Julie A. Fast's Blog
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Who am I? Here is a partial answer....
On Oct 07
I wrote a post called 'what happens when you do get better?' Maybe you have experienced this. I've been relatively depression free for months now. My new meds (actually old meds that I tried again with great success) have changed my life in terms of depression. But I've been surprised at how little...Full Post -
I've been indisposed
On Sep 25
As you can see, I went a few months without writing this blog. There are a few reasons for this- first, I am doing better and can now get caught up with some important tasks. Secondly, medication side effects kicked my behind for a few months. I just answered a question on this and will post the...Full Post -
What happens when you DO get better?
On Aug 23
I started a new set of meds a few months ago- wait... let me correct that. I started them nine months ago. I can't believe it feels like three months to me. My life has changed profoundly- I am much less depressed and can work so much more. It's what I said I wanted, and I do! It's a miracle and I've worked...Full Post -
Would you like a better doctor visit?
On Aug 15
For many people, office visits are so rushed that there only seems time to talk about medications. There are steps you can take to make sure you get the most from your office visit. I write about this in Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder. It’s so important I gave it a lot of room in the book.
First tip: write...Full Post -
Bipolar Disorder and Loneliness
On Aug 10
Do you have an evening community education program where you live? I’m taking French and possibly a beat class where we use electronic beat boxes to make music.
I want to teach as well. How to write for the Kindle, etc.
I hope there are classes for you to take. I’ve made so many friends that way....Full Post -
How does Ritalin Work?
On Aug 07
Ritalin is great, but you have to choose a project for it to work. It doesn't help choose projects- only to focus once the choice is made! -
Do I Need Blood Tests for My Meds?
On Jul 31
Blood tests change depending on your meds- or if you are even on meds.
Lithium, Tegretol and Depakoe need tests. You also need to get a thyroid check when first diagnosed. Vitamin D levels, testerone levels (especially if there is a low sex drive) and other tests suggested by your health care pr
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Here Comes the Sun
On Jul 11
I wait all year for the sun. Sometimes it doesn't show up here in Portland, Oregon. It's marvelous this year. The sun is good for people with bipolar disorder- it lifts the mood and gets us outside. We do need to be careful about mania as it peaks in the summer, but over all summer is awesome.
How
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Mental Health Facts in the UK
On Jun 17
NHS is'failing' mental health patients
Professor Lord Layard of the LSE Centre for Economic Performance last night called for a designated Cabinet minister to reflect the burden of mental illness on society. Mental illness accounts for nearly half of all ill health suffered by people in Britain today,
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My friend Sherri, Bipolar Depression and Psychosis
On Jun 13
My BP depression comes with not only depression but psychosis. I start to see things that aren't there and hear things that aren't heard, like my name called over and over again. I see mice running across the floor. I hear my name projected over the loudspeaker at Fred Meyers. I smell burning rubber in my apartment. With
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