What to do following a sexual assault.
How to talk to your boss about your diagnosis.
What should you consider before disclosing your diagnosis to your employers?
Am I manic or just really productive?
Hypomania can produce amazing things, and I believe that a lot of great things come from the racing thoughts, the drive, the passion that overtakes those of us experiencing hypomania. The ability to see connections in every fucking thing, how colours become so much more vivid, how ideas take flight! Hypomania is great! When I … Continue reading Am I manic or just really productive?
What’s a psych ward like?
Movies and pop culture like to portray the mentally ill as some kind of other worldly creature- romantic to some and frightening most of the times.. historically the mad have always been seen as fascinating, and I can see why, madness can be expansive and the line between transcendent and delusion is also culturally formed. … Continue reading What’s a psych ward like?
What to expect on your first doctor’s visit
If you are heading to your GP or polyclinic, you will fill in some kind of questionnaire to assess your current state. The doctor will ask you some questions about your current moods, changes in sleep or lifestyle and also if you have suicidal thoughts or plans. After the assessment you may be referred to … Continue reading What to expect on your first doctor’s visit
Affordability
I was personally relieved to get a diagnosis because it explained a lot of things and gave me comfort that I was not alone, that the things I did weren't 'my fault' and gave me clarity on what to do next. However, getting help might not be easy if you don't have the financial resources. … Continue reading Affordability
Suicide Safety Plan
Writing a safety plan for moments of intense emotions can help to mitigate the lethal effects of bipolar disorder. A suicide safety plan should be something you feel comfortable doing. Suicides can be impulsive acts or deliberated ones. If you have been thinking about suicide for a long time, you need professional help. These are … Continue reading Suicide Safety Plan
I’m feeling suicidal
Suicidal feelings are very normal and common in bipolar disorder. Who wouldn't be exhausted from the ups and downs, from thinking you're better and suddenly finding that you're not? From the thought that for the rest of my life, I'll have this disease and there is no cure. I want you to pause. I want … Continue reading I’m feeling suicidal
Coping with side effects
Any medication will come with side effects, the key is managing them, or finding a combination that is not an impediment to your life. Meds should make your life better, not worse. In the early phases of treatment, your doctors might put you on a higher than desired dose just to tide you through the … Continue reading Coping with side effects
Treatment Plan
A combination of pharmacotherapy (meds) and psychotherapy (therapy, counseling) is recommended for the treatment of bipolar disorder as the mood disorder uniquely affects the patient's life experience. When I was first diagnosed, I was put on a low dose of lithium and had my blood levels monitored. However, my disorder was already in the acute … Continue reading Treatment Plan
Bunny Beaming 