How to Operate a Blog When You Have Bipolar Disorder

Recently, I have had several questions about the operation of my blog. I will answer those questions here and hopefully shed some light on the subject.

1) What is your blogging schedule like, and how does it work living with bipolar disorder?

Originally, I published blog posts twice a week on Monday and Thursday. After 4 to 5 months, I found this schedule to be a tad overwhelming. So, I reduced my schedule to publish a post once a week, on Wednesday. I call it “New-post Wednesday” for my readers.

The schedule is quite doable in dealing with my bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is not only a disorder that affects mood but also energy and activity. I took this into account when starting my blog. It is actually a very good activity because you can control when you write.

My energy level can fluctuate pretty severely throughout the day. So, I take advantage of the time when I feel energized. That is when I write as much as I can.

I also try to get ahead of my published posts. I do this by creating my posts as much in advance as possible. This way, if something comes up or I decompensate, I already have a post to publish.

Like the majority of others, I have other obligations besides my blog. I just make sure to juggle them so I can publish my post each week. Every once in a while it can get overwhelming, but I utilize extra coping skills during those periods.

Stress is a huge trigger for me, like others battling bipolar disorder. I follow a daily treatment plan to keep my stress in check, so I can make sure to write my weekly posts.

2) How do you engage with others to make the conversation more meaningful?

I have found that I do not receive many comments on my actual blog. Many individuals tend to e-mail me or message me. I am sure this has to do with privacy issues. However, I am not entirely sure.

I utilize social media and my e-mail list to engage with others and make the conversation more meaningful. I have a Twitter account, an Instagram account, and a Facebook page.

3) Do you manage your blog while manic or depressed? Should you?

I think it is a personal preference to manage your blog while manic or depressed.

For me, I have not been depressed, or manic since I started The Bipolar Battle.

4) What are the primary reasons you blog about bipolar disorder?

I have a mission statement for my blog.

My primary reason to blog about bipolar disorder is to help empower those afflicted with bipolar disorder to live the life they deserve.

I was diagnosed with bipolar type 1 back in 1999. I have extensive experience dealing with the illness and want to share that with my readers and how I cope.

Interacting with social media, I enjoy advocating as well. I love to help others, educate anyone and everyone, and try to break the stigma of mental illness.

5) What platform do you use?

I use WordPress as my platform. It can be fairly complicated to set up when you first start a blog. I utilized YouTube and forums to answer any of my questions.

I know there are other platforms, but I enjoy the functionality of WordPress.

6) How do you keep in touch with your readers?

To keep in touch with my readers, I use social media and my e-mail list.

For me, it is difficult to interact with each of my social media accounts daily. I mainly focus on Twitter and my Facebook Page.

A couple of times a week, I post on Instagram and my Personal Facebook Account.

I used to e-mail my readers once a week who opted into my blog. As of the writing of this blog post, I have not been too consistent with that schedule. I need to be more proactive with the use of my e-mail list.