bipolar disorder Archives - Natasha Tracy Bipolar Expert

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.

The Hidden Truth About New Year’s and Suicide — Finding Hope and Healing in January

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Dec 30, 2024

New Year’s is often seen as a time for fresh starts and celebration, but for many, it can be overwhelming, especially for those living with bipolar disorder. The cultural pressure to “start over” combined with feelings of loneliness or failure can make January 1 a particularly difficult day, even increasing the risk of suicide. In this article, I uncover the hidden struggles of New Year’s Day, explore why it can feel so challenging, and offer practical steps to find hope and healing in January and beyond.

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.

What Recovering from Depression Feels Like: My Personal Bipolar Journey

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Oct 15, 2024

Ever wondered what it feels like to recover from depression, especially after years of battling bipolar disorder? In this deeply personal post, I share the small but significant shifts in my emotions, the challenges of adjusting to life without constant suffering, and the fears that come with recovery. If you’re curious about how mental health recovery unfolds or want to understand the emotional ups and downs of depression, this article provides a raw, real-life glimpse into the journey. Dive in and explore my experience with recovery.

What to Do When It Feels Like You Have No Mental Health

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Sep 23, 2024

Feeling like you have no mental health left? In this personal and practical guide, I share what it’s like to experience severe mental health struggles and offer actionable steps to cope when everything feels impossible. From managing daily tasks to finding hope in the darkest moments, learn how to survive and navigate through mental health collapse. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone, and there are ways to manage even when it feels like you have no mental health left.

Why Do I Think Everything Is My Fault?

Posted by Natasha Tracy | May 28, 2024

I have a bad habit of thinking everything is my fault. It’s remarkable, actually. No matter what happens and no matter what other people do, it always feels like I made it happen. This is a personal inclination of mine, psychologically, I suspect, but it’s also impacted by depression. If you feel like everything is your fault, read on as to why that might be and what to do about it.

5 Myths About Living with Bipolar — Stop Assuming

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Apr 11, 2024

There are so many myths about what it’s like to live with bipolar disorder. People constantly make assumptions about it based on media portrayals, but life is not a movie or a news report. Living with bipolar disorder is complex and varied, and what happens for some is not necessarily common for all. So, let’s dispel some of the myths about what it’s like to live with bipolar disorder and encourage people to stop making uneducated assumptions.