Julie A. Fast's Blog, page 96

Guest Blogger: Nicci Wall

Hi, my name is Nicci Wall. I am an Aussie from Geelong, Victoria (http://visitgeelongbellarine.com), a bayside regional city. I was diagnosed with Bipolar in November 2001 after 21 years of symptoms, predominately depression.

It wasn't until I progressed into agitated, rapid cycling mixed states that I was diagnosed. My family was scared of me, hell, I was scared of me and I hated the way I was, but didn't know what was causing the internal rage or why. I demanded to see a psychiatrist and on doing so my Mum finally disclosed there was Manic Depression in my maternal Grandmother's family.

It took 5 ½ years to find a medication combination that worked for me and side effects I could live with. OMG some of the side effects I experienced were worse than the illness!

When diagnosed I wasn't provided any information on Bipolar, where to find information or where to find support, so I set about educating myself through books and an online Australian Bipolar Support Group called Fyreniyce (http://members.iinet.net.au/~fractal1/). I learnt more from the real life experiences of other sufferers than I did from any book. I completed mood charts, identified triggers and implemented coping strategies obtained through reading, Julie's work, support group participants and others.

I later set up a Depression & Bipolar Support Group in my local area and started compiling the living manuscript Glimpses – A compilation of uncensored real life experiences with Mental Illness and Minds Unleashed – A collection of poetry by people with a Mental Illness. Both of which are available in pdf format for free by emailing me at forwalls@xi.com.au. I distribute these quarterly to Consumers, Carers, Dr's, Clinicians, Universities and TAFE's (it is used as a course resource), nationally and internationally.

Now 10 years down the track I am relatively stable, but continue to have breakthrough episodes, although rarely. What I do experience regularly is a pressured head, low grade headache combined with light and sound sensitivity, which in turn affects my cognitive abilities. As I am a Bookkeeper/Admin Manager, this can be extremely frustrating and disrupt my work, but I am luckier than most as I have a boss who accepts this and allows a lot of flexibility in my hours.

I have achieved a lot over the past 10 years as a Mental Health Advocate, but the most important thing I did was take responsibility for managing my illness.

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Published on May 02, 2011 17:47

Pt 2..Help for Bipolar Depression: Getting Out of Bed in the Morning

Thanks for all of the great comments on the post below. It's obvious that getting out of bed (and not getting on the couch) is 100% essential for people with depression. We just can't lie there. We just can't. Or the day will get away from us. I have a motto.

Beds are for sleeping.

And I stick to it.

Here is a great comment from Rebecca:

" I have learned that the best thing I can do for myself is to get up immediately out of bed, the minute my eyes open…if I stay in bed one more second I become depressed. This may sound so simple, but it works for me…I get up and make myself a good cup of coffee and then begin my day…I'm on disability, so I have to create my days. I try to make each day productive in some way…just going to the store is a major event in my life. Leaving the house makes me feel much better, but making the effort and just doing it is difficult. Please know that if you keep trying to make your life better it will happen…just find a routine that works for you and take those microsteps!! Good Luck…. Rebecca

** I have a tip in Get it Done When You're Depressed called Be Your Own Drill Sargeant. It's all about getting yourself out of bed with a burst of energy that you sometimes have to manufacture out of thin air! But it's there. We can all get out of bed. You may have to ask for help, but you can get out of bed. I wrote about how hard it was for me yesterday. And then today I just hopped out of bed- my nephew David spent the night and I had such a great reason to get on with my day.

julie

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Published on April 30, 2011 12:54

Help for Bipolar Depression: Getting out of Bed in the Morning

Here is a comment I just received from a blog reader.

Hi Julie,

Thanks for all that you do. I have to be honest- I'm not like you. I read what you write and see what you do and know it's not possible for me. I do spend hours in bed and sometimes on the couch. I watch dumb TV and don't make good food for myself. I've read Get it Done and I love it- but on some days I can't do it. I woke up down this morning and see no point in even trying to make today different. I got on the blog and at least know that there are readers like Sandra who keep going even when things get tough. But I don't feel I will ever be that way.

