Tag: bipolar depression
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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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Self-Care Series pt. 4: On Connecting With Others
When I’m depressed, I tend to isolate. I feel ashamed of my depressed feelings and apathy, I feel insecure and anxious, and I don’t want anyone to see me in this state. Unfortunately the impact of self-isolating is cyclical: I isolate to avoid others, avoiding others makes me feel isolated, and it repeats and repeats…
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Four Years Of Bipolar: On Hope + Expectation
I was diagnosed with bipolar four years ago. Four years!! That is four years of all sorts of mood swings, all sorts of both valley and mountaintop moments. That is four years of on-and-off depression and mostly-off manic moments (phew!). My mental health journey has certainly been that: a journey. Years and years ago, a…
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It Takes A Village: On The Value Of Deeply-Rooted Community
I used to feel awfully alone. When I first returned to Dallas from Nashville, I felt awfully alone. Not the kind of loneliness that comes and goes with varying moods or circumstances, but the kind of isolation and desertion that leaves you feeling empty and saddened. Only a handful of my hometown and college friends…
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Be Kind To Your Mind: Three Takeaways On Wellness
Bipolar disorder is no joke. I was diagnosed three(+) years ago, and it’s rocked my world in ways that I could have never imagined, in ways that are hard for me to express and put words to. But even during periods that are down and low, I realize that having mental health struggles has taught…
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What It’s Like To Live With High-Functioning Depression
High-functioning depression can be hard to see. But that doesn’t mean it’s not there. Here are a few of my symptoms with depression: When I feel depressed, my energy is extremely low. I have zero motivation to get out of bed, shower or even change clothes. My high-functioning depression is very present, even when it’s…
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Myths & Facts About Mental Health
It’s mental health awareness month. If you’ve been keeping up with my journey, then you are aware that I struggle with bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety. I’d like to discuss some myths and facts about each of these illnesses. Bipolar disorder: Myth: bipolar disorder is just an excuse for someone to be moody. Fact: bipolar…
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8 Lessons From 2 Years Of Being Bipolar
I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder two years ago. Plenty has changed, several things haven’t. I’ve said hello and goodbye to new and old friends. I’ve moved houses and churches and community groups. I’ve returned to my roots, learned to dwell in the present and chased new dreams. Two years of living with bipolar —…
Words By Mae 