I often wonder if everyone has experienced the miracle of a well-spoken or well-meaning word during times of crisis or need? I grew up in a home fraught with poverty, but my Mother was constantly trying to make small things go a long way---both physically and emotionally. I can remember the day I finally realized I was poor: I was 15....
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Tips and Advice
The ORBIT Project
January 24, 2018
Quality of life in bipolar disorderMaintaining good quality of life is an important goal for people with bipolar disorder. Beyond managing the symptoms of bipolar disorder, people naturally want to maximise satisfaction in important life areas, such as the social, leisure, sleep, and identity domains. The goal of good quality of life...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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The Holidays Aren’t Happy For Everyone, And That’s Okay
December 11, 2017
By: Melanie Luxenberg
It’s that time of year again. December. The holidays are approaching. Time off school for students, perhaps time off work for those whose offices close (or who take time off), time to travel for some, staycations for others. A chance to spend time with family and friends and enjoy yourself- that is, if you want to and are able to. You may be...
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Help! My Parent Has Bipolar Disorder: Part 2
December 7, 2017
By: Leslie A. Lindsay
In Part 1, I described my personal experience with a parent with bipolar disorder. I have compiled a list of questions and concerns that you may have from your own personal experience! Maybe one is, “Why does my mom (or dad) have Bipolar Disorder?”That’s a very natural question. The answer isn’t super-clear. Scientists knows bipolar is a...
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Changing the Perspective Of Your Symptoms
November 10, 2017
By: Danielle Workman
The best advice I had ever gotten in regards to my diagnosis came from my father. It was a dark and gloomy day, in those long months between winter and spring. “You need to spend less time fighting your bipolar and more time working with it.” He said. “It’s how you would work with a difficult person, you could make that person work for you - why...
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Mental Illness And The Dementia Link- Part 2
October 31, 2017
By: Vicki Taylor
In Part 1 of the 2 part series I wondered whether there was a link between having a Mental Illness and developing Dementia. I was genuinely concerned, as I felt I was experiencing more than the normal “aging” memory issues. Other cognitive issues included inability to focus, think clearly, or make sound decisions.I had talked to a Tampa, FL...
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5 Tips To Deal With Severe Social Phobia
October 16, 2017
By: Mel Bonthuys
Taking a deep breath, I walk into the waiting room of the Doctor's Office. It's full of people and I can feel the panic rising in my throat but my appointment is any minute now and I have to check myself in.Standing in the queue at the reception desk, I try my hardest not to think about the waiting room full of people who I am...
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No Silence Here With Dr. Hinshaw! #SayItForward
October 5, 2017
Dr. Steve Hinshaw
Award-winning UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco Proffessor Steve Hinshaw speaks out about the huge need to combat stigma after reflecting on his father's recurring mental illness and the doctor-enforced silence surrounding it. SAY IT FORWARD 2017 October 8th – 14thMind your mind…it depends on you to stay in shape #MindYourMind #...
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