Category: My Mental Health Journey
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The Reality Of Bipolar: Obsessive Self-Care
There’s an ugly side to bipolar disorder. Well — actually a lot of ugly sides. But today I’m diving into the ugliness of obsessive and nearly compulsive self-care. It looks like tightly controlling my sleep schedule, practically forcing myself to take daily meds (I even have a friend who keeps me accountable — I love…
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Simply Giving: On Thanks Among Sorrow
I’ve felt true and utter pain before. When I was diagnosed with bipolar; when I faced devastating depression; when I went through a breakup; etc., etc. I have felt that sorrow, felt that longing for healing and hope. But let me tell you something: it is possible to simply give thanks even when we hurt,…
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28 Years Of Life! On Easing, Leaning, & Clinging
I’m 28 years young. Emphasis on the young — because I don’t want to acknowledge, nor embrace, the fact that 30-years is only two years away. I turned my young 28 on August 31. The past weekend I spent in Austin with close friends and family, bopping around and having a blast. This morning I…
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Living With & Loving Someone With Mental Illness
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I’m so delighted that 1) this month exists and 2) I have yet another reason to share mental health journey with you. As someone who’s lived with bipolar for over half a decade (six years, to be exact), I have grown passionate about discussing mental illness, encouraging those who…
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6 Years Of Bipolar: On Gratitude
I was diagnosed with bipolar six year ago. And what a wild ride it has been! Since my diagnosis, I’ve worked in the PR, legal, and climbing industries. I’ve moved several times — including in, out, and back into my parents (currently I’m on my own). I’ve become a plant mom, dog mom, and car…
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Bipolar Disorder: Myths vs. Facts Pt. 2
I have bipolar disorder. I was diagnosed in the spring of 2016 after a severe manic episode. And boy, has it been a long and enduring and wild journey since then. Last week, I introduced a new series on myths vs. facts of bipolar disorder out of the hope to normalize discussing mental health and…
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Bipolar Disorder: Myths vs. Facts Pt. 1
I have bipolar disorder. I was diagnosed in the spring of 2016 after a severe manic episode. And boy, has it been a long and enduring and wild journey since then. Today, I’m introducing a new series on myths vs. facts of bipolar disorder out of the hope to normalize discussing mental health and illness,…
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Healing: The Journey, Not The Final Destination
Healing is a process. If there is anything bipolar has taught me, it is that healing is a process and a journey. There is no specific destination, no specific time and date that we are fully healed–not in my experience, at least. When I look back five years ago to my diagnosis, I was devastated…
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Five Years Of Bipolar: On More To Come
Five years ago, on March 18, 2016, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This diagnosis came after a very serious manic episode that resulted in a hospitalization. It came after a week of insomnia and scattered thoughts and concerning ramblings. Every year when March 18 rolls around, I pause and reflect. I stop and think…
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A Heart Full Of Thanks: My 10 Top Blessings Of 2020
Thanksgiving is here! My favorite food, my favorite people, my favorite holiday all wrapped up into one day and given to me in a pretty little bow! This Thanksgiving will look drastically different, smaller, and quieter than years’ past, but that doesn’t mean it will be a bad one–just different. This has been a hard…
Words By Mae 