"This drawing is called 'The Soup in My Head' and was drawn by my friend Julia. We were having coffee time together and I shared with her my fear of planning something ahead as I often have fozzy, foggy mood, and moodswings, although I take lithium and antidepressants. I mean I have no idea what to expect from tomorrow, it's puzzling, that's why I...
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Art
Ang Aking Paglayag sa Mundo ng Sining sa Kabila ng Kakaibang Kalagayan ng Aking Kaisipan
June 28, 2016
This article is available in English here. Sa kabila ng ilang mga kapansanan sa pag-iisip na tinataglay ko at kasalukuyang nag-gagamot para sa mga ito, masasabi kong hindi talaga ako pala-halubilo sa tao. Mas madalas na gusto kong mapag-isa. Kahit na ganito, hindi ko ito kinakahiya o pinagsisisihan. Pero inaamin ko, na kapag dumadating ang...
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Learning Through Art and Others
June 28, 2016
Apart from the mental conditions I was diagnosed with and am being treated for, I am a recluse and an introvert by nature. Even so, neither of those make me remorseful nor ashamed. I admit though, whenever I am “comme ci, comme ça," I still do try to be a chameleon — blend-in so as not to emit eccentric vibes which may make some people uneasy...
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Celebrating Mental Health Milestones
June 14, 2016
I recently planned my Drug Treatment Court Graduation. In July I will successfully graduate; the courtroom will be full of my guests and other participants. Each member of the seven panel treatment team — including the judge — will take time to give me accolades, followed by a recess in court so that everyone in attendance can congratulate me...
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David Bowie: You'll Always Be A Hero To Me
January 15, 2016
When tormented musicians perish I overrelate. It becomes more about me than the departed. This is about him. David Bowie. The King of ‘Sound and Vision,’ crossed divides of age, fame, race, sexuality, politics, and style with theatrical flair and fun. In his latest video, “Lazarus,” he sings about being ‘free as the bluebird,’ with...
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Messiah Complex
November 25, 2015
Marek Danielewski
My name is Marek Danielewski and I have been diagnosed properly with Bipolar Disorder for about 9 years. While I know I suffered longer, I found ways of self-therapy and treatment. I wanted to submit my art and ideas on ‘bipolar and art’ to the blog to inform, inspire and educate. After some thought I decided to simply put in my art statement...
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New Hobby to Consider: Coloring Books for Adults!
October 1, 2015
I know what you’re thinking, “A coloring book? Has she lost her mind?” But studies have shown that adults struggling with mental illnesses have benefitted greatly from coloring books geared for grown-ups and I’m one of them! I was given one for my 29th birthday in September. I can spend up to an hour carefully coloring the detailed pictures...
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Creativity
June 23, 2015
I sometimes wonder how and why many people who have bipolar disorder feel and become creative. I know, for example, when I am in mania I become far more into writing, descriptions, and reading book after book. I crave to live outside my life most of the time, but especially in mania. Let me back up a notch and define what exactly I mean by...
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Bipolar Disorder- A Fiddler on My Roof
February 26, 2015
I recently directed a high school production of Fiddler on the Roof. For those of you who may not know it, this is the story of a simple milkman in 1905 Russia who tries to keep the traditions of his Jewish culture and the desires of his contemporary daughters in balance. In the opening song, he sings, “Life is as shaky as a fiddler on the roof!”...
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Drop-In Peer Centers for Behavioral Health: An Exploding Trend
February 24, 2015
One of the reasons I am glad that I moved to Florida is that it led me to a peer run drop in center near my house called Rebel’s Drop In. In my small county, Broward, between Palm Beach and Miami-Dade, we have 5 of these centers. Peer run drop in centers average 5 per state, see the links below to find one near you. Mindfulness, OA, NAMI...
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Creative Minds Want To Know
January 6, 2015
Much has been written and said about a potential link between the hypomanias of Bipolar Disorder and creativity. Last month’s Webinar, Igniting The Creative Fire: The Neurobiology Of Creativity In Bipolar Disorder With Dr. Mohammad Alsuwaidan, explored the link with more scholarly insight than I am able to do, but I wanted to weigh in on the...
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Art as a Kind of Therapy
October 7, 2014
Even before I knew I had bipolar disorder, I have always loved art. I used to spend my afternoons in high school (I was unschooled) wandering around the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, where I grew up. Since moving to Saint Louis for college, I have spent many mornings, afternoons and evenings in the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Pulitzer, the...
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