Tag: mental illness
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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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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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Self-Care Series pt. 1: The Importance Of Rest
Rest is important. Boom, bang, done. If there’s anything I want you to glean from this post, it is the importance of rest and taking the time you need to re-energize and re-fuel yourself. For someone who is a rest advocate, I will confess I am not great at prioritizing time to rest myself. It…
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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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The Secret to Self-Care: On Sleep, Mood, & Energy Checks
Self-care is important. Lately I will admit I haven’t been great at it. I’ve been running nonstop and not checking in with myself. But I’m trying be better at this! I like to check three things when I’m assessing how I’m doing: sleep, energy, and mood. Let me walk you through how I check in…
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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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The Best Is Yet To Come: On Hard Things & Dreams
When I was 21, I thought my life was over. After a severe manic episode, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder halfway through Year 21. It was obvious something was wrong due to my erratic behavior, but the diagnosis still came as a shock to me. What? Me? Mentally disordered? No way, no how. Surely…
Words By Mae 