The Heavy Weight of Bipolar Guilt We don’t blame ourselves for physical illnesses. Why do we carry the burden for our minds? I’ve yet to meet anyone living with a mental health condition who hasn’t, at one time or another, experienced some level of guilt about it. So many of us blame ourselves for having bipolar disorder, and I’m no exception. ... The post The Heavy Weight of Bipolar Guilt appeared first on bpHope.com.

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Does Alcohol Worsen Bipolar Disorder? (What to Know) The usual advice is to avoid alcohol when you have bipolar. But is moderate drinking ever a good idea? Experts weigh in. You walk into a social gathering and see that most of the guests have a drink in hand. So you grab a beer, too — maybe to calm your nerves before you mingle,... The post Does Alcohol Worsen Bipolar Disorder? (What to Know) appeared first on bpHope.com.

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Ask the Doctor: Protecting Your Mood This Holiday Season Learn how to stay attuned to your mood, set gentle limits, and make this holiday season healthier and less overwhelming with bipolar disorder. At holiday time, there is a childlike anticipation of good times: the parties, the jingle in the malls, the shopping, the food, and — my favorite — snow. But challenges abound. Routines... The post Ask the Doctor: Protecting Your Mood This Holiday Season appeared first on bpHope.com.

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Why Bipolar Fuels Impulsive Spending — and How to Take Back Control When your brain says ‘buy now,’ it’s hard to resist. Experts and people with lived experience share ways to protect your money and your peace of mind. During the highs of bipolar disorder, money can seem limitless, and the desire to spend it feels urgent and wise. But when the high ends — and in... The post Why Bipolar Fuels Impulsive Spending — and How to Take Back Control appeared first on bpHope.com.

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Don’t Underestimate the Power of Hope Hope is what helps us push past stigma, setbacks, and self-doubt — and remember that healing with bipolar disorder is a journey worth taking. Having lived with bipolar disorder for a number of decades, I know what it’s like to be without hope. I recall many days when I was consumed with an overwhelming sense... The post Don’t Underestimate the Power of Hope appeared first on bpHope.com.

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I Know Hypomania Is Dangerous, but I Still Fall for It Living with bipolar disorder means facing the pull of hypomania — a state that feels good in the moment but can upend my stability and relationships. Bipolar depression affects my decision-making, especially when it comes to work. Hypomania also influences my choices, and it tends to have a stronger impact on my relationships. Mania, on... The post I Know Hypomania Is Dangerous, but I Still Fall for It appeared first on bpHope.com.

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A Practical Guide to Managing Bipolar Impulsivity Acting on impulse doesn’t have to define you — here’s how to build in safeguards and regain a sense of control. After a colossal fight with your honey, you head out for the night and end up getting too cozy with some random guy at the bar. Or your boss offers constructive criticism that you... The post A Practical Guide to Managing Bipolar Impulsivity appeared first on bpHope.com.

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Impulsive Spending and Bipolar: How You Can Take Control The impulsivity of mood episodes can lead to financial chaos — but awareness, planning, and support can help bring spending under control. For much of her life, Lynn assumed her love of spending money was nothing more than a carryover from her childhood. “There were some warning signs, but I thought it was because I... The post Impulsive Spending and Bipolar: How You Can Take Control appeared first on bpHope.com.

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Mixed States: Bipolar’s Most Dangerous Episodes Mixed episodes blend despair with impulsivity — an especially risky state that calls for careful attention. I recently wrote from a present perspective — as opposed to my standard past one — admitting that I was in the midst of a pretty nasty depressive episode. While the depression hasn’t fully lifted by any stretch, I... The post Mixed States: Bipolar’s Most Dangerous Episodes appeared first on bpHope.com.

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When Hypomania Feels Like a Bad Ex and a Fire-Breathing Dragon With bipolar disorder, impulsive choices can spiral — even when they start out small or feel like fun. Here’s how I spot the danger and try to stay grounded. Bipolar depression affects my decision-making, especially when it comes to work. Hypomania also influences my choices, and it tends to have a stronger impact on my... The post When Hypomania Feels Like a Bad Ex and a Fire-Breathing Dragon appeared first on bpHope.com.

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The Weight of Having Bipolar Disorder Living with bipolar disorder can often feel overwhelming, but it’s a disorder that isn’t chosen or self-created. I’ve yet to meet anyone living with a mental health condition who hasn’t, at one time or another, experienced some level of guilt about it. So…

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Bipolar and Binge Eating: How I Broke Free I tamed my intense cravings and calmed my binge-eating habits to help keep my diet — and my bipolar moods — in balance. My co-worker carefully extricates her lunch from the toaster oven. The slice of leftover pizza, cheese dripping over its edges, smells…

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