Hi, I’m Natasha Tracy, a 30-something writer living on an island in the Pacific Northwest and the author of the Bipolar Burble. I have leapt from planes, helicopters and cliffs trusting nothing but nylon and canvas to save my life. I have worked for many tech companies including the biggest boy on the block. I have visited twelve different countries, have a bachelor’s degree in computer science and I think a law should be passed preventing Apple from naming anything else beginning with the letter “i.”
And I have bipolar disorder.
I’ve been diagnosed with a series of variants finally landing on bipolar type-II, ultra-rapid-cycling. I’ve been in treatment for over a decade. Treatments have included over 40 bipolar medications, vagus nerve stimulator implantation, electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) and several types of psychotherapy.
Breaking Bipolar is my way of entertaining and enlightening on the topic of bipolar disorder. It’s shearing honesty aims to put the reader inside a brain suffering from mental illness. It’s designed to elucidate the subjects of pain, loss, depression, hypomania, hope and humanity. It explores the difference between a sick brain and a mind left trying to cope with it.
I hope my writing will allow people to truly appreciate what the mentally ill experience and ultimately lead to greater understanding and respect, as well as reduce the fear people show around the mentally ill.
I look forward to the day when humans can fly, breathe underwater and latte art becomes recognized as a serious area of study.
Natasha Tracy’s Breaking Bipolar Blog Welcome Video
If you would like to know a little more about me, watch this bipolar video.
You 
can find Natasha Tracy on Facebook or GooglePlus or @Natasha_Tracy on Twitter.
Hi Natasha,
Good for you and I wish you good luck with this new opportunity.
I hope your stepping out of the shadows also represents a breakthrough and cessation to the downward spiraling you’ve been experiencing.
I place a great deal of importance upon socializing although real live contact is probably the ideal this may have to suffice at the moment. I was going to suggest an additional alternative such as Skyping when I came upon your recent blog entry. I thought Skyping for both you and Susan might be beneficial as both you young ladies have much to share while at the same time supporting one another at the most difficult of times at little or no additional cost.
In your video I think you also omitted about yourself the word “charming”.
Once again, the best of luck and most important of all I wish you wellness.
Warmly,
Herb
VNSdepression.com
Hi Herb,
Thanks for dropping by. I’m not sure what this represents, exactly, but it is positive, and I am grateful to be here. And yes, Susan is amazing. We’ve actually chatted.
Thank-you for your kind words. “Charming” is good one.
i have enjoyed reading thank for sharing your story Greeting.
Hi Christian. Thanks for dropping by.
- Natasha
Nice post…Thank you for sharing some good things!!
Natasha:
You are a beautiful, talented, young, awesome writer! I can sympathize with you greatly on the loneliness mental illness can bring! I often feel down like this too, and what helps for me is to think about people who have it worse than me, and help them if possible. I was reading your writing and thinking…”I wish I was Bipolar, and not Schizophrenic…” My diagnosis started as Bipolar, then schio-affective (bipolar with voices), now just schizophrenia. I long for the days I could enjoy a beach…even if I get myself out there…and breath deep the salty air….the voices leave me not one moment of peace…. . I can’t think very well, or concentrate, or enjoy most things anymore…. . I only tell you this, not to make you feel bad, but to encourage you and to help you to realize you are special! And you are Blessed!!
With Love
Jackie
Hi Jackie,
Thank-you for the wonderful comment. I have a lot of compassion for people with schizophrenia. I know there are forces in my head, and I even talk about voices, but I know these voices are not like the ones of schizophrenia. Those must be very difficult to deal with.
I wish you well. I’ve always felt like bipolar and schizophrenia were cousins so you have a home here; drop by any time.
- Natasha
theres hope for all
I was diagnosed as having Bipolar 1 disorder in 2000 and having been taking Lithium and Risperdal since. NOw I feel great!
Your blog is so informative … keep up the good work!!!!
SteaceatPes,
Glad you find it useful.
- Natasha
You are both (Natasha and Jackie) wonderful persons…Jackie, you are right when thinking of people who are worse…
Imagine you are ill and have to struggle for life in a country which doesn;t offer any chances!…
I wish you all well…
Thanks for the great blog. Communication is the key. This illness can be so cruel to BP’ers and friends and loved ones of BP’ers. Never be afraid to express yourself, never be afraid to be put yourself out there. Being able to express the frustrations and the feelings will hopefully someday lead to a cure.
Hi Mark,
I agree completely, communication is key for anyone, those with mental illness and those around them included. I think you’ve shown great empathy for people with bipolar, and that’s wonderful to see.
Thanks for your positive thoughts.
- Natasha