Tag: Mental Health

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To the Women Who Feel Too Much and Fall Too Hard: 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Feel Ashamed

As someone who lives with bipolar disorder, trust me I understand what it is like to feel too much and fall too hard in both love and life. Also, I know how it feels to be rejected, taken advantage of or punished for this way of communicating with others. Whether you have a mental illness or not, many of us can relate to the self-doubt, constant questioning and shame that comes with acting on our emotions. To the women who feel too much and fall too hard, here are five reasons you should not feel ashamed. Continue reading “To the Women Who Feel Too Much and Fall Too Hard: 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Feel Ashamed”

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‘Van Gogh Is Bipolar’ Cafe: How a Restaurant Explores and Empowers People with Bipolar

I jumped from the couch spilling cereal all over my shirt reaching for my computer both excited and in disbelief when I saw my moms text message, “Must check out this restaurant-Van Gogh is Bipolar!” A small restaurant located in the Philippines named after Vincent van Gogh and designed to capture features of a bipolar mind.

These are the stories of people living with bipolar disorder that get left out of the mainstream media. These are the stories that could one day create a much larger platform for individuals living with mental illness to feel empowered by what makes them different. I have spent the last couple days gathering information about this restaurant, but to start for those of you who are curious about Van Gogh’s connection to bipolar disorder let me explain. Continue reading “‘Van Gogh Is Bipolar’ Cafe: How a Restaurant Explores and Empowers People with Bipolar”

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Beautiful with a Bipolar Mind: An Interview with Author Julie Kraft

One of the best parts of being a mental health advocate is the connections you make to others with a similar passion for life and mental health. I was thrilled when Julie Kraft, author of the incredible book, The Other Side of Me: Memoir Of a Bipolar Mind, agreed to share part of her story with me. She is both beautiful on the outside and on the inside. In this interview, Julie shares her journey with bipolar disorder and opens up about motherhood, love, stigma and how a move from her home in Canada to Germany gave her clarity in a world that made her feel so clouded. Thank you, Julie, for speaking your truth. Continue reading “Beautiful with a Bipolar Mind: An Interview with Author Julie Kraft”

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Body Image: 9 Rules To Follow When It Comes To Her Body

I will never forget when my ex would grab the rolls off the table as I would reach for them, and say to the waiter, “She doesn’t need these,” or all the times he asked for a togo box after I took my first three bites of a meal at a restaurant. I am not looking for sympathy by telling you this because I already disposed of that garbage. I am confirming that is type of cruel behavior actually happens, so proceed with caution. Body image issues are heavily present among women. We are surrounded by things that make us question our reflection constantly. The last thing we need is for our guy to do the same. So I am going to help you guys out. Here are 9 rules to follow when it comes to her body that could potentially save your relationship and your life.
Continue reading “Body Image: 9 Rules To Follow When It Comes To Her Body”

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10 Things I Hate About The Stigma of Mental Illness

Remember the infamous Julia Stiles’s speech at the end of the movie, 10 Things I Hate About You? When she reveals to Heath Ledger the pain he’s caused her, “I hate the way you talk to me and the way you cut your hair…” While reading this post, think about stigma as if I am revealing my feelings in the same way as Stiles. Ledger was a good guy, but stigma not so much.
Continue reading “10 Things I Hate About The Stigma of Mental Illness”

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Then & Now: A Story About Friendship and Mental Illness

It was six years ago that I had my first major episode with bipolar disorder while in College.  I was  living with a group of girls who this story is about. In the last month before I withdrew from school, I kept my struggle hidden from others, especially myself.  Two days before I left, my parents were called by two of my friends.  They told them that I was falling apart.  Day by day I was getting worse.  They realized they couldn’t help me, and decided not to tell the other girls.  I do not like to talk about the pain of the past.  However, a few days ago I learned that sometimes it is necessary to walk down memory lane, no matter how dark the road is…

13667832_3859513011835_7044867885864528456_o Continue reading “Then & Now: A Story About Friendship and Mental Illness”