Bipolar Disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes extreme changes in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. People with bipolar disorder experience intense emotional states that typically occur during distinct periods of days to weeks, called mood episodes. These mood episodes are categorized as manic/hypomanic (abnormally happy [...]
Discussing depression and anxiety with your children can be one of the most challenging conversations a parent faces. Explaining complex and often stigmatized mental health conditions in an age-appropriate and sensitive manner requires careful consideration. Let's discuss a few strategies that can help you discuss depression and anxiety with your kids. Before initiating the [...]
I was working out this morning and heard a song by Chris McDaniel titled Somebody Like Me. It inspired me to write a blog post about how the stigma of mental health affects males. Boys and men are far more likely to die by suicide. According to the AFSP, men died by suicide 3.90x [...]
Living with depression is difficult. It can feel like you are navigating life through a dense fog. There is hope, and coping strategies can help. Let's explore 12 strategies that may help. Seek Professional Support: Depression is complex and often requires professional guidance. Therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and integrative doctors can offer valuable insights, support, [...]
The relationship between hormones and depression is complex and multifaceted. Hormones are chemical messengers in the body that regulate various physiological processes, and imbalances in certain hormones can contribute to the development or exacerbation of depression. Let’s explore some common hormone imbalances that can exacerbate symptoms of depression. Stress plays a critical role. Hormones [...]
Suicide is not always a choice made by what appears to be a relatively healthy person. Sometimes it is brought on by side effects of medication, and other times it can be brought on my mental illness. I think a lot of you survivors will be able to relate to my story. I have severe [...]
Suicide awareness month is upon us. During this month we share with others and encourage them to reach out. I have felt compelled to share my story. Perhaps you will read about me and see yourself. Or you will see a friend, a loved one, a co-worker who needs your help. My hope is that [...]
Unfortunately, I will never know whether the medication I put my son on for depression and anxiety played a part in his suicide. He died January 11 of 2016. The day all my nightmares came to life. Jake struggled with mental Illness practically his entire life. We had been dealing with violent outbursts since he was [...]
Losing a loved one to suicide is often confusing and surreal. A great deal of energy is expended churning through a whirlpool of questions - especially the whys. I’ve heard it countless times from other survivors of suicide loss – why did my loved one do this when they were the first in line [...]
*Trigger Warning* A friend tagged me in a post on a private Christian page showing a video in which a student asks Ravi Zacharias a question: "does suicide send you directly to hell?” I am unsure why my friend tagged me; I assume he thought I would want to discuss Mr. Zacharias’ response. I watched [...]
