mental illness issues Archives - Page 11 of 53 - Natasha Tracy Bipolar Expert

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).

Making Money off People with Mental Illness

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Oct 27, 2020

Recently, someone irately said to me, “You shouldn’t make money off people with mental illness who need help.”

Okay, I understand the sentiment. The person who said it, we’ll call her MG, went on to say that I made her want to puke because I charged for my masterclasses. (My masterclasses are $35 for an early bird registration and $45 for late registration, by the way.) MG then called me a shyster, a creep and a douche and threatened to have me banned from Facebook. (So far, I’m still on Facebook.)

To say the least, MG was quite upset. And in case you were wondering, she’s not the only one who has yelled obscenities at me for daring to charge for my work.

In short, the idea is you shouldn’t make money off of people suffering from a mental illness. Okay, let’s unpack that for a moment, shall we?

Is Bipolar Disorder a ‘Real’ Disability?

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Oct 15, 2020

People don’t argue when you say paraplegia is a disability, but when you say your bipolar disorder is, people often do argue. This is in spite of the fact that, legally, bipolar disorder is a real disability in Canada, the United States and elsewhere. So what is a “real” disability and why don’t people think bipolar is a real disability?

Start Suicide Prevention Conversations and Forget the ‘Rules’

Posted by Natasha Tracy | Sep 8, 2020

I firmly believe that suicide prevention starts with a conversation. A conversation that can stop suicide can be initiated by the person feeling suicidal or someone around them; regardless, a conversation is the starting point. But it can be very intimidating to talk about suicide. There are all kinds of “rules” when you talk about suicide and political correctness affects the language you are “allowed” to use. I say forget all that. Suicide prevention starts with a conversation that makes sense to you, not the PC police.