I have always dreamed of traveling across the world, so when I got the opportunity to study and intern in Florence, Italy, for three months I was beside myself. The closer the date crept up, the more my excitement morphed into anxiety. My mind became cluttered with “what ifs” and questions about if I was really ready to live across the world.I...
You are here
Blog
Mommy's Bipolar
January 15, 2018
By: Danielle Workman
To many people, the mere thought of me telling my son about my bipolar disorder diagnosis was controversial. When people would ask if he knew, I’d always let them know that yes, he did know, and he was okay with it. They’d gasp, or shake their heads in disapproval, or even tear up. If I am being completely honest, I don’t understand their...
Share
7 Simple Ways to Maintain Stability When You Have Bipolar Disorder
January 11, 2018
By: John Poehler
Bipolar Disorder is a chronic illness of extreme moods, energy, and motivation. It is a complex disease that requires multiple coping strategies per day. The diagnostic criteria is the same for everyone. However, each individual is unique in their biology and symptomology. Therefore, the following coping strategies are...
Share
By: Conor Bezane
You are dually diagnosed. You have bipolar and addiction. It’s a nightmare. Naturally.Alcohol makes you feel warm and fuzzy all over, especially in the winter, when all you feel like doing is cozying up to the fire and enjoying a glass of wine or a fine Scotch or bourbon. But you’re not drinking anymore — and don’t forget that you feel better as a...
Share
A Tenacious Spirit and Managing Bipolar Symptoms
January 3, 2018
By: Allison Clemmons
Tenacity is one’s strength of will or determination in continuing to do what one is doing. It is a word synonymous with stubbornness and patience. It is also a quality which those who struggle daily with serious mental disorders must seek to nurture in order to survive the continuous ups and downs and twists and turns we so often face. In that...
Share
John Poehler
December 27, 2017
John Poehler was diagnosed Bipolar Type 1 back in 1999. He is the creator and founder of the blog “The Bipolar Battle”, whose mission is to help empower those afflicted with bipolar disorder live the life they deserve. John is a mental health advocate, writer and aspiring author. He is in the early creative stages of writing a...
Share
Let's Talk About Mental Health: December
December 27, 2017
Voices From The IBPF Community
This December we launched our new weekly health talks amongst our Facebook community as a way to keep up a conversation about mental health with one another! You all responded with much enthusiasm which tells us that there is much more to be discussed and so we will be continuing these talks going into 2018! Here is some of what you had to say as...
Share
Mind Games
December 21, 2017
By: Aubrey Good
When making the decision to take an active role in handling my bipolar disorder, I was given a lot of advice that warned of the hard times ahead and the need for patience and endurance. The most common conversations, whether it is with my medical team or peers, include phrases like:-“Finding the right medication will take a lot of trial and error...
Share
A Holiday Message and Resource List From IBPF
December 20, 2017
Although the holiday season is known to be the most wonderful time of the year, the truth is that it can also be very difficult for many of us who are suffering from hardships and/or mental illness. It is important that we take care of our own mental health and also check in with others to see how they are doing. What better way to celebrate the...
Share
Planning For My Health
December 12, 2017
By: Danielle Workman
Most girls have that one ‘must have’ item in their purse at all times. For some it is a certain lip gloss, others have a pair of great sunglasses, others hide great items like portable chargers or spritzers. These days, my go to items are my planners and journals, and yes, I carry those in my purse at all times. Let me explain more.It came as an...
Share