, I feel SO much better.

Felt like spending more? Drinking more?

Do you feel more sexual than normal?

Are you eating less than you normally do?

If you answer yes to any of these, you know what it means. NO MANIA THIS YEAR has to be your motto.

It’s time to get help now: Check your meds, accept that you need meds, tell the truth to friends, read my books! and take care of yourself.

Mania is always up to no good- even when it feels good.

Julie

View more on Julie A. Fast's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on July 07, 2012 00:43

Keep taking your bipolar meds!

A friend of mine just had to up her Zyprexa due to paranoia. She was really trying to make it on a lower dose, but had to face the reality of her psychosis. I am so proud of her for being able to take care of herself.

Another friend went off her meds and called me crying on Saturday- she said, “I was doing so much better! I thought I didn’t need them.” The interesting thing is that she’s a doctor! No matter how educated we are or how smart we are, bipolar disorder can still trick us regarding medications.

When the meds are working long term , it’s hard to feel them working. My mind often says, “You’re doing well today Julie. It won’t matter if you just skip a dose. Opening all of those pill bottles is such a bother.”

This is not the voice of reason! The voice of reason reminds me of what life was like before I had my Lamictal- or before my friend had her Zyprexa. It reminds me that it’s not normal for my doctor friend to cry when she calls me.

Meds work. They don’t take away all of my symptoms- but they help. I managed bipolar disorder on my own for may years. This is when I wrote the Health Cards to help myself survive- it’s possible to do, but extremely difficult. When I found a medication that worked, I still had to manage the illness daily – but it’s a lot easier now.

If you’re struggling with your meds, don’t give up. It took me a long time to find the right one for myself, but I’m so glad I kept trying. I now use the med as part of my overall treatment plan. I’m doing a lot better these days, that’s for sure.

Julie

View more on Julie A. Fast's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on July 05, 2012 03:11

4th of Julie

Today is a huge holiday in the States. It can be a really fun holiday- but it can be a tough one as well!

- If you’re alone- look on meetin.org or craigslist see if you can find a group of people to meet for a fireworks show. It doesn’t hurt to try!

- If you’re like me and can’t stand the noise of fireworks and all of the crowds- leave early after you have said hi to everyone- or don’t go at all!

- It’s ok not to join in the party. It’s not like you’re getting paid for it! I always say that opting out is a good biploar disorder management technique!

I have two parties with friends today. I am going to sit and talk to people- when I get overstimulated- and i will- I’m not going to listen to the voices that tell me I’m not as good, skinny or rich as the people around me and I’m going to have fun.

Julie

this is pretty funny.. I just read the title and realize I write 4th of Julie instead of 4th of July. Ha ha

View more on Julie A. Fast's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on July 03, 2012 16:36

Bipolar Happens! is a Kindle bestseller

Bipolar Happens: 35 Tips and Tricks to Manage Bipolar Disorder is a top ten book on the Kindle

That’s exciting. I went to the Kindle store to see how Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder and Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder were doing on the bipolar disorder page. These books are in the top ten ranking- and then I saw that Bipolar Happens! is up there as well.

Fantastic! Bipolar Happens! is an enjoyable book about a serious topic.

Guess what- it’s only $.99 I want it to be available to everyone.

Yes, I think this is a great deal and a good way to get helpful information about bipolar disorder at minimum cost. Bipolar Happens! was my first book. I knew I wanted to talk about how I manage the illness, but I also wanted to tell stories about how it affects my life daily.

There are stories about anger, manic spending, anxiety at a baseball game and what it feels like to be psychotic! It’s a book that family members love too. I love it myself. It’s hopeful.

Click here to go to amazon.com. You can read part of the book and then add it to your Kindle. Wow, $.99!

Julie

PS: If you’re new to my work, this is a great way to experience my writing style and the quality of my information. If you like it, you can come back for more!

View more on Julie A. Fast's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on July 01, 2012 12:44