Archived Issues

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Bipolar & Forgiveness: I Beg Your Pardon Mood symptoms such as overspending, hypersexuality, anger attacks, and self-isolation hurt those around us. A simple apology is just the starting point of making things right. By Robin L. Flanigan FEATURES All in the Family? Genetics & Bipolar Bipolar illness starts in the gene pool, but factors such...

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It Don’t Come Easy: Help for Climbing Out of Bipolar Depression No matter how desperate it feels, there’s hope—and tools and support—for climbing out of a bipolar depression. By Robin L. Flanigan FEATURES SoundOFF! Lifelines for Low Moods What helps you cope with and defend against bipolar depression episodes? bp readers respond. On My Mind:...

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Actor Chyler Leigh Speaks Up about Her Bipolar Disorder The new face of the Be Vocal: Speak Up for Mental Health campaign discloses her bipolar diagnosis to help us feel as empowered as the hero she plays on Supergirl. By Denise Mann, MS FEATURES Bipolar on TV: Does It Help or Harm? On the one...

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Fifteen years ago, I reached out to a respected publisher in the magazine industry for some guidance on getting bp Magazine’s premiere issue out the door: “You’re launching a magazine on bipolar?” she asked in disbelief. “Yes,” I responded and thought—“Wow, we really have our work cut out for us.” Over the years, through bp...

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When Good Things Become Too Much When pleasurable pastimes like shopping, gaming, or online socializing cross the line from enjoyable to excessive, it may be time to tame your overindulgences. By Robin L. Flanigan SoundOFF! From Enjoyable to Excessive When do enjoyable pursuits like social media, gaming, and shopping cross the line—and how do you...

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The Friendship Formula Friendships require cultivation and cooperation to thrive. When one of the friends also has to cope with a mood disorder, things can be even more complicated. By Sasha Kildare Friendship & Boundaries: Secret Saboteurs Learning the art of gracefully exiting from draining friendships and seeking more positive companionships. By Sasha Kildare SoundOFF!...

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Bipolar & the Entrepreneur Advantage The personality traits of entrepreneurs and those with bipolar often overlap; the key to success is embracing both the strengths and vulnerabilities. By Michele Wojciechowski & Robin L. Flanigan FEATURES When Stigma Strikes Close to Home Stigma stings, but when it happens in our own backyard—family, friends, and community not...

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  The Truth About the Link Between Bipolar Mania and Creativity Twenty-five years after Kay Redfield Jamison convincingly linked bipolar disorder and artistic genius, we look at the latest evidence exploring—and expanding on—that theory. By Donna Jackel   FEATURES How to Get Your Life Back on Course After a Bipolar Relapse Repairing relationships, routines, and...

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Zack McDermott on His Memoir and His Mom As beautifully told in his book Gorilla and the Bird, former attorney Zack McDermott relied on his mother’s unconditional support while winning his way back to stability. By Stephanie Stephens FEATURES Beyond CBT: See Which Psychotherapy Fits Your Bipolar Whether you challenge your negative thought patterns and...

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The ties that bind If relationship problems frequently tie you up in knots, you are not alone. We explore ways you can keep things together when your moods threaten to pull you and your loved ones apart. By Robin L. Flanigan FEATURES Rocking steady with Ellen Forney bp Magazine columnist, Melody Moezzi, delves into Ellen...

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Justin Peck: Taking the Wheel of his Bipolar He’s a fearless motorsport champion, entrepreneur, loving father and now author; but it’s his fierce drive in navigating the rocky road of mental health that makes him a true hero. By Linda Childers FEATURES The enemy within: Tools to Stop Self-Sabotage You may not realize your self-defeating...

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Get Your Hopes Up The belief that your life can and will get better is a vital part of recovery from bipolar disorder. Luckily, hope is a renewable resource. By Donna Jackel Hope is the Thing with Feathers: Taking Wing Out of Bipolar Depression In the midst of bipolar depression, writing as a creative outlet...

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Bipolar Disorder and Grappling With Obsessive Thinking If you’re frequently entangled in obsessive thinking, you might be surprised to know you’re far from alone. We look at ways you can take charge when intrusive thoughts start to run amok. By Robin L. Flanigan FEATURES Love and Bipolar: Real-Life Tips From Four Long-Term Couples What’s the...

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The ABCs of Disclosure in the Workplace If bipolar symptoms are putting your job at risk, it’s time to educate yourself about disability protections and what you do and don’t need to share about your diagnosis. By Stephanie Stephens FEATURES A Safe Space—What To Know About Going To The Hospital Hospitalization: for or against? Whatever...

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Bipolar and Controlling Impulsivity Reckless actions are a common symptom of bipolar disorder, even outside of mania. Good coping tools can rein in impulsivity and prevent the negative consequences. By Robin L. Flanigan FEATURES Impulsivity: What’s happening in the brain Scientists around the world are trying to understand the roots of impulsivity and impulse control...

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Conductor Ronald Braunstein—Making Music, Fighting Stigma Ronald Braunstein uses his experience with bipolar disorder to help other musicians with brain-based disorders find a safe place to create music with his Me2/Orchestra. By Robin L. Flanigan FEATURES Getting a Grip on Mania Manic episodes in bipolar I play out differently for different people, but often have...

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Maria Bamford Turns Bipolar Into Funny Business In her stand-up, the comedian spoofs her diagnosis as “the new gladiator sandal.” She’s reaching new audiences with her Netflix series Lady Dynamite, normalizing topics like hospitalization. By Melody Moezzi FEATURES Practically Positive: Transforming Your Negative Thinking Trapped in negative thinking? There’s more than one way to set...

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Richard Dreyfuss—Brash, Bold and Proudly Bipolar The movie star speaks candidly on Hollywood greed, civics education, how living with bipolar disorder has been good for him, and why stigma is “stupid By Fergus Ewbank and Marianne Haynes FEATURES The Sweethearts Deal: How To Keep Your Relationship Healthy Building a strong relationship takes work. When one...

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Olympic Runner, Suzy Favor Hamilton on Bipolar & Hypersexuality When manic behavior leads to public scandal, what then? For Olympic runner Suzy Favor Hamilton, a new mission to champion this message: “There is hope, and I’m living proof.” By Scott Pitoniak FEATURES Handling Hypomania You’re peppy, more productive, the life of the party—what’s not to...

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Paul Dalio’s “Touched With Fire”: Finding beauty in bipolar Writer and director Paul Dalio channeled his complex feelings about having bipolar into his feature film Touched With Fire, titled after the famed book about creativity and manic-depression. By Stephanie Stephens FEATURES Unravel Your Wrath A prickly feeling like you’re ready to snap. A sudden fury...