*Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness. If you are a loved one of someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it can be quite confusing how to support them. I know you have questions. To help you better understand the ways you can help support your loved one living with bipolar…
This is the story of an average Joe and his story of overcoming bipolar disorder. He isn’t a celebrity. He isn’t a sports star. In fact, he’s like you. That average Joe is me—John Poehler. I live with bipolar disorder type 1. It is a mental illness that fluctuates between manic and depressive episodes, along with periods of stability….
*Photo by Anna Shvets Hope is an elusive concept when you live with bipolar disorder. Most people feel discouraged, lost, and hopeless as a reaction to their initial diagnosis. You may immediately deny you have an illness. It’s normal to feel these mixed emotions. How you handle these emotions will ultimately decide your success in managing…
With extreme certainty, I can say that doctors overdiagnose bipolar disorder. These days, there is more and more evidence suggesting the mind-body connection concerning the treatment of various illnesses. Bipolar disorder falls into this category. Unlike illnesses such as pneumonia, cancer, or diabetes, there is no specific test to identify bipolar disorder in an individual….
*Photo by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona on Unsplash Is bipolar disorder a part of your unique personality? Does bipolar disorder define you as a person? Do you see bipolar disorder as an illness? I have asked myself these questions several times throughout the years. For some reason, these questions have recently been the focus of many…
*Photo by Romain Dancre on Unsplash The following information is based on applying for disability in the USA and is not intended as legal advice. Whatever advice you choose to follow is based on your own discretion. Social Security Disability Social Security Disability Income or SSDI is a program that was created for those termed “disabled.”…
*Photo by Simran Sood on Unsplash There is a misconception that anyone with bipolar disorder is mentally fragile. Am I less of a person because I deal with life differently compared to a neurotypical individual? Is there a right or wrong way to live life? Who determines the expectations for how you should deal with…
The demon of depression has made an appearance in my life once again. I knew it would happen. I just had no clue when. Depression is my demon. It physically and mentally sucks the life out of me. I am tired all the time and no amount of sleep will make me feel refreshed. My…
Living with bipolar disorder is a daily battle. Each day is a continual battle in this ongoing war with bipolar disorder. A treatment plan is a roadmap to help manage your illness from day to day. To deal with the daily onslaught of bipolar disorder, you need a strong arsenal to defend yourself. Many individuals…
Am I Really A “Sissy” For Following My Wellness And Treatment Plan? I recently posted a video on Facebook talking about breaking the stigma of pill shaming. I rarely use Facebook like the other social media platforms. This was an exception because the video perfectly depicted my thoughts. Fast forward to the next day and…