When I first stumbled upon this recent study, I had to laugh. I mean, another study that links mental illness with substance abuse? Really? Was there a need to spend more time and money to discover what has been discovered again and again and again? Well, to my surprise, there was. I’ve heard “10 years” […]
Category: bipolar
Depression: Does Everyone Have it?
The second most lucrative drugs sold in the United States are those used to treat depression. (Drugs to prevent heart disease are first.) Abilify, an antipsychotic and antidepressant, is the 4th largest selling drug in the U.S. with 5.2 billion in sales. I regularly take Abilify, but was surprised when I went to pick up […]
Bipolar Disorder and Caffeine’s Effects
According to the National Institute of Mental Health 90% of Americans use caffeine daily, including, of course, those suffering from mood disorders such as depression and bipolar. Considering the amount of coffee, tea, sodas, sports drinks, ice cream and chocolate that is consumed, the percentage should be no surprise. And, yes, you read correctly, there […]
Depression, Bipolar and Guilt! Oh My!
I feel guilty. Very guilty. What do I feel guilty for? That’s easy…damn near everything. In the June 6, 2012 edition of Forbes magazine, contributor Alice G. Walton states: Anybody who’s been depressed can tell you that feelings of guilt and self-blame can be overwhelming. In fact, the tendency to blame oneself excessively (and inappropriately) […]
Bipolar Disorder And Maintaining a Routine
“Regular sleep and consistent daily routines can help ease the symptoms of bipolar disorder.” I gathered this gem of information from “Monitor of Psychology,” a publication of the American Psychological Association. This really shouldn’t be news for those of us who’ve been diagnosed for a while. In fact, it’s almost laughable. As I read this […]
Carrie Fisher, And how I Became Her Biggest Fan
Those of you who read my blog regularly know that I adore Carrie Fisher. She is my favorite bipolar diagnosed celebrity – and just a helluva lot of fun to watch. This video of her 2008 interview with Matt Lauer, on the Today Show, is what started my love for her. Most famous for playing […]
Going Up? Going Down?
Bathtub Anxiety
Please don’t judge, but I have one struggle that I deal with every day – taking a shower. Go ahead and say it, “Gross!” I must stress that I don’t have ablutophobia, which is the fear of showering. I have no fear, in the traditional sense, but I do hyperventilate a little before getting in […]
Depression and Bipolar Alliance Public Service Announcement
The Depression and Bipolar Alliance (DBSA) aired this PSA a few years ago. It’s short and sweet and I liked it, so I decided to post it again.
God Does Not Give Us More Than We Can Handle
You probably have heard the title of this article many times before. Or how about “That which Doesn’t Kill Us Makes Us Stronger.” I’m sure you’ve heard that. What a load of crap. If that was true I’d be stronger than Hercules. Well, don’t I sound bitchy this morning? I normally don’t like starting things […]