Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

1 week ago

Lessons Learned From a Father and Son After a Bipolar Diagnosis A son living with bipolar disorder and his father each reflect on the hard-earned lessons that helped them move forward together. Editor’s note: Navigating a severe mental health diagnosis is rarely a solitary journey; it’s a complex, shared reality for the person living with the condition and those who love them. In this dual reflection,... The post Lessons Learned From a Father and Son After a Bipolar Diagnosis appeared first on bpHope.com.

Lessons Learned From a Father and Son After a Bipolar Diagnosis #BipolarDisorderSymptoms

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

2 weeks ago

Why Bipolar Anger Is Different Learn why bipolar disorder causes disproportionate anger and how to distinguish it from everyday irritability. Key Takeaways _________________ Living with bipolar disorder can be hard enough on its own, and when anger becomes part of the picture, everything can feel even more complicated. It can come on suddenly, feel intense, and affect your relationships, your... The post Why Bipolar Anger Is Different appeared first on bpHope.com.

Why Bipolar Anger Is Different #BipolarAnger #BipolarDisorderSymptoms #anger

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

2 weeks ago

The History of Bipolar: It’s Been There Through the Ages Our understanding of bipolar disorder and its management has significantly evolved, and as history shows, we’ve come a long way. Key Takeaways _________________ Though it’s impossible to trace the first case of bipolar depression or mania, much is known about the evolution of its identification and subsequent classification and naming as manic depression — now... The post The History of Bipolar: It’s Been There Through the Ages appeared first on bpHope.com.

The History of Bipolar: It’s Been There Through the Ages #BipolarDisorderSymptoms #winter2020

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

2 weeks ago

Using Alcohol to Relieve Anxiety I didn’t realize I was self-medicating my bipolar disorder until my treatment changed, and the urge finally vanished. Editor’s Note: While alcohol may seem to offer short-term relief for anxiety, it often leads to a “rebound” effect, where anxiety symptoms return more intensely once the substance leaves your system. ______________ I used to pour myself... The post Using Alcohol to Relieve Anxiety appeared first on bpHope.com.

Using Alcohol to Relieve Anxiety #BipolarandAddiction #BipolarandAnxiety #BipolarDisorderSymptoms

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

2 weeks ago

Is It Anxiety or Bipolar Disorder? How to Tell the Difference Anxiety and bipolar disorder often overlap. Here’s how to spot the difference and why it matters for treatment. Key Takeaways _______________ Anxiety does not always show up as obvious fear. It can feel like constant tension, racing thoughts, restlessness, or an inability to relax. If you live with bipolar disorder, those sensations can be confusing... The post Is It Anxiety or Bipolar Disorder? How to Tell the Difference appeared first on bpHope.com.

Is It Anxiety or Bipolar Disorder? How to Tell the Difference #BipolarandAnxiety #BipolarDisorderSymptoms #anxiety

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

3 weeks ago

Bipolar Psychosis: Symptoms, Triggers, and When to Get Help Learn how to recognize hallucinations and delusions during mood episodes and why early support and treatment matter. Key Takeaways ______________ When bipolar disorder includes psychosis, your thoughts and perceptions may not match reality. You might hear voices, see things that aren’t there, or believe something untrue with conviction. These experiences can feel frightening or overwhelming... The post Bipolar Psychosis: Symptoms, Triggers, and When to Get Help appeared first on bpHope.com.

Bipolar Psychosis: Symptoms, Triggers, and When to Get Help #BipolarDisorderSymptoms #BipolarTreatmentwithMedication #delusions

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

3 weeks ago

‘BrainStorm’ Documentary Explores Life Across the Bipolar Spectrum Ahead of the global virtual screening of ‘BrainStorm’ on World Bipolar Day, Sara Schley and Bonnie Waltch discuss diagnosis, stigma, and hope. In her memoir, BrainStorm: From Broken to Blessed on the Bipolar Spectrum, Sara Schley wrote publicly for the first time about living with bipolar 2 after decades of silence. What began as a... The post ‘BrainStorm’ Documentary Explores Life Across the Bipolar Spectrum appeared first on bpHope.com.

