I am an adult victim of sexual child abuse. Like many of you, I too have suffered heinous acts and violence at the hand of my perpetrator. My perpetrator happened to be my father; the one I trusted the most to protect me from harm. I spent most of my life unable to forgive and […]
Just Be Present Sometimes when I feel down and depressed, I may need your support. I may not necessarily need your verbal input or your suggestions; however wise they may be. Sometimes I just need to sit quietly and know that you are there. That you are with me and near in case I fall. […]
Introduction Black-white, happy-sad, yin-yang, love-hate, up-down, right-wrong, rapid cycling. These are the daily struggles of living with severe bipolar disorder. I should know. I have lived with bipolar my entire life. Following a devastating divorce and the destruction of my family at age 40, I attempted near-fatal suicide by overdose. I was in the ICU […]
Here we are. Another Christmas. It comes around every year regardless of one’s circumstance. For most it is a happy, joyful time filled with excitement of things to come and celebrating years’ past. It is a time for shopping and baking and sharing gifts with those we love. But not for all. For some, the […]
Causes of Bipolar Depression Bipolar disorder runs in families, with genetics believed to play a significant role. A person with this inherited vulnerability may develop bipolar disorder in response to environmental triggers such as a traumatic experience or drug abuse. Serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are three neurotransmitters—or chemical messengers in the brain—that help regulate our […]
Bah Humbug? It’s that time of year when friends and loved ones unite to celebrate family. It is usually a joyous season filled with laughter, plentiful food and drink, and a renewed sense of faith and hope. However, for some of us who suffer from a major depressive disorder (MDD), the Holidays can create additional […]
With longer daylight hours and warmer weather, it’s a great time to shake off those winter blues. Many people have been stuck indoors because of COVID-19 and the cold, which can increase feelings of depression and loneliness. We’re taking a closer look at some ways to boost your mood while enjoying the change in seasons. […]
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while a lot of attention is given to the importance of early detection and women getting mammograms beginning at age 40, there is less emphasis on older adults. In reality, this population is at increased risk and should continue to be vigilant about breast health. According to the […]
Shopping for aging parents can be tough because they often have everything they really need. Throughout their lives, they have accumulated a lot of belongings, and many are working on consolidating and cleaning to minimize clutter and prepare for if they want to eventually downsize their living space. Certain technology can be a good option […]
Staying active is beneficial for people of all ages, but it’s especially important for older adults. But you may be surprised to learn that the benefit go beyond physical… Exercising with others offers many social benefits as well! A study from BioMed Research International found that “improvements in mental health, emotional, psychological, and social well-being and cognitive function are […]