Author: Jamie Hopkins It is often said that reaching out for help is one of the hardest things to do. But what if it wasn’t? There’s no doubt that it takes an incredible amount of strength, courage, and vulnerability to put so much trust in...
Something I am Proud of in My Journey: After a decade of chaos—marked by sleepless nights, manic episodes, drug-fueled anxiety, and the weight of alcohol-driven depression—I finally found an answer: bipolar disorder. A name for the storm that had consumed my twenties....
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Author: Melissa Howard In 2011, I experienced my most devastating manic psychosis. To speak my truth, I didn’t expect to survive that episode. It changed me as a person. It was a traumatizing period for me and for those who loved me. I had already experienced...
Author: Charles Kelly I sometimes found myself frustrated at work, looking for temporary escapes from the modern madness of life. I tried stress balls and taking walks on my lunch break, although these had minimal effects on me. I remember reading something...
An Experience in San Diego, California! April 19 at 6:00 PM PT at Viejas Arena. 20% of every ticket purchased through this special link supports International Bipolar Foundation! Make a difference – grab your seats...
Celebrating Lisa’s Strength 💪 What am I most proud of on my bipolar journey? I’m a survivor. Right now, in this moment of time and place, I am stable. I am a productive member of society. I take my meds and attend group and individual therapy sessions. I...
Celebrating Paul’s Strength 💪 My name is Paul English. I studied computer science and music in college and then went on in a career of entrepreneurship. I have started and sold six companies to date (including Kayak.com) and have also started five...
Celebrating Tom’s Strength 💪 When I experienced my first manic episode, I didn’t see it coming. I don’t think many people do. I had been dealing with a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder since I was a teenager and had never even considered I might be...
Celebrating Subrina’s Strength 💪 10/26/2006. A date I will never forget. The date that didn’t solve my problems. Just a date to reveal the truth, The beginning of my bipolar journey. Up. Down. Black. White. Courageous, yet terrified. Determined,...
Celebrating Charles’s Strength💪 What makes me most proud of my journey is learning to live a happy and fulfilling life despite the many challenges of bipolar disorder. Over time, I have discovered that celebrating small victories, such as going to work, taking...
Celebrating TK’s Strength 💪 I was almost finished with graduate school when I was struck down with a bipolar 2 depression and was unable to complete my degree. I felt for so long that I had failed. I defined myself as a failure. Then, just the other day,...
Celebrating Chivo Cycle’s Strength 💪 Chivo Cycle isn’t just a studio; it’s a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative impact of fitness. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder since 2009, I discovered the incredible benefits of...
Author: Melissa Howard As daylight savings time (DST) has arrived, the time shift plays a significant role for those of us who live with bipolar disorder (BD). For me, a solid and consistent routine, combined with positive lifestyle management, has contributed...
Author: Charles Kelly Before my manic episode, I was completely unaware of how I came off to others. My ego controlled every part of my life. If something did not go my way, I would defend my position, even when I knew I was wrong. Classmates, coworkers, and...
March 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM PT Register for the Live Discussion with Lisa Genova Ph.D and Andy Nierenberg M.D., here. Join us for an inspiring World Bipolar Day Webinar Discussion with our esteemed guests, Lisa Genova, Ph.D. and Author of More or Less...
Author: Che’ Lang When I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I thought it was safe to assume there were only two sides of this medical condition that I would have to manage; mania and depression. Hypomania was also commonly depicted by my psychiatrist,...
April 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM PT Register for the free webinar with Nacho Ruiz Hens., here. This powerful talk challenges society’s perception of neurodivergence, particularly bipolar disorder and ADHD, arguing that these conditions should be recognized as strengths...
Author: Jillian LaFrance The rollercoaster of emotions, the dizzying highs and crushing lows – this is the reality for many living with bipolar disorder. But what happens when this already complex mental health condition intersects with substance use?...
Author: Jamie Hopkins Change is inevitable. Whether it be starting a new job, moving to a new city, joining a new sports team, or developing a new support system, the uncomfortable is going to set in. For many people in their early 20s, all those uncomfortable...
Something I`m Proud of In My Journey: At first, when I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type 1 back in 2022, I did not accept the mental disorder and did not take my medications as the doctor instructed. It was a huge mistake. This erratic behavior led me to...
Something I am Proud of in My Journey: My greatest feat was going to the hospital. Both times I made the personal decision to go and it was also the scariest one. Both times were during my college years. The first time was during the holidays. I remember thinking I...
Hey there Che’, I know there has been a lot going on lately, and I just wanted to travel back in time and let you in on a few things you’ve realized over the last 20 years. Buckle up and get a pen and paper, you’re going to want to take some notes. If you feel like...
I’m sure at this age you have no idea what’s about to happen. Your life is about to take a turn, not for the worst, but for the betterment of your growth as you enter young adulthood. So let me give you a few tips that will assist you in navigating this Where do...