Manuel

Hi Manuel,

People often tell me that they aren't like me. I hear it a lot. My first reaction is to say- "Wait! I am like you! I am like you! I just write books about what I go through!"

But of course I can see that I would naturally come across as different. But I'd like to tell you the truth about my days.

It's often hard for me to get out of bed because I wake up depressed. I don't want to stay in bed , but it's like I'm tied down in misery. The difference these days – from the days when I was first diagnosed in 1995 is that I know there are options- really big options that luckily require really small movements. I have choices.

1. I can stay in bed and feel awful and get nothing done and cry and let my brain tell me that life has no purpose. I can listen to the radio and feel the world is passing me by. And cry some more. This means that when I do finally get up, I have a few strikes against me because I stayed in bed and I'm so upset with myself.

2. I can force myself out of bed while my brain kicks and screams and says- "What's the point Julie!"

I can't make that voice go away at first. But getting out of bed- a decision and motion that takes a few seconds- is the first step to at least getting my say in what I want for myday. Then there are no strikes against me to start the day. I get to make my own decisions. It's a physical push like diving

This mini decision to get out of bed is the secret. It's a screw you to the depression that wants me to stay there. I am like everyone else when I wake up. That's for sure. The difference is that I've taught myself to manage the depression step by microstep.

You have to be willing to do things when you don't feel good. It's like getting used to the pain of a broken leg while it heals. If that makes sense! You have to be able to work when in great psychic pain. You have to trust that the work you do while depressed is just as good as the work you do when you're stable.

I woke up depressed today. I have a lot to do, but it seemed pointless at 7:30 this morning. Then I said to myself, "I'll tell you what's pointless Julie! The truly pointless thing would be to stay in bed and let this illness take another day from you! "

Let's say that I'm not as different than you think, but I do have my plan and I use it. We can ALL do this. It may be hard to believe, but it's now 9:30 and my depression is at least 50% gone. All from getting out of bed and getting on with my day. It works.

Thanks for your comment Manuel. My goal for you is that you can get out of bed each and every morning. That is a big goal, but I know it's one you can do. The rest can follow.

Julie

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Published on April 29, 2011 09:53

Does Catherine Zeta Jones have a responsibility to spread the word and help others with bipolar disorder?

Great question: My friend Marsha and I went round and round with this one. She feels that celebrities with bi-polar disorder have a responsibility to be role models. Even thought I completely see her side, I think it's wishful thinking.

It's true that that celebrity endorsements work much better than the stories of 'real people' when it comes to getting the word out about bipolar disorder. In one simple statement that she has bipolar two and is getting treatment, Catherine Zeta Jones made it ok for even more people to say they have the illness. But does this means she has to talk about it in the press each time she is in public? In fact, do you think she has a responsibility to talk about it at all?

The Price of Being a Celebtrity with Bipolar Disorder!

Interestingly, celebrity bipolar disorder disclosure comes with a big price, and it's not stigma. Already being very productive, rich and famous erases much of the stigma anyway- especially when you can live in a PR bubble.

Instead, the price is that the whole world wants the celebrity to become an expert, advocate, guru, magazine cover draw and spokesperson!

It will be interesting to see how Catherine Zeta Jones handles this. By being honest (her psychiatric treatment was outed on the cover of the lovely National Enquirer!) and stopping the gossip directly, she has now walked into the realm of being one of 'US.'

And people are going to want a big piece of that! I think she will just move on and say no thank you to the spokesperson role. My friend hopes she will come around and see how she can help millions of people around the world tell the truth without fear of stigma!

What do you think?

Julie

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Published on April 28, 2011 10:45

Work and Bipolar Disorder: It has been nine years! Why do I keep thinking this illness is going to change?

Here is what I've learned regarding bipolar disorder and work.

1. It's hard to work when you have mood swings. So, decreasing the mood swings with a treatment plan (I use my Health Cards system and my books to remind myself how to help myself!) will help you work more.