‘BrainStorm’ Documentary Explores Life Across the Bipolar Spectrum #BipolarDisorderSymptoms #LivingwithBipolarDisorder

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

3 weeks ago

The Vivid Hallucinations That Led to My Bipolar Diagnosis These recurring symptoms turned out to be bipolar psychosis linked to depression, stress, and major life changes. Sensitivity Note: Please know that this blog includes a vivid discussion of psychotic hallucinations. I describe what I experience in some detail, and I don’t want anyone to feel caught off guard while reading. I hope you’ll keep... The post The Vivid Hallucinations That Led to My Bipolar Diagnosis appeared first on bpHope.com.

The Vivid Hallucinations That Led to My Bipolar Diagnosis #BipolarDisorderSymptoms

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

3 weeks ago

Beautifully Unbroken: What Kintsugi Taught Me About Healing A bipolar disorder diagnosis once felt shattering. Learning to honor the cracks helped me redefine strength, purpose, and wholeness. I still remember the moment, more than two decades ago, when I picked up a mental health magazine in my psychiatrist’s sterile office: white walls, a battered couch, and a coffee table scattered with old, mismatched... The post Beautifully Unbroken: What Kintsugi Taught Me About Healing appeared first on bpHope.com.

Beautifully Unbroken: What Kintsugi Taught Me About Healing #BipolarDisorderSymptoms

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

4 weeks ago

What Is Insight in Bipolar Disorder? A Firsthand Account Understanding why bipolar disorder symptoms can make it so difficult to recognize when you need mental health help. Looking back on my experience with bipolar disorder, I never realized my emotional state and behavior were being driven by brain-based changes and neurobiology rather than just who I was as a person. I had never heard... The post What Is Insight in Bipolar Disorder? A Firsthand Account appeared first on bpHope.com.

What Is Insight in Bipolar Disorder? A Firsthand Account #BipolarDisorderSymptoms

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

1 month ago

Hypomania Felt Good, but Stability Helped Me Feel Like Myself Managing bipolar disorder meant facing the truth: Feeling ‘up’ wasn’t the same as feeling well. My wife recognized it. My friends warned me about it. My psychiatrist was concerned about it. But I didn’t do anything about it, because “it” was me — the happy-go-lucky, hypomanic me who I hadn’t seen in a long time.... The post Hypomania Felt Good, but Stability Helped Me Feel Like Myself appeared first on bpHope.com.

Hypomania Felt Good, but Stability Helped Me Feel Like Myself #BipolarDisorderSymptoms #BipolarMania #fall2012

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

1 month ago

Hyperthymia, Dysthymia, and Cyclothymia — Understanding Bipolar Temperament The bipolar spectrum includes baseline temperaments like hyperthymia, dysthymia, and cyclothymia, which can change how treatment targets are set. Key Takeaways ______________ What is “bipolar”? It’s encouraging that attempts to answer that question have made more progress in just the last five years than in the previous 25. I’ll present some of that progress in... The post Hyperthymia, Dysthymia, and Cyclothymia — Understanding Bipolar Temperament appeared first on bpHope.com.

Hyperthymia, Dysthymia, and Cyclothymia — Understanding Bipolar Temperament #BipolarDisorderSymptoms #MoodSpectrumWithDrJimPhelps

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

1 month ago

Are We Responsible for Actions Taken During a Mental Health Crisis? When bipolar mania or psychosis clouds your judgment, where is the line between guilt and innocence? Living with bipolar disorder is extremely difficult, especially when I watch the news or read online articles that leave me feeling irritable. At times, I’ve felt disillusioned with the world — particularly with how the media often portrays those... The post Are We Responsible for Actions Taken During a Mental Health Crisis? appeared first on bpHope.com.

Are We Responsible for Actions Taken During a Mental Health Crisis? #BipolarDisorderSymptoms #BipolarHypersexuality #BipolarMania

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

1 month ago

Managing Procrastination With Bipolar Disorder Bipolar adds uncertainty, so I under-promise, over-deliver, and make room for meds, mood shifts, and real life. Standing in line at the hardware store, knees and elbows splattered in shades of gold and green acrylic, arms cradling six cans of Satin Magenta, a man behind me asks, “Are you a painter?” “No,” I reply. “I... The post Managing Procrastination With Bipolar Disorder appeared first on bpHope.com.

Managing Procrastination With Bipolar Disorder #BipolarDisorderSymptoms #Fall2018

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

1 month ago

Paranoia and Bipolar Disorder: Coping With Irrational Thoughts Stop the repetitive mental loops and physical tension of bipolar suspicion before they damage your friendships One of my close friends, David, didn’t show up for my birthday party. All of my other friends showed up, so I assumed David considered other plans more important than seeing me. Though I still had a great time... The post Paranoia and Bipolar Disorder: Coping With Irrational Thoughts appeared first on bpHope.com.

