I decided to highlight some differences I have personally seen in bipolar disorder episodes... Making Decisions: In a depressed state, making any decisions (even simple, everyday decisions) feels like such a struggle. I can be seen standing in front of the poultry section of the grocery store for 10 minutes just staring... it [...]
The concept of the creative, troubled genius is not a new one. Many famous artists, from Hemingway to Poe, struggled with their mental health.
Kanye West's new album has it quite literally right on the cover: bipolar. The scenic backdrop of the Wyoming landscape captures much less attention than the words he wrote across the photo in vivid green: "I hate being Bi-Polar it's awesome", a reference to an overused mood disorder joke. In his album titled Ye, West [...]
. . I like the view of bipolar disorder as on a spectrum. I created the graphic above based on the Stomp on Step 1 Mood Disorders graphic I found! For those who may be confused as to what type of episode meets what diagnostic criteria, this can provide a quick overview. . . [...]
The average age of onset for bipolar disorder is during the early 20s, so many people who have been diagnosed start exhibiting symptoms during their college years. Dealing with the stress of depression, mania, and mixed states while under the various stressors of college life can make symptoms worse. Sometimes, you may miss classes due [...]
"...People walk on their tippy toes not to say anything cruel to you and everything that's been going on." At first, when you made ignorant statements about my bipolar disorder, I let it slide. I tried to justify it by saying that you didn't have the background knowledge regarding what it really means to be [...]
I didn't start seriously dating until halfway through college, after my first bipolar episode. So, I have never dated someone without having to address my bipolar disorder at some point. With my first relationship, for the first few months, I tried to hide my depression. When it was eventually brought up, I made [...]
Recently, I was interviewed by the clinical psychologist/mental health advocate Dr. David Susman for his "Stories of Hope" series on his blog. Check it out!
"You're so brave." I've heard that quite a few times since becoming a mental health writer and advocate, one who writes about her own experiences with anxiety, bipolar depression, and mania. I don't like the fact that disclosing my mental illness is a "brave" thing for me to do. I want it to be [...]
Since my sophomore year of college, I have been dealing with bipolar depression and mania. These symptoms and episodes have a way of becoming all-consuming. I've written 2 letters, one to mania and one to depression, to show just how these "friends" of mine have impacted me these past few years. Dear Mania, [...]
The Calculating Mind 