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Raising a Family While Living With Bipolar Disorder

Raising a Family While Living With Bipolar Disorder

Raising children is accompanied by an abundance of emotions. Anywhere from excitement, love and joy, to the less talked about, sadness, exhaustion and loneliness. Parenting does not come without its challenges. From conception or adoption…

Falling – And Getting Back Up

Falling – And Getting Back Up

Depending on my mood state, my sense of self worth can change drastically.While manic, I feel a larger than life sense of purpose. It often feels justified after extended depressive episodes because it feels like my brain needs to…

Self-Esteem & Bipolar

Self-Esteem & Bipolar

Depending on my mood state, my sense of self worth can change drastically.While manic, I feel a larger than life sense of purpose. It often feels justified after extended depressive episodes because it feels like my brain needs to…

Gaining Hope From Faith

Gaining Hope From Faith

It is not always easy to have faith when living with bipolar disorder.  At times, it seems belief in a loving God or Higher Power is almost impossible. Yet, faith has sustained me during times when it seemed that…

International Travel & Bipolar Disorder

International Travel & Bipolar Disorder

Travelling for leisure is an important part of my life but it has come with challenges that I have had to navigate through in order to enjoy my experience. My family plans for our longest vacation…

Life After My Hospitalization

Life After My Hospitalization

After being discharged from the hospital, I often felt lost and disconnected from the outside world. Conversations with others felt awkward and disjointed, leaving me confused about what had happened. Hitting rock bottom…

Channeling My Bipolar Symptoms

Channeling My Bipolar Symptoms

I channel my grandiosity with creative pursuits so I can pause the pressure I put on myself with allowable goal oriented thinking and behavior. I’ve learned over time these pursuits don’t have to be a means to an end. Although having a finished product can give me…

How Yoga Has Helped Me Manage Bipolar Disorder

How Yoga Has Helped Me Manage Bipolar Disorder

Growing up I was never into exercise. I was that kid that didn’t do well in gym class and did everything to not have to run. So you can imagine my dismay, when fast forward to varsity, my therapist told me I should exercise more…

Making Therapy Our Own: How I Get the Most Out of it

Making Therapy Our Own: How I Get the Most Out of it

When I started out in therapy, there was a detachment from my weekly sessions to my everyday life outside of treatment; I was unable to make the connection to my life outside of session. When home does not feel safe, we may lean on maladaptive skills such as an eating disorder, self-harm, or drug-use to cope. It makes so much sense that we are looking…

The Link Between My Childhood Trauma and Bipolar Disorder

The Link Between My Childhood Trauma and Bipolar Disorder

Majority of people living with bipolar disorder would agree that one of the most daunting experiences is inpatient treatment. For many psych patients, including myself, inpatient treatment is viewed as a punishment or failure…

10 Things to Know About Inpatient Psych Treatment

10 Things to Know About Inpatient Psych Treatment

Majority of people living with bipolar disorder would agree that one of the most daunting experiences is inpatient treatment. For many psych patients, including myself, inpatient treatment is viewed as a punishment or failure…

How Bipolar Has Impacted My Worldview

How Bipolar Has Impacted My Worldview

When symptomatic, bipolar illness can be all consuming. During manic episodes, I have overwhelming feelings of euphoria, grandiosity and extreme irritability.  When I’m depressed, it feels like my life…

How Unbalanced Hormones Worsened My Bipolar Symptoms

How Unbalanced Hormones Worsened My Bipolar Symptoms

I was fourteen when an ovarian tumour was discovered on my left ovary. I had been menstruating for just over a year when the diagnosis was made. The large tumor was removed along with the majority of the small organ. A minimal amount of unaffected…

Why Therapy is Integral for Me

Why Therapy is Integral for Me

There was a time when I believed therapy was simply a means to an end. If I spoke with someone about my problems, I was there for solutions to eventually conclude the sessions. My views have changed over the years. Therapy is now an integral part of my holistic treatment plan, an ongoing and crucial part of my recovery…

Self-Care vs. Self-Love

Self-Care vs. Self-Love

Two phrases you see everywhere: self care and self love. But what do they actually mean? What is their relationship with mental health and mental illness, more specifically with bipolar disorder? I often ask myself…

A Light Upon Allies: The Importance of Safe Spaces

A Light Upon Allies: The Importance of Safe Spaces

In my late twenties, I have grown to be very fond of carving out safe spaces of community; safe spaces are an important part of my identity. The people who support me mirror my brave heart and vast authenticity. Feeling wholly supported today, I feel confident in…

Maternal Mental Health Month

Maternal Mental Health Month

Maternal Mental Health Month is celebrated each May to raise awareness about parents’ mental well-being before, during, and after pregnancy. Celebrating this month can mean acknowledging…

