Julie A. Fast's Blog, page 89

Bipolar and work: really short notice for an awesome free call! noon PST

My client and dear friend Jackie B. Peterson teaches solopreneurs (also known as creative entrepreneurs) how to successfully create and manage a one person business.

We wrote a book together called Better, Smarter, Richer: Seven Business Principles for Creative Entrepreneurs.

I'm also her client and she changed my life in terms of helping me create a business that helps me make the most of my limited time. It can be hard to work when the mood swings are raging.

Jackie is talking today on the concept of cash flow. It's a super important topic and one that I am working on myself.

Her call today is free. I meant to send this notice out a few days ago, but better late than never.

If you have an independent business where you make your living (or want to make your living!) from your own ideas and with your own hands, Jackie's work can change your life.

It changed [ Read More ]

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Work and Bipolar Disorder
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Published on September 13, 2011 12:28

Bipolar Success: It is alway possible to have the life you want

Today is a good day to focus on the many POSITIVE bipolar stories I know:

- My friend Marsha was in and out of the hospital for all of her 20′s. She now has the right treatment plan with a good med and has not been in the hospital for ten years!

- After 22 tries, I found a medication (Lamictal) that saved my life.

- An ex of mine wasn't able to work due to office stress. Once he found the right job, he can work full time and loves what he does!

- People with bipolar get sick all of the time- it's that nature of the illness, but I know many who still live the life they want.

Fishing guide, gardener, teacher, business owner, speaker and writer. (All friends!)

I monitor my friends' moods closely and learn a lot.

There are those on this site who back to school after years of [ Read More ]

Related posts:Choose Friends that Improve Your Life
Bipolar Disorder and your social life!
Blog Reader Success Story

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Published on September 08, 2011 18:28

Why Do People with Bipolar Disorder Go Off Their Meds?

I recently wrote a blog for BP Magazine on this topic- and there were 107 comments. That is pretty amazing. Reading the comments reminds me why I have to stay on my meds. If you're thinking of going off or have done so in the past, these comments really help! If you care about someone with bipolar, maybe they will read the blog and the comments to get more support in staying on meds. And if you care about someone who refuses meds, this will at least give you insight into why people go on and off.

I even have trouble- Lamictal saves my life. I know what it's like when I don't have enough in my system and yet I still make mistakes!

Here is the link to the blog- there is a comment tab at the bottom. 107 comments!

Julie

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Published on September 05, 2011 12:07

Would You Have a Relationship with Someone who has Bipolar Disorder?

View This Poll

Once you vote on this poll, there are more listed below.

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Published on August 30, 2011 12:31

Megan Fox of Transformers Fame Wants to Remove Her Marilyn Monroe Tattoo Because…..

I'm pretty, but I'm pretty dumb! What do Megan Fox, Marilyn Monroe and Bipolar Disorder Have in Common? The Megan Fox story is so ridiculous it's funny! Unfortunately, it's true. I just wrote a blog for BP Magazine about Megan's comments about bipolar, tattoos and negative energy! I'd love to hear your comments on the whole thing. You can leave them here or on my BP Mag blog. Click here to visit the BP Magazine blog. Sometimes we just have to laugh at the stupidity of others!

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Published on August 30, 2011 12:31

Tips for working when bipolar disorder is going strong

Here is what I do when I have a huge project due- such as a draft of a book- and I simply can't seem to get started and keep to a task. Instead of looking at the whole, I take one small section and make a to do list for that section only.

I have three sections in my new book. An intro, a body that includes a four step plan and then a conclusion. Then there is an appendix, glossary, FAQ, etc. A bit much to take on at once. So, I just made a pact with myself to only do the intro today. I will separate the notes I have on the section and put the others away. I will then go over and do a master outline for the chapter and start writing without judging my work.

I think it will take about two hours. Then I can feel good afterwards and [ Read More ]

Related posts:Solutions to Work Worries
Bipolar Disorder and Working at Starbucks
Bipolar Disorder and Work Schedules: A new office!

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Published on August 30, 2011 12:31

Guest Post: Craig Hamilton part 3 of 3

Craig Hamilton – My Story part 3 (Click here for part 1) (Click here for part 2)

Today I know so much more about this thing called depression, this thing called mania , chemical imbalance in the brain etc.

Knowledge really is power.

Today , I manage Bipolar Disorder with self-awareness, medication, yoga ,regular exercise and a holistic approach to staying fit and healthy.

I have also reduced my alcohol content which has helped with my overall health.

My self-awareness is simply more fined tuned today to my stress levels and when I need to pull back, slow down and rest , I do it – that simple.

Bipolar still provides me with many challenges.

I have been hospitalized twice in the [ Read More ]

Related posts:Guest Post: Craig Hamilton part 1 of 3
Guest Post: Craig Hamilton part 2 of 3
Guest Blogger: Dawn and Schizoaffective Disorder

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Published on August 30, 2011 12:31

Work and Bipolar Disorder

I have three friends who just started work they enjoy. The change in them is amazing.

Less sadness- less arguing with the people around them. A better outlook on life.

These jobs are not about money. They want and need money of course.

I think they just felt a part of the world again.

Work that you don't like is draining. Work that you like is uplifting.

Do you work? Can you work?

We have to have a purpose. It doesn't have to be work- but it helps a lot of people!

Julie

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Published on August 18, 2011 10:55

Guest Post: Craig Hamilton part 2 of 3

Craig Hamilton – My Story part 2 (Click here for Craig Hamilton Part 1)

Bipolar Disorder effects more people around the world than many people realize. When Bipolar makes the news , it's usually a bad news story.

The suicide rate in Australia is a disgrace and by simply ignoring the issue or making out that it is someone else's problem isn't going to get people who are suffering from a mental illness that can be treated the help they need.

In 2004 I published my story in a book called "Broken Open" with friend and journalist Neil Jameson.

The story was more than anything a plea to society to drop the stigma associated with mental illness and make it easier for those that needed help to be able to reach out and get it.

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Published on August 16, 2011 12:34