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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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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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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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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One night, our own thoughts get in the way of restorative rest. The next, it’s our partner’s snoring. Here’s how to mitigate several common sleep saboteurs. It’s no secret that steady sleep and stable moods go hand in hand when it comes to managing bipolar disorder. Whether it’s chronic insomnia, a sudden circadian disruption, or...
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Many people who live with bipolar disorder also face anxiety. If you’re supporting someone who grapples with both, learn about three things you should never say. If the video is not showing, click here. Supporting Someone with Bipolar & Anxiety When someone you care about seems anxious or distressed, it can be difficult to know...
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Do you have a dream but think your bipolar disorder will make achieving it impossible? Think again. Here’s how I went from stage fright to center stage. The Courage to Learn In 2015, I was terrified of public speaking. In January 2021, I stepped onto a prestigious TEDx stage and shared my story, “Having a...
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When inconveniences pop up, I struggle with frustration and irritability. I’m focusing on my self-talk to reduce anxiety and prevent a spiral into bipolar depression. OK, fellow humans with bipolar disorder: how many times in your life have you heard these pieces of advice? “Don’t be so negative.” “Let it go.” “It’s not worth it.”...
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With bipolar disorder, I have a tough time reconciling the manic, depressed, anxious, and normal “me.” How do I determine my identity, when my ever-changing mood disorder causes “out of character” behavior? Bipolar Disorder & Questions of Identity I have been living with active bipolar disorder for decades, and I have struggled with the question...
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Ever wonder how do to deal with a brain that is overwhelmed by bipolar symptoms when a project is due? Here’s what happens—and what works—for me. If video is not showing, click here Remember What Is Normal with Mental Health Conditions It’s normal for people with bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions to “shut...
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Life has felt like a stress marathon. But by consciously investing in my well-being to keep my mood stable, I plan to cross that finish line. Feeling Helpless in Times of Uncertainty By 2021, the world crisis had already worn my nerves thin. I’d been bombarded by negative news for so long, it seemed like...
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Chaos and stress can trigger an urge to control my environment. When that led to irritable mania, I had to question my perfectionism and learn to let go. Stepping Up Self-Care Until Stress & Anxiety Take a Toll For most of the year, I had handled the world health crisis like a champ. I practiced...
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A busy, stressful workday triggers my anxiety and my bipolar. Mania takes the wheel, and I’m making all the wrong turns—all the wrong “decisions.” Feeling Productive, Wired, and Stressed It was a good workday. I felt great about it. I have a good job. I was busy and very productive. I talked to a lot...
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Everybody pretends sometimes—glossing over ugly truths, exaggerating, even lying. That’s different from “bipolar pretending,” where acting like you’re “okay” is a matter of survival. My bipolar disorder has impacted every part of my life. Specifically, from the time before I had my worst “breakdown,” which started my “lost years,” up until today. And I realize...
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People tell me I’m sensitive, emotional, and stubborn. I don’t know whether my hypersensitivity is advantageous or challenging, but it’s been a constant in my life. If video is not showing, click here. “So Sensitive”—Variations on a Theme I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been told that I am sensitive, emotional, and stubborn....
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During the world health crisis, I faced extreme anxiety while working toward my degree in public health. This unique perspective helped me realign my priorities, especially supporting my loved ones. From Dubious to Facing Sudden Danger As a graduate student of public health, I had taken a college course on environmental health during the Fall...
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Are you consuming too much negative news and social media at night? Your lack of restorative sleep, mood triggers, and ramped up anxiety are good reasons to take back control! This year, I feel as if, collectively, we are glued to our screens even more than usual. From Zoom calls to social media scrolling, many of...
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When the holidays feel complicated and emotionally taxing, simplifying plans and expectations can reduce anxiety and help loved ones with bipolar to avoid mood triggers. I’m certain that January 1, 2021, will follow December 31, 2020. But that’s all I am certain about this holiday season. As a working mom, simplifying the holiday season became...
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