On Presidents’ Day, a school holiday, I awoke to an unscheduled day. I needed something to do with my daughter Marilla, so I decided to take her to the park. (My other little girl, Avonlea, headed for her best friend’s house.) The weather was clear and sunny, but my mind was stormy and gloomy. I wanted to hide in my bed, read a book, and not have...
You are here
Blog
World Bipolar Day- CALL TO ACTION
March 5, 2014
World Bipolar Day - an initiative of the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder, the International Bipolar Foundation, and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders - will be celebrated each year on March 30th, the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, who was posthumously diagnosed as probably having bipolar disorder. The vision of...
Share
Broad Minded People: Mental Illness in the Philippines
March 4, 2014
Maricela Estrada
I was having an intellectual conversation with a credit card customer services representative located in the Philippines. I asked her how mental illness was perceived in the Philippines, particularly psychosis. I asked her if there was stigma associated with mental illness. She said, “ooohh they are considered broad minded people, highly creative...
Share
First Breakdown
March 3, 2014
Rebecca Moore
I don’t remember all the details of that night or what inspired the events that were about to take place. I imagine my father and mother had gotten into some kind of tug of war match over me and it was the last straw that broke the camel’s back so to speak. I can remember I had locked myself in my room. I wanted to be alone, but I was so full of...
Share
Waiting For the Other Shoe to Drop
February 26, 2014
Dyane Leshin-Harwood
Ever since my bipolar depression lifted last year, I've felt I've been tumbling around in my dryer. Maybe that's not the best analogy, but it has been a long, strange, emotional trip! I’ve been holding my breath both literally and figuratively. I’ve always been an anxious person, and once bipolar disorder entered my life, my anxiety...
Share
Fear
February 26, 2014
Rebecca Lombardo
We all have fears that can range from borderline silly to crippling and debilitating. The trouble is, that friend of yours that is terrified of cats, doesn’t see it as silly. Perhaps something happened in her life to change her and make her believe cats can really hurt her. Is it our right to judge the seriousness of someone else...
Share
Breaking the Window on Stigma
February 26, 2014
Carley Cooper
Before I knew that I have Bipolar Disorder, I barely knew what it was. I thought I did, but now I realize I didn’t know much about it at all. Since being diagnosed I’ve done a great deal of research and study on BPD for a book that I’m writing. With all that I’ve learned, it’s made my whole life make sense for the first time....
Share
Search for the Strength Deep within
February 24, 2014
Natalie Mckinnon
Where is the strength? When did I lose myself in this madness? When I look in the mirror, I only saw sad empty eyes staring back at me. I didn’t recognize who I was anymore. I was afraid of being ME. It was only my reflection, but that’s all I saw, fragments of a tainted reflection of the person I once was. The light that once lit up my eyes,...
Share
Natalie Mckinnon
February 24, 2014
Natalie McKinnon grew up and lives in Massachusetts. She is married to her husband and best friend Donald of 15 years. She attended Massasoit Community College and obtained her Director II Certification in the field of Early Childhood Education. She is active in her community with her church, and the local crime watch. She enjoys spending time...
Share
Rae-Ann
February 21, 2014
My name is Rae-Ann. I am 48 years old. I was finally diagnosed with Bipolar 1 when I was 27 years old, after over 10 years of struggle. For the last 32 years, I have endured many episodes, both depressive and manic. I now refer to myself as a "responsible" person who is living with Bipolar. I take my medications...
Share