The bphopeVLOG is a collection of video blogs created by bloggers from around the world, delivering messages of hope, inspiration and healthy lifestyle tips. Our bloggers talk about issues that reflect their experiences and knowledge of living with bipolar disorder and address a range of topics including: relationships, treatment, symptoms (mania, depression, anger, hypersexuality, impulsivity, sleep), stigma, parenting and more.
When I’m experiencing a mood episode, my patience often goes out the window. Recognizing that is key to keeping myself in recovery. Having a normal conversation with someone, which involves both talking AND listening, is sometimes impossible. I interrupt because the person I’m talking to either seems to be speaking too slowly, or I think...
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Even if you are taking medication for bipolar and seeing a psychiatrist, you may want to consider therapy for additional support and coping skills. If video is not showing, click here Seeking Psychiatric Treatment Anyone who knows me knows I’m a big believer in psychiatric treatment for mental health. I believe that if something is...
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Hypomania often masquerades as productivity or happiness, but it’s often an indication of an impending manic episode. Recognizing your warning signs is essential to prevention. Hi, this is Carrie Cantwell with bpHope’s online vlogging community, and today I’m going to talk to you about recognizing hypomania. Hypomania may feel great, but it’s dangerous because it...
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For many of us with bipolar, depressive episodes involve self-isolating. Knowing the signs of social withdrawal helps me overcome this challenging symptom. If video is not showing, click here Bipolar Depression, Negative Thinking, & Withdrawing from Others I have noticed a connection between my bipolar depression and isolation: One of the main problems I face with...
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While they are two different emotions, anxiety can present itself as intense anger. Recognizing this is important, so I can prevent taking these feelings out on others. If video is not showing, click here Discerning Anxiety from Anger with Bipolar I’ve been thinking about anxiety and anger, and, specifically, whether anxiety can manifest as anger....
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Stress can spark depressive episodes and bipolar disorder symptoms like obsessive thinking. I’d like to share a technique that helps me to overcome stress and its effects. If video is not showing, click here Obsessive Thinking & Bipolar I live with bipolar disorder, severe anxiety, panic attacks, and obsessive thoughts. Over many years of living with...
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When trying to repair relationships strained by bipolar, it’s important to stress how you are working on ways to avoid these behaviors. If video is not showing, click here Relationship Challenges with Bipolar For many people who live with bipolar disorder, undoing damage to relationships comes with complications. Oftentimes, this is because the symptoms associated...
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It can be difficult to avoid getting caught up in what other people think about my weight—but it’s important to put my mental health first. If video is not showing, click here Bipolar & Disordered Eating Did you know that about 14% of people with bipolar disorder also have an eating disorder? And that’s just...
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Feeling overwhelmed by stress and anxiety? There are some practical strategies you can work into your daily life to find relief. Managing Stress with Bipolar Disorder Stress is a common trigger for bipolar mood episodes. To manage stress more effectively with bipolar disorder, I use certain techniques that have worked for me. #1 Exercise My...
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It’s not possible to “save” someone from a brain-based condition like bipolar, but there are many ways a partner can provide support and love. Romance to the Rescue? When some people look at a person with bipolar disorder, they may see the person as “broken” or “damaged.” You may not see yourself that way, but...
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There are some lifestyle practices and daily habits for bipolar disorder that help me manage my symptoms so much, I would never give them up. What “Works” Best for My Bipolar There are many different wellness practices that can improve life with bipolar, and it can be difficult to know which lifestyle changes are most...
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Anxiety that cooccurs with bipolar can pose real challenges, especially when it feels “out of control.” Here are some important insights I’ve recently learned for managing my anxiety. Strategies for Coping with Anxiety I live with both bipolar disorder and anxiety, and this year I’ve been using some helpful strategies I learned recently for coping...
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My bipolar comes with impulsivity and risk-taking. Here’s how I learned to take my time before making big decisions, so I don’t regret them. Impulsivity, a Symptom of Bipolar It’s easy to mistake impulsivity—characterized by rash decision-making and/or acting without forethought—as an aspect of personality rather than a symptom of bipolar disorder. This is especially true because...
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After selling my business, I had $10,000 in cash on hand … and a budding manic episode. Now I appreciate the importance of minding my mood—especially after a period of stability. Opening Up about Manic Episodes There are not a lot of personal essays or articles about the mania of bipolar disorder. That is because...
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The negative thoughts from bipolar make it difficult to feel thankful. Here’s some practical advice to insert positivity into the equation. Bipolar Disorder & Negative Thinking When we live with the negative thinking that comes from bipolar—and, worse, that we can’t always control—feeling and being thankful can sometimes seem out of reach. But there are...
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Feeling anxious prior to an appointment with your doctor, psychiatrist, or another medical professional? You’re not alone. Here are some practical tips to handle this stress. Anxiety During Psychiatrist Appointments I’ve been seeing my psychiatrist for a very long time, and I know him very well. I do trust him and think he’s a good...
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Recently, I’ve been grappling with stress, overwhelm, and anxiety. Here’s how I take care of myself so I can stay stable with bipolar disorder. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed and stressed out lately, and that’s not good for my mental health. But, during these turbulent times, I’ve made some life adjustments that are helping me stay...
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Bipolar disorder can be challenging on its own, but especially when complicated by persistent anxiety and sudden panic. Here’s how I’ve learned to manage. Facing Bipolar Disorder & Anxiety I have lived with bipolar disorder and anxiety all my life. With my bipolar, the mania is bad, but it comes and goes. It’s the same...
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Mania may feel good in the moment, but afterward it can leave you feeling full of regret. Romanticizing mania is never a good thing. Mania Feels Amazing … Mania, in my opinion, has the greatest public relations team in the history of the world. Let me explain why. See, when I’m manic, everything looks and...
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Offering your adult children with bipolar the choice to meet your needs (or not) is a first step to creating a peaceful home. Understanding the “Hijacked House” & Bipolar Disorder My post called “The ‘Hijacked House’: Tips for Parents of Adult Children with Bipolar Disorder Living at Home” addresses questions about how to handle an adult...
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