2. Bipolar Disorder mood swings can be productivity killers. Especially the ADHD components of the illness. Mania is seemingly great for productivity- but only if you can harness it into real work!

3. Work abililty may not get better, but YOUR ability to work around your mood swings and the other odd stuff that bipolar throws at you can get much, much better.

So, here I am.

I was diagnosed in 1995. Didn't get relief from meds- in fact they made me worse as I was given anti depressants like candy! When I created the Health Cards, I was able to work a lot more- but still only part time. Then, in 2002 I found my calling- eBooks. I know, that was a long time ago. BipolarHappens.com was the first site on the web to sell self help eBooks! Times have certainly changed.

But I digress. Here is why my title to this blog post is so true… I'm 47 and there is a still a HUGE part of me that believes my bipolar work issues are going to just go away one day. Becuase of this, I'm way too hard on myself when I can't 'get my act together.' Nine years of hard work to finally realize- this is it! I think I'm at my work apex in terms of bipolar- in other words, all I can do (and it's what I now do) is work around my mood swings and do my best. I never have trouble with appointments such as with my coaching clients, but it's the nebulous stuff I find hard! Thus, one of my tips is to have places you must be and clients you must see. It's not about quality of work at all!

I am lucky if I can work 25 hours a week. You probably think I work more! I just do all I can on the days when work is pretty easy. Today, bipolar is being kind to me and I'm going to work as much as possible!

I hope to offer encouragement to all people with bipolar disorder: we CAN work, we just have to find out what WORKS BEST for us!

Julie

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Published on April 26, 2011 11:18

What is Lamictal (Lamotrigine) and How Does it Help Manage Bipolar Disorder?

As you may already know, Lamictal changed and saves my life. It's the only drug I've been able to take since I was diagnosed in 1995. I am always singing the praises about the drug.

It comes with side effects for sure- the main one being a rash that can be serious. But it's very, very rare. Many health care professionals are wary of Lamictal because of the rash, but I always remind people that a potential side effect is just that. If monitored correctly, the potential is small. Also, the rash is normally benign. Make sure your prescriber knows all of the history before saying no to prescribing Lamictal or Lamotrigine. A rash doesn't mean you can't take the drug. It often means you just need to start with a lower dose and increase is slowly.

What is Lamotrigine?

The generic form of Lamicatal is called Lamotrigine. Lamictal is the brand name and is still prescribed. If you search under the word 'generic' you can read my stories of woe regarding the generic form. It didn't work for me at all and I went back to brand name Lamictal. If Lamotrigine works for you, that is fantastic as it's very cheap. If you try it first and it doesn't work, defintely ask about the brand name Lamictal. Insurance companies will usually allow the brand change if your prescriber explains why.

For most, the generic is just fine. My mother takes Lamotrigine with very few side effects and great results.

In my experiences with my clients as well as my own experience with myself and family members, Lamictal has many, many more benefits than being a mood stabilizer for bipolar depression. I have seen the following benefits for many years:

Benefits of Lamictal

1. It works extrememly well for irritation and mild aggression. It's especially effective for negativity.

2. Rapid cycling. Though this is not talked about as much, Lamictal reduces my rapid cycling by at least 50%.

3. Hypomania- the milder mania from Bipolar two. Lamictal is not an anti mania drug- this is why people with bipolar one almost always take Lithium, Tegretol, Depakote and or an antipsychotic such as Seroquel, Ability, Risperdol or Zyprexa to manage the mania along with the Lamical for depression. I have bipolar II and belive me, Lamictal helps my hypomania!

4. Mild psychosis. Lamictal keeps me more in touch with reality! It doesn't have strong anti psychotic benefits, but it defintely helps my paranoia.

I've seen it change the lives of so many people! I suggest that anyone who is having trouble with bipolar disorder symptoms at least try Lamictal. As mentioned before, it can be started at a super low dose in order to minimize side effects and then kept at an effective dose for a very long time. It's considered the least side effect heavy of any bipolar disorder medication.

