For the past twenty years I've been a closet songwriter. During my first year attending the University of California at Santa Cruz, I was a regular at open mike night and I belonged to my school’s Concert Choir. Our final concert was an exotic piece sung in the Esperanto language with an Indonesian gamelan orchestra. I loved all kinds...
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Art
GO AHEAD; EVERYBODY ELSE DOES!
March 19, 2014
Roger
We probably all feel this way at times. Hopefully you will not mind too much that this is another self-portrait. Now, if I could just figure out which bird I am today... This is another painting from my series entitled "Bipolar Too" It's my goal for you to see someone you recognize in my paintings and that you will...
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Awareness through the Eyes of Van Gogh
March 14, 2014
Natalie Mckinnon
We all know the importance of mental health awareness, and doing our part of erasing the stigma that still surrounds Disorders like Bipolar. As March 30th approaches which is World Bipolar Day, it’s also Van Gogh’s birthday who is a well known Dutch impressionist artist, how fitting that his birthday falls on the same day we acknowledge Bipolar....
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EVERYBODY KNOWS ONE
January 31, 2014
Roger
And sometimes it’s me! Anyone who is around me when I’m in a mania knows that I’m loud, speak rapidly and make sure that everyone knows that I’m the expert on any subject that comes up. My wife thinks that the resemblance is remarkable…. ...
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Bipolar Too
January 13, 2014
Roger
Middle of the Road Rapid Cycling War & PeaceMy name is Roger and I suffer from Bipolar Disorder 2. This blog almost did not get written. I informed Ashley at the International Bipolar Foundation that I wanted to wait until I was in a positive mood to write...
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A Song About Lithium
July 16, 2013
Spencer McCauley
Today I am focusing on Evanescence’s song Lithium. Lithium is a drug sometimes associated with bipolar disorder since it has been fairly successful in helping stabilize manic and depressive episodes. Lithium was first used to treat mania in 1970. Kay Jamison wrote about the benefits of the drug in “An Unquiet Mind” stating“At this point in my life...
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Keep On Trying
May 22, 2013
Kristian McElroy
Ten years ago a dear friend of mine gave me a little book during my very first hospital stay called Keep on Trying which is centered around a kitten. I have been reminded of that book in many different ways over the last year through two dear friends. It has inspired me to collect together what I have learned and received through their never-...
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Writing Angry
May 16, 2013
Angel Smith
I don’t know about you but I have a serious problem, writing Angry. Doesn’t sound that bad right? Well for someone like me, a professed writer (blogger), it can be. It can put your life/career/hobby on hold for an extended amount of time. It can cause writers block. It can create a dam of emotion that nothing can penetrate. Because when I start...
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Understanding the Ball of Yarn
March 18, 2013
Stillhopefulmom
Those of us with some form of Bipolar, understand how our minds work. Most of us are gifted with creativity that drives us, especially during manic times. But for those reading this who do not have Bipolar, the creative aspect of Bipolar may be a bit of a mystery. While there are countless scientific links between creativity and mental illness,...
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Valentine's Day
February 12, 2013
Bipolar Bear
A day of love.Flowers.Cake.Chocolate.But what does Valentine Day really signify?A day where you open your heart to someoneSomeone you admire.Someone you always wish the best for.Someone who has been there for you thin and thick.Why not this year, you open your hearts to yourself!Praise your internal love and wellbeing for yourself.Admire yourself...
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Conquest
January 25, 2013
Bipolar Bear
In a week, I will begin my last semester as an undergraduate student.I am taking my last three classes to graduate with bachelors in chemistry.A degree that not only help me further my dreams of becoming a doctor, but the thoughts that I’ve conquered something.I have accomplished something.I have finished college.I have finished college and manage...
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The End
December 31, 2012
Bipolar Bear
We’ve finally made it to the end of the year.First of all, I want to congratulate you for making it through one more year.Glad you are alive.Glad you’ve made it through 2012.Having bipolar disorder… you really don’t know when you will just snap.Snap and just do what you fear the most.I always wondered how others felt when counting down from 10 to...
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