Creativity as My Outlet

Creativity as My Outlet

Creativity has always been an impactful outlet for me. For a long time, I’d struggle expressing myself, I’d doubt my creative abilities, or question whether I would even consider myself creative at all…

The Impact of Bipolar on Relationships

The Impact of Bipolar on Relationships

It’s no secret that if left untreated, bipolar illness can have a devastating impact on relationships. So when symptoms take over, it’s crucial to start looking at the triggers that lead to a change in thinking and behavior…

Therapy Saved and Changed My Life

Therapy Saved and Changed My Life

After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, there were many emotions that ran through me immediately, and for a long time thereafter. Among these feelings…

My Experience with Mania

My Experience with Mania

My first manic episode was about 4 years ago, and now I understand that before that I also had long periods of depression. I can say that experiencing mania was a really tough time. I was hospitalized 4 times, basically once every year, without the doctors totally understanding…

Pets and Mental Health – A True Companion

Pets and Mental Health – A True Companion

Buster was the only puppy in his litter. A runt, they said. He was the perfect mix of Pomeranian, Poodle, Jack Russell terrier, and Chihuahua. A stout, white body with large brown spots…

Allowing Myself to Own My Experiences

Allowing Myself to Own My Experiences

For months I have been contemplating this. It was not so much about sharing my experience with this lifelong rollercoaster I’ve been handed at quite a young age; But more so about if my experience…

To Medicate or Not to Medicate? My Personal Experience

To Medicate or Not to Medicate? My Personal Experience

I have bipolar 2 disorder. I have attempted to treat my bipolar both medicated and unmedicated. The ending result was drastically different, as was the quality of my life. When I was first diagnosed with bipolar…

Choosing Life Over Addiction with Bipolar Disorder

Choosing Life Over Addiction with Bipolar Disorder

Thinking I may be dead because too many things in life are connecting perfectly, and way too often, was a sure sign that I was in the throes of a manic episode. Sleeping 2-4 hours a night was all I needed…

Balancing Work, School, and Bipolar Disorder

Balancing Work, School, and Bipolar Disorder

When I look back over the course of my mental health condition, I can see patterns that while clear to me now, where elusive to me at the time. One of them is that consistent, part-time work…

Calming the Bipolar Waves: From a Psychiatrist’s Point of View

Calming the Bipolar Waves: From a Psychiatrist’s Point of View

My biggest challenge in triathlon is the swimming part. It’s not easy to swim 2km in the sea, especially when the waves are big. Things flow better when the sea is calmer and has ripples. That seems to be what happened to me months after starting treatment for bipolar disorder…

Parenting and Bipolar Disorder

Parenting and Bipolar Disorder

Caring for a child comes with many responsibilities. Being emotionally and mentally stable is essential when teaching a little human the ropes to this complex life. It requires immense amounts of patience…

Identifying and Processing Bipolar Emotions

Identifying and Processing Bipolar Emotions

Before I committed myself to understanding the underlining emotions characteristic of bipolar, I’d often osilate between extreme irritability, and a kind of manic frenzy jumping from one task…

My 5 Positives of Bipolar

My 5 Positives of Bipolar

Many years after my initial diagnosis, a simple question popped in my head that would fundamentally change the way I look at my mental illness. I asked, “What would happen if I embraced bipolar instead of constantly looking at it as something I had to deal with?” …

Welcoming Mania After Depression? My Experience

Welcoming Mania After Depression? My Experience

To understand the appeal of Hypomania/mania, you must understand the dread of depression. Bipolar depression is much more than occasional bouts of the blues. It can feel as though you are stuck in the deepest parts of your brain while your body moves through the world on autopilot…

The Nails (and Medals) of a World Champion Brazilian swimmer

The Nails (and Medals) of a World Champion Brazilian swimmer

Felipe abandoned training, got out of the pool and went to the shower. His head didn’t stop. Thoughts were racing. The restless mind. Inattention harmed the strokes. Irritability disrupted his rhythm of breathing. How can you balance the intense training of a professional athlete…

Disclosing Bipolar Disorder

Disclosing Bipolar Disorder

I am extremely lucky. On the day that I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I knew I had at least 5 calls to make, receiving nothing but empathy and support on the other end of the phone. Beyond that though…

The Complexity and Potentials of Recovery

The Complexity and Potentials of Recovery

Recovery is not linear. Recovery is not easy. Recovery is the only option. There are so many stages and variables in the journey of recovery from bipolar illness that it is vital for the person on this road to take one day at a time. In serious bipolar depression…

The “Little Things” Before Symptoms

The “Little Things” Before Symptoms

It’s the Little Things. Big shifts in our lives can derail us from progress in managing bipolar, but it’s crucial we often look at the little things as well that may cause our symptoms to take over. Are we ignoring the need to eat food or so overwhelmed by the idea that we start skipping meals?