Paranoia and Bipolar Disorder: Coping With Irrational Thoughts #BipolarDisorderandRelationships #BipolarDisorderSymptoms

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

1 month ago

How Time Changes Can Affect Your Mood — and What You Can Do Transitions like Daylight Saving Time can disrupt sleep and raise the risk of bipolar mood shifts. Here’s how to stay steady. Key Takeaways ______________ Benjamin Franklin first mentioned what we now call Daylight Saving Time (DST) in a 1784 essay. He somewhat satirically proposed conserving candles for the early morning hours. While the United States... The post How Time Changes Can Affect Your Mood — and What You Can Do appeared first on bpHope.com.

How Time Changes Can Affect Your Mood — and What You Can Do #BipolarDepressionSymptoms #BipolarDisorderSymptoms #BipolarInsomnia

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

1 month ago

How Much Sleep Do You Really Need With Bipolar? A steady routine is your best anchor for mood stability. Learn why sleep is a critical regulator for bipolar disorder. Key Takeaways _____________ Most nights, Will J. has no interest in going to bed. He prefers catching up on work, logging a few hours on his flight simulator, or watching late-night TV to crawling under... The post How Much Sleep Do You Really Need With Bipolar? appeared first on bpHope.com.

How Much Sleep Do You Really Need With Bipolar? #BipolarDisorderSymptoms #BipolarInsomnia #BipolarTreatment

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

1 month ago

Most People With Tardive Dyskinesia Aren’t Diagnosed — Why? Tardive dyskinesia can appear months or years after medication starts, and subtle early movements are easy to dismiss without routine AIMS checks. Key Takeaways _______________ When Dawn L. was tapering off medication to treat lingering symptoms of bipolar depression in 2019, she started to experience severe jaw clenching and trouble swallowing. The New Hampshire woman,... The post Most People With Tardive Dyskinesia Aren’t Diagnosed — Why? appeared first on bpHope.com.

Most People With Tardive Dyskinesia Aren’t Diagnosed — Why? #BipolarDisorderSymptoms #BipolarTreatment #RelatedConditions

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

1 month ago

Bipolar Research & Insights: DSM Updates, Lingering Symptoms, and Joint Health | February 2026 From a proposed overhaul of the DSM, a new therapy for between-episode symptoms, to a link with flexible joints, explore the latest breakthroughs in bipolar research and care. Key Takeaways ___________ Every month brings small developments that hint at big shifts in how bipolar disorder is understood and treated. In this roundup, the leading psychiatric... The post Bipolar Research & Insights: DSM Updates, Lingering Symptoms, and Joint Health | February 2026 appeared first on bpHope.com.

Bipolar Research & Insights: DSM Updates, Lingering Symptoms, and Joint Health | February 2026 #BipolarDisorderSymptoms

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

2 months ago

Is It Anxiety, Mania, or Hypomania? How to Spot the Difference Racing thoughts, restlessness, and sleep changes — these signs can mean different things. Here’s how people with bipolar disorder tell them apart. Both anxiety and mania or hypomania are common in bipolar disorder. Their overlapping symptoms — like racing thoughts, restlessness, irritability, and sleep disturbance — can make them hard to tell apart, even for... The post Is It Anxiety, Mania, or Hypomania? How to Spot the Difference appeared first on bpHope.com.

Is It Anxiety, Mania, or Hypomania? How to Spot the Difference #BipolarandAnxiety #BipolarDisorderSymptoms #BipolarMania

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

2 months ago

Is It the Flu — or Bipolar Depression? How to Tell the Difference Fatigue, aches, and brain fog can look the same. Learn how depression can mimic illness, and when to see a doctor. You’re pretty much laid up in bed, or at least significantly limited in your capacity to perform daily duties. Your concentration is off, and you’re not expected — nor welcome — at work. It... The post Is It the Flu — or Bipolar Depression? How to Tell the Difference appeared first on bpHope.com.

Is It the Flu — or Bipolar Depression? How to Tell the Difference #BipolarDisorderSymptoms #depression #diet

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

2 months ago

The Warning Signs Your Bipolar Anger Is Turning Destructive Bipolar disorder anger is real — but frequency, intensity, and fallout matter. Use a fast checklist to reset before you react. II can sum up the nature of bipolar disorder in three words: chronic, complex, and confusing; in two words: burdensome and bothersome; and in just one word: angry. If you live with bipolar disorder,... The post The Warning Signs Your Bipolar Anger Is Turning Destructive appeared first on bpHope.com.

