When you live with a mental illness like bipolar disorder, your ability to function can take a big hit. This is especially true if you are newly diagnosed or have not found the right combination of medication yet. When your ability to function decreases, your quality of life will ultimately suffer. Bipolar disorder directly impacts…
My perception of bipolar disorder has changed and evolved throughout the years. With advancements in medical science, public perception, and my personal lived experience, this makes complete sense. I used to see my experience as solely a fight. I fight the bipolar battle on a daily basis. Period. However, this view has evolved into something…
I would like to speak with you about one of the top ways to improve how you manage your bipolar disorder – one that does not involve medication. I believe medication needs to be a part of an overall treatment plan to help improve your quality of life. However, there are other ways to help get…
At the beginning of each new year, many people make resolutions. Topics generally include health, finances, and/or relationships. Did you know that the majority of people who make fitness-related resolutions generally quit by February 15? That is not something I want to bet on – would you? The idea of a resolution in and of…
January is the time when the fitness industry hypes up its message of losing weight for the new year. Since many people gained weight during the COVID pandemic, I know for a fact you will hear the message, “Get rid of that COVID weight as your New Year’s Resolution!” Whether you live with bipolar disorder…
By Dr. Lynette Charity, Board-Certified MD, Anesthesiologist & Keynote Speaker Hello, my name is Lynette Charity MD, and I suffer from depression. Becoming a physician was my dream come true. I still remember watching the TV medical drama Ben Casey when I was 9 years old. The year was 1961, and I lived in the…
Relationships tie directly into your support network. Those in your support network either add or subtract from your overall degree of stability. I may be overly dramatic in saying this, but the relationships in your life can either save you or destroy you. That is why it is imperative that whomever you allow into your circle, should be…
The medical model of treatment is comprised of medication management and therapy. Finding a therapist may seem intimidating and overwhelming, but I am here to provide you with some guidance. What To Look For In A Therapist When looking for a therapist, you must ask yourself some direct questions. The answers you get from these questions will help…
A very common response to a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is “denial.” Do not fall into this trap! If you need to get a second or third opinion, go for it. When I was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I got several other opinions to validate my diagnosis. Each time, the doctor independently diagnosed me with bipolar disorder. I…
When it comes to how you identify yourself, there are countless amounts of adjectives you can use. When looking at your experience of living with bipolar disorder, what comes to mind for you? Do you see yourself as a warrior, a survivor, a victim, or a fighter? Perhaps something else entirely different? How you perceive…