Julie A. Fast's Blog, page 97
April 14, 2011
Catherine Zeta-Jones Seeks Treatment for Bipolar 2 Disorder
I can't believe it. I simply can't believe it. An honest depiction of bipolar disorder in the media. No one is shooting anyone. No one is saying 'crazy' things, no one is being exploited.
With one simple, simple statement from a publicist, Catherine Zeta Jones has made it ok to have bipolar disorder. This may seem a bit like hyperbole, but I can tell you for sure it's not. I work with clients all day who have children and partners with untreated bipolar disorder. In many cases they simply refuses to say the words! This is why what a simple statement about bipolar disorder from an honest actress can make the difference.
"After dealing with the stress of the past year, Catherine made the decision to check in to a mental health facility for a brief stay to treat her bipolar 2 disorder," publicist Cece Yorke said in a statement.
Catherine Zeta-Jones Seeks Treatment for Bipolar 2 Disorder
The celebrity face of bipolar disorder has typically been, well, sort of crazy (think Britney Spears or, so it's been speculated, Charlie Sheen). So when a publicist for Catherine Zeta-Jones, who has been stalwart in supporting her husband, Michael Douglas, through his battle with cancer over the past year, announced that the actress had sought treatment for bipolar 2, it was a surprise to many.
Click here to read the excellent article!
Julie
Related posts:Are you in the Catherine Zeta Jones Fan Club?
CBN Article: Faith and the treatment of bipolar mood disorder
Having a clear mind is the goal of bipolar disorder treatment
April 10, 2011
DEPRESSION TAKETH! It Knocks on Your Door!
Yikes!!!
From 1995-1998, depression (especially depression with psychosis) took away everything that I loved – everything- my health, my relationships with friends and loved ones, my ability to work.
It still tries to do this today, but now it only gets a small section of my life instead of years. I hate depression so much that even a few hours of depression are too much for me now.
When I get depressed, I go into fight mode and I simply don't stop working on it until the depression is gone. (I use the tips in my book 'Get it Done When You're Depressed' daily.)
Depression doesn't even get one minute of my life without a huge fight. At first it took months to get better, then weeks then days – now I can get better in one day if I really work hard.
My bipolar disorder is always around, but I have changed.
There is no room for depression in my life and I make that very clear to the big monster when it knocks on my door.
Julie
Related posts:What to do when depression knocks on your hotel door…
Can Depression Get Better?
Bipolar Depression vs. Sadness Pt I
April 7, 2011
BP Magazine Blog: Why Can't I Take Anti Depressants or ADHD Meds if I Have Bipolar Disorder?
I am a regular columinist and blogger for BP Magazine. (If you don't alreade receive this publication, it's amazing. Especially for family members and partners.)
My BP Magazine blog is normally separate from this blog, but the one this week is so imporant, I want to post it in two places.
Here is the first paragraph of the blog- you can then click over to the mag site to read the rest:
**
Why Can't I Take Anti Depresants or ADHD Meds if I Have Bipolar Disorder?
The answer is that you can- in some very carefully monitored situations. One of the main problems I see in my coaching clients is where a child or partner has a manic episode due to taking an antidepressant or stimulant. It's a huge problem in the health care profession due to lack of information and the explanation below tells why!
Click here to read the rest on the BP Magazine blog.
Julie
PS: I also write a colum for the magazine- the topics are different from this blog as they are more personal. The magazine is awesome!
Related posts:Bipolar Disorder and Anti Depressants
BP Magazine Blog is posted!
Depression Magazine needs your masculine opinions!
April 6, 2011
April 4, 2011
What Strategies Webinar Would You Find the Most Helpful?
My goal as a coach is to help as many partners and family members of loved ones with bipolar disorder as possible. If this applies to you, please click on the above poll- I can then find out what topics you would find the most interesting in a webinar.
Julie
Please note that I continue to work with private coaching clients.
Related posts:Julie Fast Bipolar Coaching: What I've Learned from Coaching Family Members and Partners
Odd depression and mania symptoms
Julie A. Fast Partner and Family Coaching: A Conversation Between a Worried Mother and Her Defiant Daughter pt. 2
Bipolar Disorder Sleep Problems and Sleep Medications
I havn't been able to sleep on my own for about two years- and no, I am not talking about a relationship! I mean that I can't sleep without sleep meds. This is a concern as my body is eating up the dose I'm on now and I've had to increase my amount.
When I say I can't sleep, I mean that my eyes simply won't close. It's not insomnia. I'm not rolling around in bed getting upset that I can't sleep, instead I just lie there and have the thoughts, "I'm not going to sleep tonight am I? It's very worrisome, so I take the meds.
I know that there are many things I can change to help myself get to sleep naturally:
1. Stop ALL caffeine – and that means all: tea, chocolate, cola, etc etc. I rarely have regular coffee, so that is not a problem, but I sure do drink tea during the day.
2. Stop eating late at night. The body is trying to process the food and this takes energy and keeps me awake.
3. Make sure my meds aren't affecting my sleep. I'm on Lamictal (700mg!) and I know it doesn't affect sleep.
4. Be careful with relationships and make sure you keep stable. I'm defintely doing this the Health Cards keep me as stable as possible. (You can read about the Health Cards from the menu link)
and finally, go to be earlier without reading police procedural murder mysteries! 
