Outlandish thoughts and ideas caused me to put myself in real danger. For years I heard voices that were so real, so dynamic and full of energy, It felt like they were my friends. They’d urge me on and gave me an intense confidence boost. They made me feel like I could achieve anything. The [...]
Tag: Bipolar
I’m Writing A Book!
Yep, the secret is out! I've been offered a publishing contract with Jessica Kingsley Publishers to write a book about bipolar disorder. The book is going to be a practical guide to bipolar disorder. I'll offer tips and advice on how to navigate daily life and how to manage symptoms. All of this will [...]
Bipolar and Credit Cards, Loans and Debt
Mania for me always leads to overspending. I'll spend an exorbitant amount of money on useless, meaningless stuff. Shoes, bags, clothes, collectible toys, lego figurines (yes, really), games consoles, hotel rooms - I could go on and on. I'm not a materialistic person by nature, but with mania I just can't help myself. It's an [...]
Why I’m anxious about seeing a Doctor
I've been putting off seeing my doctor for ages. Why? I'm afraid. Afraid that they won't be able to help me. That they'll fob me off with a 'just keep doing what you're doing' response. Anxious that they'll want to change my medication. Again. I've had a difficult year with medical professionals. Long story short, [...]
The ‘Mental Health Conversation’ Is Not Boring – And Still Relevant
I've seen a shift recently in how people view advocacy and raising awareness around mental health and mental illness. To some it's now 'boring' or no longer necessary or needed. I think they're wrong. It should be obvious to anyone in the UK that mental health services are underfunded. Waiting times are atrociously long and [...]
To My Online World, And How You’ve Helped Me Grow
TW: Suicidal ideation The period between 2003 - 2013 was a whirlwind of changes for me. The catalyst for these changes came from my online world. A place that held me safely in it’s hands. It was a place without judgement and a community full of compassionate individuals. I could feel the warmth and [...]
Tactile Hallucinations
For the past few months I haven't been sleeping properly. It has taken over all aspects of my life. Most notably, here on my blog. I haven't blogged for months, because I simply haven't had the concentration span to finish a post. I've been irritable and moody. My short temper is now just a very [...]
What Not To Say To Someone With Psychosis
Psychosis happens amongst people with the mental illnesses schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, post partum psychosis, and sometimes those with bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and severe depression. Psychosis is experienced in two different ways; hallucinations and delusions. Hallucinations are when a person hears, sees, smells, tastes or feels something that isn’t really there. It’s a sensory [...]
Yes, I Do Miss Being Manic
I find myself pining for the person I become when I'm manic. I've written before about how mania isn't always fun. I do miss it at times, no matter how many times I tell myself the negative aspects of it. Mania can be a mind blowing, euphoria filled trip. It's honestly better than any drug [...]
Talking About Mental Illness Isn’t Attention Seeking
I talk about my mental illness, a lot. I'm not ashamed of that. Living with mental illness is a huge part of my life and I can't ignore that fact. Unfortunately, being so honest leaves me open to criticism. Mostly, that I'm attention seeking. Why is talking met with such ferocious negativity? People think we're [...]
