Bipolar blog Archives - Natasha Tracy Bipolar Expert

How Depression Affects Memory: Why You Can’t Remember Being Happy

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Apr 2, 2025

When you’re depressed, it can feel like you’ve always been depressed — like joy is just something you imagined. This article explores how depression warps memory through state-dependent and mood-congruent recall, making it difficult to remember positive emotions. Drawing on both personal experience and scientific insight, it explains why sadness seems permanent and how some joyful memories — especially from before illness — can break through the fog. If you’ve ever wondered why you can’t remember being happy, this is for you.

I Know How to Cure Bipolar Disorder

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Mar 25, 2025

People love to promise miracle cures for bipolar disorder — herbs, supplements, religion, and more. But anyone claiming to have ‘the answer’ is either misled or selling something. This post tackles the dangers of false hope, profit-driven cures, and why scientific treatment is the only real path forward.

Should Doctors Be Allowed to Medicate Mentally Ill Patients Without Consent?

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Mar 13, 2025

Should doctors be allowed to medicate people with mental illness without their consent? This controversial topic sparks debate, but in emergency situations, what are the real options? Explore the ethical and practical considerations of psychiatric treatment without consent and why it might be necessary for patient safety.

L-Methylfolate and Antidepressants: Can This Supplement Boost Your Treatment?

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Mar 7, 2025

Struggling with antidepressants that just aren’t working? L-methylfolate (MTHF) might be the missing piece. This key nutrient helps your brain produce serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—exactly what antidepressants target. But some people don’t make enough of it naturally. Could supplementing with MTHF boost your treatment? Find out what the research says, plus my thoughts on it.

Smiling Through Depression: The Hidden Pain of High-Functioning Mental Illness

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Feb 24, 2025

“Smiling depression” and “high-functioning depression” aren’t official diagnoses, but if you’ve ever forced a smile while feeling broken inside, you know they’re real. I’ve lived it—going through life as if everything is fine while struggling just to get through the day. If you hide your pain, function because you have to, and feel exhausted from pretending, you’re not alone. In this article, I share my experience with smiling depression, why we do it, and why it’s okay to stop hiding. You don’t have to carry this alone.

Best Mental Health Charities to Donate to This Holiday Season and Beyond

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Dec 19, 2024

Looking for a meaningful last-minute gift? Discover the top-rated mental health charities that make a real impact. Whether you’re honoring someone special or simply want to give back, these organizations are doing incredible work to support mental health and serious mental illness. Learn how your donation can make a difference today.

10 of the Best Thoughtful Gifts for a Friend or Loved One with Bipolar Disorder 2024

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Nov 25, 2024

Struggling to find the perfect gift for someone with bipolar disorder? These 10 thoughtful and supportive ideas focus on self-care, relaxation, and creativity, helping you show how much you care. Plus, find out how to win a pair of inspiring PJs (enter before November 30)!

Understanding Anosognosia in Bipolar Disorder: Why Some People Don’t Believe They’re Sick

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Nov 19, 2024

Anosognosia, a clinical lack of insight, affects up to 50% of people with bipolar disorder, leaving them unable to recognize their illness. This symptom can devastate not only those with bipolar disorder but also their loved ones. Discover why this happens, how it impacts treatment, and what you can do to help someone who doesn’t believe they’re unwell.

Dextromethorphan Vs Ketamine: A New (Affordable) Depression Treatment Option Explained

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Oct 17, 2024

Looking for a more affordable alternative to ketamine for treatment-resistant depression? Discover how dextromethorphan/bupropion offers new hope. This article breaks down the differences between ketamine and dextromethorphan, their effectiveness, and how these antidepressants work. If you’ve struggled with depression treatments or face challenges accessing expensive therapies like ketamine, this guide might offer the answers you’ve been searching for. Dive in to learn more about this innovative approach.