3/14/23 – Poetry

My world is crumbling around me. What do I do when the darkness that is depression consumes me? I could drink away the pain, Only to have it return once I’m sober. I could have sex in an attempt to cope, But I can’t seem to give my body away these days. And I considered […]

How to Get Out of a Depressive Episode

I went through a month-long depressive episode this past October. At the beginning of the month, my mood plummeted and stayed like that for the duration of October. The depression seemed to creep up unexpectedly, swallowing me into its dark hole. While I was in the midst of the depressive episode, I reconnected with an […]

Managing Bipolar Disorder During the Holidays

The holidays are supposed to be a joyous time. Many people enjoy various aspects of the holiday season such as decorating, gift-giving, gathering with loved ones, and celebrating. However, for those of us living with a mental health condition like bipolar disorder, the holiday season can exacerbate our symptoms. Managing bipolar disorder during the holidays […]

11 Tips for Living Well With Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that affects millions of people. It’s a complex disorder that can impact an individual’s quality of life. When I was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 16, I was terrified of what my diagnosis meant for my future. Would I succumb to this illness and listen to my suicidal […]

Why Do People Self-Harm?

The first time I engaged in self-harm, I was 11. I was severely bullied at school and lived in a toxic and dysfunctional household. I don’t remember how I learned about self-injurious behavior, I just remember deciding to cut myself. I did it once. Then twice. Then again and again. Every time I felt depressed […]