The Warning Signs Your Bipolar Anger Is Turning Destructive #BipolarDisorderSymptoms #anger #irritability

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

3 months ago

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.

The Heavy Weight of Bipolar Guilt #BipolarAndImpulsiveBehavior #BipolarDisorderSymptoms

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

3 months ago

How to Get Things Done When You’re Depressed From getting out of bed to completing work tasks, it’s difficult to do anything when bipolar depression takes over. Here’s how to change that. There’s no question that it’s difficult to get things done when you’re depressed as a result of your bipolar disorder. I’ve certainly had a hard time with this for most of... The post How to Get Things Done When You’re Depressed appeared first on bpHope.com.

How to Get Things Done When You’re Depressed #BipolarDepressionSymptoms #BipolarDisorderSymptoms

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

4 months ago

The Reality of a Mental Health Crisis During the Holidays I once faced Christmas without a home, a job, or stability — yet small acts of kindness helped me find my way back. The holiday season is not always a happy time. This is especially true for those experiencing mental health issues and for many who are in a hospital or dealing with a mental... The post The Reality of a Mental Health Crisis During the Holidays appeared first on bpHope.com.

The Reality of a Mental Health Crisis During the Holidays #BipolarDisorderSymptoms #BipolarMania

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

4 months ago

Real-Life Advice on Getting Through the Holidays Our bipolar community shares essential, real-life strategies and creative tips for maintaining balance and navigating the unique challenges of the holiday season. It’s often called the most wonderful time of the year, but for many living with a bipolar spectrum disorder, the reality can be far more complicated. The intense, often non-negotiable demands of the... The post Real-Life Advice on Getting Through the Holidays appeared first on bpHope.com.

Real-Life Advice on Getting Through the Holidays #BipolarDisorderSymptoms #LivingwithBipolarDisorder #bipolar

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

4 months ago

Ask the Doctor: How Safe Is AI for Mental Health Information? AI offers quick information, yet it lacks the human insight required for safe, individualized mental health care. Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly become part of our daily lives. Whether it’s a chatbot answering questions online, an app offering mental health “coaching,” or a website summarizing medical information, the presence of AI in healthcare is growing... The post Ask the Doctor: How Safe Is AI for Mental Health Information? appeared first on bpHope.com.

Ask the Doctor: How Safe Is AI for Mental Health Information? #BipolarandSuicide #BipolarDisorderSymptoms #BipolarTreatment

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

4 months ago

Ask The Doctor: Having Trouble With Physical Intimacy? Don’t let bipolar disorder create distance between you and your partner — here’s how to nurture intimacy with care and intention. What are some things I can work on with my partner to improve intimacy? Developing strong relationships based on trust, honesty, love, and compassion does require effort and dedication from both partners. The good news is that... The post Ask The Doctor: Having Trouble With Physical Intimacy? appeared first on bpHope.com.

Ask The Doctor: Having Trouble With Physical Intimacy? #BipolarDisorderSymptoms #BipolarTreatment #medication

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

4 months ago

Ask the Doctor: Suicide Prevention — There’s Always Hope Suicide risk can rise with depression and stress, but knowing the signs and seeking support can help protect you or a loved one. Suicidal thoughts are common in most mood disorders. Any person who has depression of any appreciable severity is likely to at least occasionally harbor dark thoughts, often of death and ranging from... The post Ask the Doctor: Suicide Prevention — There’s Always Hope appeared first on bpHope.com.

Ask the Doctor: Suicide Prevention — There’s Always Hope #BipolarDisorderSymptoms #suicidalthoughts #suicide

Bipolar Awareness ~ Stop the Stigma

@stopthestigma.bsky.social

4 months ago

Why I’m Thankful to Finally Have a Diagnosis Learning I was living with bipolar helped me make sense of years of chaos, seek treatment, and finally feel grateful for the insight it gave me. Before my diagnosis of bipolar, I experienced unexplained racing thoughts and dangerous impulses: I always knew there was something “wrong,” but I didn’t know what it was. I couldn’t... The post Why I’m Thankful to Finally Have a Diagnosis appeared first on bpHope.com.

Why I’m Thankful to Finally Have a Diagnosis #BipolarDisorderSymptoms #BipolarTreatment