I have been on Lamictal since 2005. I defintely have side effects off and on from a stiff neck to itching and twitching! When my dose gets too low- I twitch 'like a maniac!' as my friend Pam once said. She really found me amusing! It has also stopped working for me before and my dose had to be significantly increased. The average dose is 250 mg. My mom takes 125 mg and I take 700 mg! Making sure it's dosed correctly is essential as the range of doses is so high.

I just got this comment from Lin:

Hi, my daughter has taken Lamictal for siezures for many years with no side effects. We had just increased her dose and she started developing tics and high anxiety . Her Neurologist said they are both side effects.Hope this helps.

All drugs have side effects, even aspirin. But I always, always look at the payoff of the drug. If it helps more than it has side effects, I am up for it.

If you are having a hard time or if someone you love is having a hard time, it's always a good idea to talk to a prescriber about Lamictal.

It can change a life!

Julie

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Published on April 22, 2011 11:10

Julie A. Fast talks about Catherine Zeta Jones and Bipolar Disorder Two

Click below to see my interview about Catherine Zeta Jones and her bipolar II diagnosis:

Click here to view the embedded video.

PS: There are two main forms of bipolar disorder. One type of bipolar disorder is bipolar I. This means the person has full blown mania (often with psychosis if the mania gets really bad.) The second kind of bipolar disroder is bipolar II. This means a person has hypo mania. If you click on the mania category to the right- there is a deeper explanation between bipolar one and bipolar two. Julie

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Published on April 20, 2011 09:28

Great News! I'm answered your questions – with a video blog.

I so want to answer all of the questions I receive on this blog. I've received hundreds over the past year. Writing answers is always a goal, but not always a reality. Then I realized that I can answer questions much more easily and quickly through a video blog. I'm recording today and will have the post up soon.

I'd like to introduce you to my friend and videographer Wes.

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Published on April 17, 2011 11:16

What drugs interact with bipolar disorder medications? What about over the counter supplements?

All drugs can interact with bipolar disorder medications. Many times a health care professional will say that a certain medication will not affect bipolar disorder symptoms and this can be quite untrue. For example, steroid use such as cortisone is often given in small doses in very specific areas of the body. You may hear that the drug will stay in one spot and not affect moods, this is not the case. All medications go through organs including the brain and can affect moods. Check carefully before you take a small dose of anything.

Oh this is so true! I have had reactions to cortisone, valerian, amino acids, birth control pills and so many more! I had a reaction to homeopathic lithium!

There are MANY over the counter drugs, supplements, vitamins, minterals,etc that can interact with bipolar medications as well as affect brain chemistry seperately. I recently tried a new amino acid called NAC and was manic and gained 10 pounds in one month. It was supposed to help bipolar depression!

It's the same with Taurine, 5HTP, etc. This is why I tell people to be extremely careful with products such as True Hope/Empowerment and any other natural treatments for bipolar disorder. Any subsance you put in your body affects the brain.

I could go on and on about this- but my main goal is for all of us to think before we take anything from over the counter!

Julie

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Published on April 16, 2011 23:45

Are you in the Catherine Zeta Jones Fan Club?

I am.

And always will be.

She has done more for bipolar disorder management in one day than all of the books written in the last year. She has put her gorgeous face on what is often seen as a crazy, out of control face. She has a family and a life. She shows it can be done. I want to learn more on what kind of bipolar II she has as it seems pretty darn well under control- but I am sure more will come out about that.

My note to her!

Thank you Catherine Zeta Jones. You have saved lives- you have made it ok to use the words bipolar disorder, By saying you have bipolar II (two), you will open a discussion about the different forms of the illness! By putting out an informed press release and being open about bipolar disorder, you have done more in one day to encourage openness than all of the speculation about Britney Spears and all of the worry over Charlie Sheen's obvious manic episode has encourage secrecy and exploitation in the media.

I will be forever grateful. It makes my work a lot easier!

Julie

PS: I love you in All That Jazz!

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Published on April 14, 2011 10:22