I was diagnosed with bipolar type 1 back in 1999. In the years and decades since, I have made it my focus to manage my illness to the best of my ability. One of the best ways I have done this is by pinpointing my “triggers.” Patience has not always been one of my strengths,…
Fun and bipolar disorder? What kind of question is that, and what does it mean, right? There is a strong misconception between bipolar disorder and the idea that it is “fun” to live with – referring to mania. Mental Illness Is A Serious Subject Bipolar disorder is an intensely serious subject. As a mental illness, it is considered a…
A support group is a great component of an overall treatment plan. There are support groups for almost every type of illness and malady imaginable. Regarding bipolar disorder, some groups focus only on the illness itself. Other groups are offered for family and friends or are a combination of those living with bipolar disorder, family, and friends meeting altogether. Throughout…
Finding the right cocktail of medication can be time-consuming, tiring, and exhausting while testing your patience. For most of us, it can take months, or sometimes even years. If you follow the medical model of treatment, like me, medication is the foundation for managing bipolar disorder. The FDA closely scrutinizes pharmaceutical companies before they can release any medication…
*Photo by Jack Sharp on Unsplash Warning: possible triggers related to suicide, God, and spirituality. “How does God fit into all this, meaning dealing with bipolar disorder?” The answer to this question is very personal and is dependent on your personal belief system. I do not want to turn this into an article for, or against,…
What comes to mind when you think of “black sheep of the family?” To me, “black sheep” is a very loose label that carries with it a negative connotation, at least in my own experience. “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” That saying no longer has merit like it…
Mania is at the top end of the bipolar spectrum. If you live with bipolar disorder type 1, I know you have experienced a manic episode. After all, it is part of the diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder. Living with bipolar disorder is an everyday battle that rages at all times. I have accepted that bipolar disorder does…
Warning possible trigger Bipolar disorder greatly impacts a person’s ability to make both short-term and long-term goals. Those of us living with bipolar disorder have a more difficult time making a goal and following through with them, compared to someone without bipolar disorder. A New Set Of Rules I wish I could follow the advice…
Hobbies are wonderful coping strategies to help manage the stress of everyday life. Today, I would like share my favorite top 5 hobbies that can improve your ability to manage your bipolar disorder. I am not saying that these are the only five hobbies that can help benefit you, because obviously there are countless hobbies in the…
Recently, my wife read a book called “Hidden Valley Road” by Robert Kolker, which is a true story about a family with multiple children living with schizophrenia. She mentioned parts of the storyline to me, and this triggered a question in my mind about the treatment for mental illness: How did we get here? In an effort…