Bipolar blog Archives - Page 10 of 81 - Natasha Tracy Bipolar Expert

Happy Experiences Trigger My Depression More than Sad Ones

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Jan 13, 2021

So-called “happy” experiences trigger my depression more than sad ones do. This includes everything from witnessing happy people to taking part in a happy event to watching something happy in a movie. All of these things can make me more immediately sad than seeing something depressing. This seems counterintuitive — even to me — but it is what happens in my daily life. It’s one of the ways that I know I experience major depressive episodes — episodes of an illness.

How Psychologists Can Harm Your Mental Health (But They Don’t Have to)

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Jan 4, 2021

Psychology can harm your mental health in several ways. Some of you may have experienced this. In fact, just last week on Instagram, I posted an experience someone had that illustrated of type of this harm (more on this later). Now, don’t get me wrong, I know that psychologists are there to help, and certainly, not all psychologists will hurt your mental health, but some definitely do. I want to explore how I’ve seen psychologists hurt the mental health of others, even in spite of their best intentions.

How to Have a Happy Holiday with Bipolar

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Dec 23, 2020

I’m having a happy holiday with bipolar — at least, so far. There was a time when I didn’t think that was possible, but I’ve learned differently since then. This post isn’t about how great my life is or how you should feel bad about not having a happy bipolar holiday, this is about discussing how to have a happy bipolar holiday and how, if you can’t, that’s okay too.

The Lifeline Can Trace Calls. Suicide Hotlines Can Save Lives

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Dec 17, 2020

Recently, I learned that the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can trace your call. I didn’t know this. But the thing I did know about the Lifeline, and other suicide hotlines is that they can save your life. It is not surprising to me that the Lifeline uses every tool at its disposal to save lives, and I guess tracing calls is one of those tools. Some people have a distinct problem with this. I suspect they are missing a certain perspective when the Lifeline traces calls: they are missing the perspective of someone who is actually trying to save a life.

You Create Your Own Reality? I Don’t Think So

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Dec 9, 2020

Have you heard the statement, “you create your own reality?” I certainly have. It’s new-age-y and pop psychology-y and something that drives me crazy. Like with many things, there is a kernel of truth to it, but the blanket statement is untrue and people use “you create your own reality” in harmful and toxic ways. If you’ve ever bristled at the idea that you create your own reality, read on.

The Weight of a Chronic Illness Diagnosis

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Dec 1, 2020

There is a weight to a chronic illness diagnosis. The name of the illness being written down on your medical file forms a lead blanket that lies atop you for the rest of your life. Because that’s what chronic illness is: it’s a burden you carry until you die. I know that sounds a little on the depressing side, but it’s also on the realistic side and it’s important to stay realistic when talking about a chronic illness diagnosis – it’s an awfully weighty thing.

How to Respond to Mental Health Jokes

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Nov 19, 2020

Today, Bipolar Burble welcomes guest author Kate Haldeman. Kate is a licensed professional counselor, mental health advocate, and is a person with mental health issues. See more about Kate at the end.

Learning how to respond to mental health jokes is something I’ve had to do and it’s something I know we almost all have had to do. These types of jokes can happen at home, work or out and about and can definitely hurt a person’s feelings. Allow me to share what I’ve learned about these situations, microaggressions and handling mental health jokes.

Too Young to Be Suicidal? Children and Suicidality

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Nov 17, 2020

It’s important that people recognize that a person is never too young to be suicidal. Children can be suicidal at four years old. Really. I know how scary that is to me and I assume it’s even scarier to the parents out there, but it’s still true: you’re never too young to be suicidal and attempt or even die by suicide. Let’s take a look at what that means for parents, families and the rest of us.

What Is Ableism? How Does Ableism Feel to Those with Mental Illness Disabilities?

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Nov 12, 2020

You may have heard the term “ableism,” but you may not know exactly what it is, so what is ableism? This word has a simple meaning but complex implications for a person with a disability. Personally, I hate the term, but unfortunately, it’s necessary, and I have to respect its uses. Here’s what ableism is and how ableism feels to the disabled (one of which being me).