‘Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this, too, was a gift’. Mary Oliver It was the existentialist philosopher, Søren Kierkegaard. who once famously said ‘Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards’. And so it is with Bipolar Disorder; … More Perspective Is Everything
I often have people ask me what it’s like to live with Bipolar Disorder; It’s hard to explain the feelings that accompany a catastrophic low or the euphoria that signals hypomania. In my opinion, the most realistic summary is written by Psychiatry Professor, Kay Redfield-Jamison, in her book ‘An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and … More Bipolar Disorder: Explaining The Reality
I haven’t updated this blog/website for some time now. The last couple of years, particularly the last 12 months, have been very hard, with extended periods of time spent in hospital. In all honesty, I felt like I would never emerge from the horrendous depression that consumed me. However, with excellent treatment. perseverance and help … More Return To Blogging
Here are my thoughts on practical approaches to tackling mental health stigma:
I’ve recently watched this fascinating documentary called ‘Take These Broken Wings’ based on the experience of two women diagnosed early in life with Schizophrenia. Why is it fascinating? Well, firstly, those women went on to make a full recovery thanks to intensive and long-term psychotherapy with skilled therapists; they explore this in great detail. Secondly, … More Severe Mental Illness: Perspectives on Recovery
In the UK, it is #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek. The Samaritans focus is on helping us to become better listeners and to be open to conversations about mental health and wellbeing. Here is their S.U.S.H listening infographic – a reminder that even by taking small steps, we can all do something to encourage others to open up and share … More Becoming a Better Listener – Mental Health Awareness Week
Logotherapy & Existential Analysis is a meaning-centred form of Psychotherapy that can help those with significant life challenges to reorientate their life in a purposeful direction. Founded by Psychiatrist and Holocaust Survivor, Logotherapy is an internationally recognised therapy that helps individuals to take a positive attitudinal or creative stance to unalterable situations, such as a … More Logotherapy & Bipolar Disorder
Yes, a diagnosis of bipolar disorder may place some limitations on the kind of employment you can take, social activities you can get fully involved in, and many other aspects of day-to-day life. But there are so many opportunities that present themselves too; think of those when you struggle to stay positive. And here’s a … More Accepting Who You Are: The Challenge of Bipolar Disorder
The Royal College of Psychiatrists in the UK has just produced this excellent short educational animation on bipolar disorder; share it with your friends and family, or anyone else, to help them understand the condition! Have a look at their website too: http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/problemsdisorders.aspx. It contains up-to-date and easily accessible/readable information on bipolar disorder and other conditions.
World Bipolar Day (WBD) – an initiative of the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD), the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF), and the International Society for Bipolar Disorder (ISBD)- will be celebrated this year (and each year) on March 30th, the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, who was posthumously diagnosed as having bipolar disorder. The vision … More Coming Soon: World Bipolar Day!
An Uneasy Awakening: Bipolar Musings 