You might have notice I’ve been soliciting more reader feedback lately. This is for two reasons:
- I want readers to fully-engage with the site.
- I want to provide you with information you find useful and helpful.
Because without those two things, this site turns into me just talking to myself, and well, I do that a lot already. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned about readers it’s that they surprise you. Actually asking you what you want is infinitely better than me guessing.
Thanks to My Readers
I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts with me. You’ve provided me with great topics to write about, and of course, your questions inspired the posts on mood tracking and the series on mixed moods in bipolar disorder, which is currently underway.
60-Second Feedback
Today I’m launching a 60-second survey to get a bit more information about you. This survey is completely optional, but I would appreciate one minute of your time so I can learn a bit more about you.
I’m running this survey through a site called WEGO Health. WEGO Health focuses on finding people who are leaders in health communities. These are people who:
- Engage on health topics
- Answer questions
- Ask questions
- Share information on health topics
Basically, they’re looking for many of you. I know many readers here fit their profile and would possibly benefit from their services. Note that your information will not be shared or sold by WEGO Health.
Um, What Kind of Services
WEGO Health runs webinars, chats and whatnot on health topics. You never have to attend if you don’t want to.
I Don’t Want to Sign Up for Services
That’s perfectly fine. There’s a checkbox at the bottom of the survey that will opt you out of all emails.
Your Feedback Will Be Anonymous
One of the good things about running it through a third party is you’ll be anonymous to me so you can be completely honest. If there are things you don’t like here, it’s OK – be honest about them.
What You Will Get
By taking this survey you will get customized social media tips provided by WEGO Health.
And as a bonus, two lucky survey responders will receive my new ebook, currently in production: Electroconvulsive Therapy – Everything You Need to Know Before You Go Under the Electrode (it’s a working title, I know, inflammatory).
Go Answer the Survey
OK, go spend 60-seconds for me. I appreciate it.
(Note: I have no direct or financial ties to WEGO Health. If anyone has any questions about the survey, feel free to leave a comment here or contact me directly.)
I just finished your survey! I think it was a great idea, especially as a way to determine what your readers want. I am really looking forward to when you publish your books, I will be one of the first people line to pick up a copy!
I hope you are doing well :)
Dave.
Hi David,
Thanks! I’m hoping it’ll yield some good data. I’ll be on the nag train for the next week and a half while it’s running to try and get as many people as possible. Feel free to join in with the nagging.
Oh boy will I be glad when my books are out there too.
– Natasha Tracy
done!
:)
Wow, do you currently have 2 or 3 books in the works??
Hi Marcela,
Yeah, I have two. Which is crazy (if you will) but I get all hopped up on one topic and have a lot to say and then it turns into the first 40 pages of a book. I’m trying to get the ECT one out first and then hopefully the one on building a relationship with doctors shortly thereafter.
It’s a lot of work, but I think the books will help people and hopefully, in the long run, I won’t have to write quite as much to make a living. You wouldn’t believe the amount of work I have to get out for clients per week.
– Natasha
The link was a bit screwed up. It works after you delete some of it.
Hi Darren,
Sorry about that. Thanks for letting me know; I fixed it.
– Natasha Tracy
No problem. Always loved your blog :)
Well thank-you.
– Natasha Tracy
I don’t want to do the survey (sorry) but can you point me towards reliable sub-clinical bi-polarii treatment options, examples, identification etc?
I’m looking too… ‘subclinical’ is a shitty term to use. The depression is major depressive disorder buy the impulsive or hypomanic stages are considered ‘subclinical’ thus manageable. I just need more into on the management of these symptoms as they are hard to identify & harder to have someone take seriously bc they don’t last a week (2-5 days). Usually impulsiveness is somewhat manageable but the irritability (angry hulk dominating the world with my obvious ‘always right’ness) is TOO MUCH on my own.
Any ideas queen bee of the burble? Thanks :)
Leslie,
No 60-seconds for the survey huh? Even after I harangue you one last time? Well, as you wish.
As for your question, what you’re experiencing is actually pretty common. Many people are diagnosed with depression because of exactly what you’re talking about. This is sometimes called “soft” bipolar. Or, subclinical.
Great book: Why am I Still Depressed? by Dr. Jim Phelps
It’s plain-language and easy-to-read and I think you would find it beneficial.
Dr. Phelps is also good enough to provide pretty much everything in the book plus more, for free, but unfortunately it can be harder to understand and is the ugliest site in the world: http://psycheducation.org/
Here are some signs of soft bipolarity: http://psycheducation.org/depression/02_diagnosis.html#soft
That whole page is probably pretty useful for you: http://psycheducation.org/depression/02_diagnosis.html
As for treatment options, anyone with bipolarity has basically the same treatment options: mood stabilizers. And by that I mean lithium, anticonvulsants or antipsychotics.
Here’s information on why antidepressants are concerning and what you can do if you’re depressed and bipolar: http://psycheducation.org/depression/ADwithoutAD.htm
And finally, mood stabilizers by evidence: http://psycheducation.org/depression/meds/moodstabilizers.htm
If you finish all that and still have questions, let me know :)
Dr. Phelps has made his practice (as far as I can tell) out of helping people just like you, so he knows what’s he’s talking about.
Hope that helps.
– Natasha Tracy