mental illness Archives - Natasha Tracy Bipolar Expert

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.

Shame Vs. Guilt: The Psychological Difference and How to Overcome Toxic Shame

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Dec 5, 2024

Did you know guilt and shame, though often confused, have drastically different effects on your mental health? While guilt can guide you toward growth, toxic shame tears you down, harming your self-worth and relationships. Discover the psychological differences between these emotions, why shame is so toxic, and practical steps to overcome it in this revealing article.

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.

I’m Miserable — This Is How I Deal with It

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Mar 26, 2024

Don’t ask me how I am. Just don’t do it. Asking me how I am will only result in one of two things: a dishonest answer or honest tears. I don’t particularly care for either outcome. This is because I’m miserable. I’m hellaciously depressed and have recently undergone a couple of unfortunate situations. i do the best I can to ignore all that — after all, nothing can be done — but when I think about how I am, I get really upset. I know how I am. I’m horrible.

Stop Forcing Platitudes for Mental Illness

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Mar 7, 2024

I hate platitudes in general, but I especially hate platitudes when they’re applied to mental illness. It’s so condescending when people offer some simple piece of advice and tell you it will fix everything. It’s disgustingly pious when people tell you you’re looking at things or handling things the wrong way because they know of a rhyming couplet. Not only are platitudes unlikely to be helpful in general, I would suggest they are even less so for people with a mental illness (especially serious mental illnesses like bipolar disorder). Here’s why people need to stop offering platitudes to those with mental illness (and maybe everyone else).

I Was Harmed by Truehope, EMPowerplus – My Story

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Aug 31, 2023

In February 2022, I decided I wanted to go off my antidepressants. This is what led me to find the company Truehope and their supplement EMPowerplus. I wish I never had. The direction from the staff at Truehope has damaged my health more than I ever thought possible. I have depression and have been greatly injured by Truehope. This is my story.

Review of EMPowerplus and Truehope Evidence in Treating Depression

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Jun 28, 2023

Years ago, out of extreme desperation, I tried EMPowerplus by Truehope. While I don’t necessarily consider this a mistake, it certainly wasn’t worth my while — it had no benefit whatsoever. Regardless, Truehope itself disgusted me as a company. Recently, again, someone asked me about it, so I decided to take another look at their website and see how one of my least favorite companies is doing. As it turns out, nothing has changed. Here, I review the research provided by Truehope that their product(s) (mostly a micronutrient formula called EMPowerplus) work on depression.

Severe Depression and Pain — What Is Allodynia?

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Jun 21, 2023

I know when my depression is severe because of the pain, because of the pain that is allodynia. Allodynia involves physical pain where the pain wouldn’t normally be present. And while I don’t need any additional reminders that my depression is severe, allodynia provides one all the same. Read on for information on physical pain and allodynia in depression, including how to treat this type of pain.