Written by Hannah Blum, author of The Truth About Broken: The Unfixed Version of Self-Love As a woman diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I am not naive to the fact that people I date struggle to see beyond the label that society has stamped on me, which is why I wrote this post. If you are dating … Continue reading 17 Things You Should Know About Dating A Girl With Mental Illness
A person who knows their value is a powerful being. Trust me, I know how hard this can be at times. For years, I could not look in the mirror without criticizing everything in my reflection. Day by day, I learned to talk to myself like I would to anyone one else in need. I … Continue reading 45 Self-Love Quotes
Self-harm is an emotional, and misunderstood topic. It is difficult to comprehend the logic behind people inflicting intentional pain on themselves. It is part of the struggle for many people suffering from mental illness. Self-harm is not commonly done with the intentions of committing suicide. More so, as a way to release internal pain. You are thinking, Isn’t that backwards? Inflicting pain to reduce it?
Continue reading “An Artistic Alternative To Self-Harm: Creating Instead of Cutting”We are expected to withhold our truth to protect ourselves from judgement. Trust me I have been there. I used to wear a mask like the Queen of the masquerade ball, but it only kept me from acknowledging my mental illness. The mask you wear to fit society’s standard guidelines is not protecting you, it is preventing you from living an authentic life. Revealing your mental illness is not easy, and for some it seems impossible, however, it is necessary to live the life you deserve. Continue reading “Removing The Mask and Revealing Your Mental Illness”
The day I arrived at the mental hospital, the last thing on my mind was the status of single guys at the facility. I don’t think these types of places have a location status on Bumble. However, it’s in the places unknown and unfamiliar to us that we meet some of the most important people along our journey. I did meet a guy, and his name is Jared.
Jared and I didn’t fall in love with each other. We fell in understanding with one another; two souls destined to meet, to help one another find peace in the midst of chaos. At my darkest, he reached for hope and built a key from the light he found within me; a key that would unlock the chains of stigma and finally set me free. This is not a love story; this is a life story about love.
Continue reading “A Love Story at a Mental Hospital: We Weren’t Falling in Love, We Were Falling in Life”
It was the tenth day at the mental health facility, and I sat at across from 5 doctors giving me the same lecture. Doc: “Hannah, we are not releasing you, until you understand that you have bipolar II disorder and agree to following up with treatment.” Me: “I do understand. I just want to go … Continue reading The Moment I Realized Mental Illness Is Real
When you are open about your mental health condition, you get asked some interesting questions. In this post I reveal some of the questions I have received that are not only bizarre, but a great reminder of the extreme stigma and ignorance we face in society.
8 Bizarre Question People Have Asked About Living With Bipolar 2 Disorder…
Question: “Do you like have multiple personalities? If so, can you name them?”
My Answer: “Yes, I have four. Please-Refrain-From-Speaking.”
It was clear this girl was waiting to ask this question through the whole seminar, and even though I observed her friend making wide eyes at her as she raised her hand, home girl could not resist. There is a difference between personality disorder and bipolar. Do not lump all mental illnesses into one. As if…
Continue reading “8 Bizarre Questions People Have Asked About Living With Bipolar 2”
These are some statements that should probably be avoided when speaking to someone with a mental illness or in a situation that causes them to have feelings of hopelessness. It is crucial for people to understand that the stigma around mental illness strongly influences our responses to family members or friends struggling. I am not an expert, but it might help to give suggestions about better ways to handle these moments. Basically I am trying to protect you from being called a huge doucher behind your back…you can thank me later.
10 things you should not say to someone with a mental illness… Continue reading “10 Things You Should Not Say to Someone With a Mental Illness”
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