December 20, 2018 • Volume 11, Issue 51 Subscribe to Hope & Harmony Headlines How Social Contact Can Reduce Your Depression Depression is a liar. It is manipulative and sneaky and tells us things we shouldn’t believe. Like we’re better off alone—and that just makes us want to isolate ourselves. Add in the...
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If you are struggling with a depressive episode and you feel you should talk to your employer about it, there are a few important things to consider. Hi friends! This is Linea Johnson with bp Magazine’s bphope Vlog, here to talk to you about talking to your employer about depression. First of all, from a legal...
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While mania may feel wonderful after enduring depression, it’s important to remember that it is still a crucial part of bipolar to manage. “Well, even in that deep misery I felt my energy revive, and I said to myself: in spite of everything I shall rise again, I will take up my pencil, which...
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The first experimental study examining the use of multiple platforms shows a link between time spent on social media and increased depression and loneliness. November 8, 2018, Philadelphia, PA—The link between the two has been talked about for years, but a causal connection had never been proven. For the first time, University of Pennsylvania research...
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When you feel lost in the depths of bipolar depression, focusing on your senses can help you hang on when hit with waves of negative thinking. This summer, I had a month of bipolar depression so oppressive it was like running a marathon underwater. I kept having these really vivid, precise self-destructive thoughts pop into...
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While mania may often be more associated with over-the-top shopping, it can also be important to watch how bipolar depression can affect your spending. The story I tell myself about money is that I’m not good with it, but the truth is that I’m afraid of it. Most people who live with bipolar disorder have...
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People who are successfully treating and living with their bipolar realize there’s no one-size-fits-all plan when it comes to behavioral, emotional, and psychological protocols. Here are ten habits that work for them. #1 They’ve created their own treatment plan. Through trial and error, these folks have created a personalized treatment plan that works for them....
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It’s important to recognize the signs of mania—even if it feels good—and to remember the mania cycle can fuel the depressive cycle. Being ‘tricked by mania’ is pretty timely, as it just happened to me. About a week ago I went into a severe depression. I know what the triggers were, I know why it...
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A new study shows that a manic episode before bipolar depression does not impact the degree of change in depressive symptoms. August 15, 2018, BERKELEY, CA—The presence of a manic episode before depression in people with bipolar disorder doesn’t significantly predict response to antidepressants, a new study suggests. American researchers, noting a previous study suggested...
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Managing bipolar takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but the positive effects in your life can certainly make it worth it. Bipolar disorder is a genetic illness that affects a person’s ability to self regulate the mood. I’ve lived with the illness for …can you believe it… almost 40 years. Yikes! The...
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There are some days when managing bipolar feels hopeless, but I’ve found major positives are in store for you—if you stay persistent. It’s the nature of self-help to write about how we can fix what is wrong in our lives. Sometimes, we forget that people want to hear about the positives as well! Here is...
READ MORENovember 15th, 2018 • Volume 11, Issue 46 Subscribe to Hope & Harmony Headlines Is Depression Affecting Your Work? Here’s Why You Are Not Alone Research shows that people with high levels of depressive symptoms tend to perform poorly at work. How’s that for stating the obvious? It’s hard to function well when...
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Sometimes it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference when helping a friend or family member with bipolar—from reminders to good morning texts. In this article, we’re going to look at some simple techniques to support friends or loved ones with a bipolar diagnosis. Remember to ask before launching in with assistance. What...
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A depressive episode is serious. Knowing the subtle signs that an episode is imminent or in progress can help you make the best treatment decisions. Most people can remember the famous line from the Disney movie, Snow White: “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?” This line has taken on...
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There’s more than just a link between excessive social media use and higher rates of teen depression; there are other effects to be aware of: Lower self-esteem This is especially true with teen girls because they are comparing themselves with a flock of celebrities, photoshopped to appear thinner, prettier, and rich. Teenagers mistakenly view these...
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While constant life changes may feel like a way to find stability and happiness, ultimately these achievements come from within and following a treatment plan. Finding stability with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder can be quite an undertaking to say the least. Stability for me has been very elusive, and only recently have I...
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Sunny truly lives up to his name and is always there to cheer and comfort his owner, even through the toughest depressive episodes. Names: A.M. (human) & Sunny (Domestic short-haired tabby) Sunny’s Age: 1 1/2 years old First meeting: I was fostering and received a call about three two week old kittens. They were very...
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When bipolar depression symptoms are overwhelming, finding the strength to do even a small task can help you make it through the awful days. I often have days when the bipolar is so intense, I feel I’m going to spontaneously combust. This is when the illness is as physical as it is mental. I...
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Those who get less than 8 hours of sleep per night have a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety, according to new research Sleeping less than the recommended eight hours a night is associated with intrusive, repetitive thoughts like those seen in anxiety or depression, according to new research from Binghamton University, State...
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Depressive episodes can wreak havoc with your life when you have bipolar, but once you get through a depression, what are the next steps? This is Natasha Tracy for BP Magazine’s BPHope vlog. Today I want to talk about rebuilding after a major depressive episode in bipolar disorder. If you have bipolar disorder like...
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