Hi young Ricardo, It’s your teen years, and they’re the most difficult ones. There’s a lot of shyness (as part of your personality), discomfort in groups of friends because of your acne, and your insecurities. And you don’t know yet that you will have your...
To my newly diagnosed 16 year old self: There is so much I wish to tell you and warn you, in hopes of preparing you for the journey to come. But even now, 18 years later, tears come to my eyes thinking of the path I have traveled to reach this very moment. I wonder...
I wish I had known that I was born with what I call a “bipolar brain.” My whole life I have been living on the “bipolar spectrum.” For decades, my brain was gradually changing, and my subclinical bipolar condition growing ever-close to clinical bipolar disorder (BD)....
Dear Andrea of the past, You know how you’ve wanted to die for the past few weeks? That horrendous feeling in your stomach that the world is out to get you? The inability to sleep? The agitation? Guess what – you have bipolar disorder. I know you’re...
Sleep is my number one priority for maintaining my health and wellbeing, and I cannot stress this enough.With time I learned it was my key source to a balanced life along with my everyday medication regimen. I am particularly sensitive about my sleep environment,...
I am open about my bipolar with both family and friends. I have discussed my symptoms with them, and it has struck many interesting conversations. I spoke at my father’s work when I was 16 about mental health and teens, and it was eye-opening for my father. He knew...
My current favorite self-care practice is small outings by myself to explore local places. Going to public spaces like bookstores and farmer’s markets, even just to walk around for a bit, is a great way to combat isolation and change the environment around me. I also...
Yes, I’ve discussed my diagnosis with most of my friends. For some of them I had to explain it quite a bit — a lot of the pop culture understanding of bipolar disorder isn’t quite accurate — and others were already familiar with it. They generally were appreciative...
For much of college, I was either undermedicated or on the wrong medication, so I missed a lot of class due to both mania and depression which did not serve my grades well. Getting tutoring for some classes helped because I could focus more in an environment that was...
Starry Night 2024 Sponsorship Opportunities $25,000+ STARRY NIGHT SUPPORTER 10 guest tickets – Logo or family name prominently featured on event signage – Logo or family name displayed on event screen – Recognition in program – Verbal...
April 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM PT Register for the free webinar with Sheri L. Johnson, Ph.D., here. Why do manias happen when they do? Genetics tell us something about who is likely to experience a manic episode, but why does a given episode unfold? We will discuss the...
February 24, 2025 We are thrilled to be joined by Lisa Genova, author of More or Less Maddy, for a live webinar! Stay tuned for more details.
by Surabhi Verma The number of people with declining mental health is unfortunately increasing rapidly. Getting more isolated and fatigued, many people have been caught in a web of mental struggles. Day by day, this web grows, yet manages to stay hidden in the...
by Katie Garrison Heart racing, tears falling, hands shaking. I will never forget that day in April of 2021- I have never experienced such hopelessness and fear. I could never have imagined that the most vulnerable and terrifying moment of my life would...
by Sophia Hasan Throughout my high school years, I have discovered the powerful impact of creativity on my mental health. When faced with academic and social pressures, engaging in creative activities became my safe place. Whether it was crocheting, sewing, or...
April 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM PT Register for the free webinar with Rajesh R Tampi, MD, MS, DFAPA, DFAAGP, here. Older Age Bipolar Disorder (OABD) is a term that is used to describe bipolar disorder (BD) occurring amongst individuals ≥50 years of age. Evidence...
Social media has become a powerful tool for connecting with friends and building a sense of community. Though, social media usage can have both positive and negative effects on mental health. On one hand, social media can provide a platform for people to connect and...
One click. One share. One like on social media can send an individual into a spiral of spinning anxiety over their body, actions, and words. The damage social platforms cause to the minds and hearts of teenagers across the world is devastating and detrimental to the...
Mental health plays a very big role in everyone’s life. There are some people who have theirs in mint condition and appear to be well put together, and there are others who cannot bear to go on with their lives anymore. In my 17 years of being on this earth, I...
By: Melinda Goedeke Spying on a lobster the size of my leg while gently swaying back and forth 70 ft. below the sea is both exhilarating and meditative for me. I even secretly like the anxiety of knowing that with each breath my oxygen is depleting. I swim swiftly...
By: Sam Bowman Struggling With Time, Energy, and Relationships The most prominent symptoms of bipolar disorder are the highs and lows you can feel at any given time. Going through episodes of mania and depression can take a toll on your mental, emotional, and physical...
June 19, 2022 Dear Dad, This Father’s Day I want to celebrate your role in my life. Especially how you helped me through my bipolar diagnosis and functional recovery. Three years before I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you shared some wisdom with me that...
By Melinda Goedeke I laugh sarcastically every time I watch a commercial about medication for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Unkempt young men and women are shown in dark, depressing places with vacuous eyes and downtrodden faces until they take the miracle...
