Managing bipolar mood episodes also means preparing for and recognizing periods of crisis. During manic, mixed, and depressive episodes, I sometimes need to put my crisis plan into action. Handling Bipolar Crises I’ve weathered many bipolar crises since I was diagnosed in 2006: some mixed episodes, some manic, some depressed—all with varying degrees of severity....

The experiences of living with bipolar disorder often ignite feelings of shame and guilt, but we can battle the stigma to find a sense of peace and acceptance in our lives. Bipolar Disorder & Shame Bipolar disorder will no doubt forge an unsettling fork in the road throughout our life’s journeys. We face—and will continue...

Accepting bipolar disorder and the life changes it brings can be difficult, and it’s an ongoing process of coming to terms with life as it is. Bipolar Disorder Acceptance & Grief In my experience of bipolar disorder, there’s a certain amount of letting go, even grief, as I make peace with my life as it...

Accepting and treating my bipolar disorder allowed me to focus on becoming a better mother. Understanding different attachment styles allows me to make more effective parenting and self-care decisions. Attachment Theory & Parenting Styles Attachment with our primary caregiver begins in early childhood. “Attachment theory” was coined and developed by psychologist Mary Ainsworth and psychiatrist...

When distressing events occur in the world around me—even without a direct impact on my day-to-day life—I am prone to increased bipolar symptoms, including mania and paranoia. What Is Indirect Trauma? A new phenomenon being examined in trauma studies goes under many names: secondhand trauma, vicarious trauma, secondary trauma stress. Each of these syndromes falls...