Finding Hope Through Challenges

Finding Hope Through Challenges

I wanted to start by saying, this road isn’t easy. I forced myself into thinking it would be fine and I would be fine, but many times I’m not…

Sleep’s Effect on Bipolar Disorder

Sleep’s Effect on Bipolar Disorder

Author: Sam Bowman

The sleep-wake cycle is an important factor in overall health. The quality of sleep you are getting impacts several areas of your health, including heart function, circulation, metabolism, respiratory system, and immune system…

Bipolar and Cultivating Community

Bipolar and Cultivating Community

Author: Matthew Palmieri

After my initial diagnosis in 2014, like many, I felt deep shame. There was this nagging and persistent feeling that bipolar had put me behind somehow. That I had done something wrong to end up here and this was going to be…

Managing Anxiety with Schizoaffective Disorder

Managing Anxiety with Schizoaffective Disorder

Author: Liz Colvin

Being a caregiver is a huge responsibility. My adult daughter has survived the rigorous battle of finding the right medication for schizoaffective disorder with her medical provider. However, while managing the mental illness itself, one has to…

The History of Lithium: Who Ate the First Oyster?

The History of Lithium: Who Ate the First Oyster?

Author: Thiago Lopes Genaro

In the 1970s, at an FDA meeting, Gerald Klerman, at the time a professor of psychiatry at Harvard University’s medical school, advocated the use of lithium in episodes of mania, in bipolar disorder. He was then…

Handling Professional Conflicts With Bipolar Disorder

Handling Professional Conflicts With Bipolar Disorder

Author: Sam Bowman

Experiencing a professional conflict is never enjoyable. However, it is bound to happen from time to time. A staggering 85% of people experience workplace conflict to some degree. As someone…

Finding Comfort in Discomfort: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Bipolar Disorder

Finding Comfort in Discomfort: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Bipolar Disorder

Author: Thiago Lopes Genaro

In his book Breathe – a life in flow, Rickson Gracie, one of the biggest names in Jiu Jitsu and one of those responsible for bringing the sport to the United States, narrates a curious scene from his adolescence. Rickson tells of being involved, one afternoon, in a fight…

The Best of Intentions

The Best of Intentions

Author: Elizabeth Horner

Bipolar Disorder is a tricky illness, even when we think we have it mastered. Fine-tuning our medications, ensuring consistent sleep, eating well, therapy, and balancing stability at work and in our personal lives can feel like carefully setting up a complex Domino course and then praying that everything falls in its place. However, even with the best intensions…

When the Fog Lifts: Accepting Yourself

When the Fog Lifts: Accepting Yourself

Author: Matt Palmieri

One of the most challenging aspects of living with bipolar is the phase that follows an unfortunate period of heavily distorted thinking. No, I’m not the CEO anymore. Guess I can’t retire just yet…

Anger

Anger

Author: Paul English

I used to have anger in my teen years and 20s. I learned how to greatly diminish this through Buddhist teachers, from friends, and from personal mindfulness practice…

Workplace and Bipolar Disorder

Workplace and Bipolar Disorder

Author: Niki Castle

The stress of working in television.As kids, we were all asked what we wanted to be when we grew up. I changed my mind so many times. From cardiologist to artist and then an architect…

The Reality of Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Brazil

The Reality of Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Brazil

Author: Thiago Lopes Genar

Recently I was reading the Indian guideline for treatment of bipolar disorder (BD). It is from 2017. When you are a psychiatrist specializing in bipolar disorder, you read guidelines from many places around the world we have the Indian guideline (2017)…

The Truth Behind the Lies

The Truth Behind the Lies

Author: Melinda Goedeke

I had a beautiful daughter who amazed the world with her laughter, intelligence, spunk and adventure. And she was a liar. She lied to her family, she lied to her friends, she lied to her employers and most painfully…

Raising Awareness About Bipolar Disorder Through Blogging

Raising Awareness About Bipolar Disorder Through Blogging

Author: Sam Bowman

If you’re familiar with the struggles of bipolar disorder, you want to raise awareness or help others who share your concerns, and you’re good with words and writing, then creating your own blog may be a way to do just that. The fact is…

The Intersections of Bipolar and Bisexual

The Intersections of Bipolar and Bisexual

Author: Lexie Manion

I am newly diagnosed with bipolar disorder as of 2019 and newly out as bisexual as of 2021. Interestingly enough though, these are two intricate parts of my identity that I have been familiar with my entire life – whether or not they have been…

African American Mental Health

African American Mental Health

Author: Niki Castle

Growing up in a biracial home, I became aware of the difference between white and black at an early age. My Irish mom received varied responses to her mixed-race kids…

Getting Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder as an Older Adult

Getting Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder as an Older Adult

