Warning: Possible trigger warning surrounding suicide awareness. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call 988, or go to your nearest Emergency Room. You can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. The big question is, “How can you improve your mental health?” In recent years, there has been a…
Living with a chronic illness like bipolar disorder is exhausting and sometimes overwhelming. This is especially true if you proactively manage your illness. It takes an enormous amount of time and energy to take steps to manage each day. This is something that someone without bipolar disorder oftentimes cannot fully grasp. That being said, you…
Consistency is the foundation for growth. Have you ever made a goal to start something new, for example working out, only to get derailed before you even begin? A common and popular goal at the start of the new year is to start working out more. As a former personal trainer, I saw it time…
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,…
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…
Anxiety is a big symptom that accompanies bipolar disorder. In fact, a large percentage of those diagnosed with bipolar disorder are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. In addition to having bipolar disorder type 1, I have also been diagnosed with a general anxiety disorder (GAD). I can get anxious in almost any situation. To…
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…
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…
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…