Reprogramming my thoughts to be more positive and soothing helped me take on my social anxiety so I could strengthen old bonds and form new ones. Social Anxiety and Self-Doubt For many years, I lived with and perpetuated my social anxiety. I have never felt confident with my social abilities for most of my life.... The post How I’ve Mastered My Social Anxiety appeared first on bpHope.com ..read more

Understanding the impact of your words can make a significant difference. Discover more thoughtful ways to express yourself and create a more caring environment. Words have immense power. They can uplift and encourage but also wound deeply, often without the speaker even realizing it. This is particularly true for individuals living with bipolar disorder, for... The post 10 Phrases Nobody With Bipolar Disorder Wants to Hear appeared first on bpHope.com ..read more

Explore how one person’s bipolar diagnosis fueled a life-changing adventure, proving that mental health challenges don’t have to limit life’s possibilities. There was a time when I believed that my life would be devoid of adventure and excitement due to my bipolar disorder diagnosis. However, I refused to let it define or limit me. Instead,... The post Keeping the Spirit of Adventure Alive With Bipolar Disorder appeared first on bpHope.com ..read more

Here’s what you need to know about using generic medications for bipolar disorder, how they compare to brand names, and some useful tips for managing medication changes. Getty Images (Stock photo posed by model) If you or your loved one has been switched to a generic medication for bipolar disorder or are considering making the change yourself, it’s natural to feel unsure. You might wonder whether these more affordable options can truly match the brand names you’ve relied on — especially with all the mixed messages out there. I’ve been through this myself when my pharmacy replaced my Lamictal ..read more

When your sleep pattern changes, whether it’s because of your job or daylight saving time, your bipolar moods can change, too. Here’s how to adapt. Getty Images (Stock photo posed by model) Time changes — whether due to daylight saving time (DST), work, or travel — can be difficult for people to adapt to. But it’s “time” to talk about a solution; namely, your sleep schedule and circadian rhythm. I Find the Changes Between Standard Time and Daylight Saving Time Difficult. Why? And How Can I Adapt Better? Most people find it easier to add an hour (“fall back”) to their sleep schedule rather tha ..read more

A personal exploration of the different treatments available for bipolar disorder, from intensive inpatient care to supportive outpatient options. Getty Images Living with bipolar disorder can feel overwhelming, especially right after a diagnosis. The process of seeking treatment might be daunting, but understanding how the treatment system works can help ease some of that anxiety. I’ve been through a mix of inpatient and outpatient treatments, and while each has its own challenges and benefits, they’ve helped me find my footing in managing this condition. Inpatient care gave me a structured ..read more

Connecting with the right bipolar care provider can be a game-changer, but it’s often tough to find the right match. Here’s how to simplify your search. Getty Images (Stock photo posed by model) Managing bipolar disorder on your own can be incredibly challenging. While friends and family provide immeasurable support, no bipolar care team is complete without formal, professional help. Ideally, that looks like having a prescriber and a therapist by your side (who can either be the same or separate people). That’s because therapy and medication are more effective than medication alone for treati ..read more

Is there a link between creativity and mental health? These six movie directors illustrate the connection. Tim Burton by Gage Skidmore / CC BY-SA 3.0, Woody Allen by Georges Biard / CC BY-SA 3.0, Francis Ford Coppola / NBC As more celebrities, comedians, and musicians openly share their experiences with bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder, individuals behind the scenes are joining this vital conversation as well. Film directors, in particular, have begun to share their personal journeys with bipolar and depression, contributing significantly to reducing the stigma associated with the ..read more

Complementary and integrative therapies can be beneficial for those with bipolar disorder — as long as they are an addition to your treatment plan, not a substitution for it. Getty Images (Stock photo posed by models) For someone with bipolar disorder, finding the “right” treatment plan can be a challenge — because this brain disorder is different for everyone, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. One way to tailor your treatment is to add complementary and integrative therapies to the mainstays of medication and therapy. The banner of complementary and integrative therapies refers to any ..read more

With the barrage of upsetting news these days, mindfulness is an effective antidote to it, especially for those with bipolar. Getty Images (Stock photo posed by model) The preoccupation many of us have with national politics these days is overwhelming. Many people constantly check news and social media feeds, as well as continually engage in discussions that are fraught with strife and despair over topics like the environment, national security, and the future of health care. Never in modern history has the nation been so polarized in its political views, with each side equally convinced of i ..read more