Do you have sleep problems with bipolar disroder- outside of mania? What do you do to get to sleep?
Julie
PS: Make sure you check out the comments on this post. They are great. I didn't know others said the same thing I say. Terry said, "I'm simply not going to sleep tonight." I agree with that sleep meds help me so much. I'm doing a combination of Ativan with some over the counter melatonin products- they work. But as Fenny says- our bodies adapt and we have to talk with our health care professionals about our options. This is where a naturopath can really help!
(If you have a facebook acount and like this post, please click the like button below! )
Related posts:Bipolar Disorder and Sleep: I want to fall asleep on my own tonight
Bipolar Disorder and Sleep: Mania vs. Insomnia
Mania and Sleep Reader Comments
March 31, 2011
Guest Blogger from Lebanon: Ziad
I'm 46, married, and have 2 great kids: Jad and Mira, they study at the National Protestant College. I was born from a Muslim father and a Christian mother. I have been working at the American University of Beirut (lucky me) for 26 years. I'm also a writer by hobby: I have 2 poetry collections and 2 novels and I write weekly in a local paper.
Personally I'm doing fine with bipolar depression; thanks to the medical insurance at AUB and my great DR Munir Khani.and thanks to my wife, kids, family and friends. Bipolar people need a lot of understanding people around them; and we in Lebanon, family has survived and social life is still booming.
I'm doing fine with my BP because it has taught me to be patient, accept myself and protect my privacy and peace of mind. When I'm not OK, I stay away from people, walk along the sea shore, and find solace in painting and writing.
Living in Beirut is not so easy. It is a hectic city, a lot of politics and tension. but I love the city and I adore it, because it is an open city; here we have all the world; it is like a window to the world, where east and west meet.
My advice to all the bipolar people is one sentence: accept yourselves, so that people can accept you.
Good luck & and enjoy the ups and downs!
Regards,
Ziad
Related posts:Guest Blogger: Lizabeth Schuch
Guest blogger: Allison Johnson
Allen, a guest blogger, talks about Bi-polar Disorder During the Holidays
March 24, 2011
Julie A. Fast Family and Partner Coaching: A Conversation with a Worried Mother and a Defiant Daughter pt 1
The following is a sample conversation you may have experienced if someone you love isn't getting the help they need to manage bipolar disorder.
Marcee is a 28 year old woman who has been in and out of the hospital since her early 20s. She can't hold a job, goes through constant boyfriends, drinks beer, smokes pot and gets very, very angry if anyone tries to talk to her about making positive changes in her life. Here is a sample dialogue:
Mom: Marcee, I really need you to see how bad things are right now. You never leave your apartment and your dad and I don't know what do to. We've tried everything. You refuse your medications and I know you're drinking again. What are your plans Marcee? We want to help you. We don't know what to do!
Marcee: (cuts off her mom and yells): Leave me alone mom! Just leave me alone and get out of [ Read More ]
Related posts:Julie A. Fast Partner and Family Coaching: A Conversation Between a Worried Mother and Her Defiant Daughter pt. 2
Julie Fast Bipolar Coaching: What I've Learned from Coaching Family Members and Partners
Julie Fast Family and Partner Questions
Julie A. Fast Partner and Family Coaching: A Conversation Between a Worried Mother and Her Defiant Daughter pt. 2
continued from above post….
Mom: You dad and I are so worried! Can't you see what is happening? This isn't a life. We don't want this life for your Marcee! You can't work! We are giving you money just so you can buy food. You have bipolar and need medications. (Starts crying.)
Marcee: If you really want to help me mom, you will leave me alone and just let me do things my way. I will not talk about bipolar disorder. Not everything is about you. I've told you that I'm fine. Do you think I'm just out there having a great time? I'm thinking about things! If you guys don't leave me alone, I'm gone.
**
So many family members have gone through this conversation with someone who is obviously in great need of help. Their loves one's world is often crumbling around them and for many, not much is left due to the constant mood swings. My [ Read More ]
Related posts:Julie A. Fast Family and Partner Coaching: A Conversation with a Worried Mother and a Defiant Daughter pt 1
Bipolar Family and Partner Coaching
Julie Fast Bipolar Coaching: What I've Learned from Coaching Family Members and Partners
March 21, 2011
Charlie Sheen Question: Why do people with mania burn bridges?
This is a question I hear constatnly from my clients- here is one from Shah about my Charlie Sheen post below.
Hi Julie,
I hope that he can make it through his tour - but my question is where are his family? Friends? Surely someone is around to guide this …… Shah
Hi Shah,
It's really common that by the time someone gets this sick and bizarre- most people have left. I read an article with his faher Martin Sheen: His father said, "I've tried everything. We have done everything. All I know do to now is leave and hope he will be ok."
People in Charlie Sheen's position burn bridges daily. I know that I did when I was manic. People become inconsequential. They are someone to hang out with and play around with. Or, if you are in a dysphoric manic episode, you can be mean and dismission. Of course, not everyone who is manic is like this!
Both of his wives have [ Read More ]
Related posts:Can Charlie Sheen Survive His Own Tour?
Charlie Sheen, Mania and Media Exploitation
Charlie Sheen and Bipolar Mania
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