Clik here to view.
Making Bipolar a Smaller Part of Your Life
At times, I become resentful that bipolar disorder occupies any part of my life, but because it does and because writing about is one of the things I do, I sort of accept that it’s going to occupy a...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Treating Bipolar Disorder with a Dose of Comedy
Just read an article out of Glasgow, Scotland entitled “Laughter’s the Best Medicine,” about an interesting supplemental treatment for bipolar disorder and other illnesses – comedy courses. According...
View ArticleClik here to view.
NAMI’s Family-to-Family Training
This past weekend, I participated in NAMI’s Family-to-Family training program to become a facilitator (presenter) for the course. My goal is to work with others to start a NAMI (National Alliance on...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Dealing with the Problem Pileup
I recently attended a NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) support group meeting that’s run as a problem-solving workshop. All attendees are sworn to confidentiality, so I won’t go into details,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Rewiring Your Brain through Mindfulness
If brain chemistry can affect thoughts and behaviors, can thoughts and behaviors affect brain chemistry and perhaps even rewire the brain? Yes. An accumulating body of evidence supports the notion that...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Using Mindfulness for Bipolar Disorder
By Shamash Alidina, author of Mindfulness For Dummies Mindfulness is a meditation therapy that uses self-control techniques to overcome negative thoughts and emotions and achieve a calmer, more focused...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Join a Mental Health Support Group and Talk About It
Whenever I attend a mental health support group meeting, I’m reminded of how important it is to talk about what we’re dealing with. I’m also reminded of how difficult the subject of mental illness can...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Do Something for Yourself
Last week, I attended a NAMI problem-solving workshop for people who have family members with serious mental illness, including bipolar disorder. The tone of the workshop was fairly low. Many attendees...
View ArticleFeeling Better with a Bipolar Challenge
In Bipolar Disorder For Dummies and on this blog, we have recommended numerous lifestyle and environmental changes someone can take to feel better with bipolar disorder. Readers have contributed some...
View ArticleClik here to view.
NAMI Support Groups: Combined or Separate?
We just started a NAMI support group in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Since the town is small (population about 15,000), we decided to start with a combination group, consisting of both consumers (people...
View ArticleMed Shadow Interview Part 2: Treating Bipolar Disorder
Please check out Suelain Moy’s excellent interview of Dr. Fink, “Treating Bipolar Disorder: A Q & A with Dr. Candida Fink, Part 2.” Dr. Fink’s answers cover medication, therapy, self-help, and the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Bipolar Disorder For Dummies, 3rd Edition
We’re proud to announce the release of the 3rd Edition of Bipolar Disorder For Dummies. About the Book Bipolar Disorder For Dummies, 3rd Edition is a reassuring guide that sorts out the differences...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Sleeping Better with Bipolar Disorder
Sleep is restorative. It heals us. It grants our brains and bodies needed downtime for recovery from the stress and demands of our waking hours. Our circadian rhythms (our sleep/wake cycles) regulate...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Bipolar Medication Mindfulness
Living with bipolar disorder often means taking medications regularly. That alone is a tough pill to swallow. Finding the right medicine “cocktail” often involves a month (or longer) journey of trials...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Overcoming the Inertia of Depression with the Tiniest of Steps
A common refrain I hear from my patients’ loved ones — and especially from parents of teenagers with depression — is that if their child or spouse would just get up and work out they could stop being...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Bipolar, Schizophrenia, and the Microbes Inside You
Can the bacterial community that lives in your gut actually be related to psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder? Research on the human microbiome and its effects on health...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Tune Out the Bad News
I was recently interviewed by Meredith Carroll for her article in Redbook, “My 6-Year-Old Is Obsessed with National Tragedies — and I Doubt She’s Alone,” which is based on the author’s experience that...
View ArticleClik here to view.
KIOS Bipolar Mood Navigator
In Bipolar Disorder For Dummies, I point out that a key self-help strategy for living well with bipolar disorder is to monitor your moods, and I provide a Mood/Sleep Chart to facilitate the process. I...
View ArticleBipolar Basics Webinar
Just to let you know, I will be delivering a webinar called “Back to the Basics: Bipolar Disorder 101” hosted by the International Bipolar Foundation this coming Monday, March 30 at 4:00 PM EST....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Living with Bipolar Disorder during COVID-19
After a month or more of stay-at-home orders — with daily onslaughts of news about the coronavirus pandemic and the fraying economy — almost everyone is reaching new levels of frustration, fear, and...
View Article