Author: Sam Bowman

Getting diagnosed with bipolar disorder as an older adult can be challenging. Stigmas and misconceptions about the condition may be discouraging and lead to feelings of embarrassment or unease. However, bipolar disorder affects millions of older adults…

Breaking Free From the Cage of Productivity

Breaking Free From the Cage of Productivity

Author: D.O Vo

During my time in university, having to combat the suffocating experience of bipolar depression truly felt like I was drowning. I was trapped in this never-ending cycle of being unable to complete my school work because I struggled with motivating myself while also carrying severe guilt that I couldn’t find the fortitude to excel in my courses…

Asking For Help as a Man

Asking For Help as a Man

Author: Lee Formella

If you were raised anything like me, you were told to be strong, be a man, be tough, do everything yourself, provide for those around you and definitely, no matter the extremity of the circumstances, do not be a burden to those around you. I am not sure…

Bipolar is Not Your Fault

Bipolar is Not Your Fault

Author: Chris Chambers

It is my 15-year anniversary since I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Looking back, I think one of the most painful parts of my journey was the underlying belief that bipolar disorder was my fault…

Unlocking My Potential

Unlocking My Potential

Author: Vasavi Kumar

Whether it’s losing myself in the vibrant colors of a painting, getting lost in the rhythm of a dance class, or finding my voice through acting and voiceover work, these pursuits have given me a sense of peace and purpose that has been invaluable in managing my symptoms…

My Story: Athletics and Bipolar Disorder

My Story: Athletics and Bipolar Disorder

Author: Niki Castle

At the same time, while I was transitioning to college, I began to experience a new pain. Something inside me felt “off”. I was able to stay up for days without sleep. I began to have racing thoughts and would see flashing lights when I would close my eyes at night…

Triggers

Triggers

Author: Melinda Goedeke

Unfortunately, like many, I have experienced trauma in my life. So much so that I often see life as just a series of traumatic events. Some wounds are bored so deeply that they are firmly lodged…

I Was Afraid to Take Meds

I Was Afraid to Take Meds

Author: Lianca Lyons

I was crying uncontrollably at work because I was mentally, physically, and emotionally EXHAUSTED. I would wake up in the middle of the night sending work texts and emails about things I had either forgotten about or needed to remember. My…

Living With Self-Stigma is Like Driving With the Brake On

Living With Self-Stigma is Like Driving With the Brake On

Author: Andrea Vassilev   Many people experience shame, embarrassment, and guilt surrounding their bipolar diagnosis. They feel as though they must be "one of those people" others are always talking about. They suffer from low self-esteem and feelings of...

DBT and My Experience

DBT and My Experience

Author: Subrina Singh   DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)  founded by psychologist, Dr. Marsha Linehan of Stony Brook University, has recently gained a lot of popularity. It was Selena Gomez actually who brought light to DBT, discussing how greatly it had...

Acknowledging and Addressing Financial Barriers to Bipolar Treatment

Acknowledging and Addressing Financial Barriers to Bipolar Treatment

Author: Sam Bowman   Bipolar disorder is a challenging condition to live with. These challenges aren’t just because of the symptoms. It can affect all aspects of your life — personal or professional alike. This is why effective treatment is vital. However, there...

Bipolar – A Life Less Ordinary

Bipolar – A Life Less Ordinary

Bipolar disorder is a complex yet manageable condition. It is a condition that affects moods, emotions, and energies and can be challenging in many ways. A person with bipolar can lead a normal and healthy life but it takes work and knowledge to build up the skills needed to live and prosper with the condition. 

How Seeking Hobbies Can Help Manage Bipolar Disorder

How Seeking Hobbies Can Help Manage Bipolar Disorder

Certain hobbies and self-care strategies can make a profound difference in an individual’s ability to manage bipolar disorder. Incorporating these into life, even in small amounts, can really add up to make mood swings more manageable and interrupt life a bit less. Developing some of these strategies and incorporating hobbies can even make life more fun in general.  

Not Only Surviving, but Thriving

Not Only Surviving, but Thriving

I was a senior in high school in 1990 when I had my very first manic episode. I felt the silence and stares; people were so cold. They acted quiet and scared. I was alienated. The pain that I experienced has helped me to survive mental illness through many phases of life.

A Three-Headed Monster: Mental Illness, Stigma, and Suicide

A Three-Headed Monster: Mental Illness, Stigma, and Suicide

Suicide is one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized of human experiences. We need a call to arms, not in the sense of weapons, but rather with people working together. Most suicides result from a combination of two things: a mental condition—

Navigating College with Bipolar Disorder

Navigating College with Bipolar Disorder

Being enrolled in college while having bipolar disorder can be a tough task. College is an exciting time for many, as it marks the beginning of a new chapter of life. However, when dealing with a mental illness this time period can be very stressful. The good news is a healthy, thriving, college life is achievable!

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