While many of us know in our hearts, and minds, that bipolar disorder is the result of a chemical imbalance or some other dysfunction in the brain, each day I meet far too many naysayers online who insist it is a character defect. They use anecdotal information as proof that we are being spoon-fed disinformation […]
Category: mental health
Social Security and my Huge Pay increase
Like many hardworking, tax paying individuals, I gladly paid into the Social Security system, but never expected that I’d have to use it for disability. Since both my doctors will not release me to go back to work, it may be awhile before I’m earning a regular income again. It’s frustrating, hurtful, and sometimes demeaning, […]
Bipolar Disorder: What is it?
I created a page on my blog explaining what bipolar disorder is. I decided, since there are many misconceptions, about bipolar that I would go ahead and reprint it as today’s article. Here is my quick and easy guide about bipolar disorder. I am not a physician and do not work in the medical profession. […]
Bipolar, Depression, Drinking, Drugging
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” […]
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 […]
Going Up? Going Down?
Blog For Mental Health
When I started this blog in 2008, I did it for my sanity…I did it for me. I was a complete mess, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and I was not properly medicated. I needed some creative outlet to express what was going on in my head – my feelings, lack of self esteem, […]
The Best Bench in Town: Being Homeless
Here in Los Angeles we have tours of the stars homes, celebrity death tours, tours of the artwork in subway stations, Hollywood Forever cemetery tours, Universal Studio Tours, and many, many more. I, however, would be happy to give you a free tour that is both interesting and practical. I can offer the Homeless tour. […]
The House Husband
A couple of weeks ago I dropped the only class I was taking. I dropped it because I failed to turn in an essay and chose to withdraw from the class rather than get a low grade. It was my professor’s suggestion, actually. What he didn’t know, however, is that I’m on academic probation. I […]
Wednesday’s Quote: Jane Pauley
I think I’ve posted this before, however, I think it applies to so many of us bloggers that it bears repeating: A diagnosis is burden enough without being burdened by secrecy and shame. – Jane Pauley