Category Archives: Understanding Mental Illness

Fighting the Seen Enemy – Depression and Stigma

November 10, 2011 / by / Breaking Bipolar

Last week I wrote about how fighting bipolar disorder is like fighting an invisible enemy. And I suggested that creating an internal visual of an “enemy” was a helpful way of differentiating the sick person from the illness itself. I … Continue reading →

Silencing the Mentally Ill is Not Acceptable

November 7, 2011 / by / Breaking Bipolar

I’m not a person who takes on a cause de jour – I simply have too much self-preservation for that. I have enough going on without worrying about the plights of the world. However, when someone tries to spread mistruths … Continue reading →

Mental Illness Means Physical Pain Too

September 2, 2011 / by / Breaking Bipolar

In spite of what many people think, mental illness isn’t just about “being sad” or hallucinating or feeling suicidal – mental illness is about physical pain too. In fact, one of the ways people get diagnosed with illnesses like depression … Continue reading →

Bipolar Disorder is Caused by a Bad Childhood

July 26, 2011 / by / Breaking Bipolar

Hi. Thanks for joining us as we expose the biggest myths in mental illness. Today’s myth: a bad childhood causes mental illness.

What Are You, Bipolar? Mental Illness as a Weapon – Video

June 29, 2011 / by / Breaking Bipolar

I’ve discussed how I like to use the word “crazy” and don’t find it derogatory. Us crazies, we have to stick together, I might say. I’ve also said that people can use any word to hurt you. Don’t tell me … Continue reading →

I’m Too Smart to be Bipolar – Intelligence and Mental Illness

June 21, 2011 / by / Breaking Bipolar

I’ve been wrong about a lot of things in my lifetime. Life is funny like that, always moving the ball when you’re not looking. And one of them was this: I thought I was too smart to have a mental … Continue reading →

Schizophrenia Awareness Fights Fear and Stigma – Video

June 1, 2011 / by / Breaking Bipolar

This week saw the passing of Schizophrenia Awareness Day and I think it’s time to take a moment to learn some facts about this much stigmatized mental illness.

Hatred of Psychiatry Doesn’t Create Change

May 2, 2011 / by / Breaking Bipolar

I hate shrinks. Shrinks should die. Shrinks are evil. (Thank the commenters (not an individual) for that.) OK I get it, you don’t like psychiatrists. Personally, I would find a more intelligent way to express an argument, but your point … Continue reading →

Biological Evidence for Depression – Mental Illness Exists 2/2

April 11, 2011 / by / Breaking Bipolar

In my last article on the biological evidence of depression I discussed evidence in genes, hormones, monoamines (like serotonin) and neuroimaging. Today I’ll finish off the research areas for the biological evidence of depression and suggest what I think all … Continue reading →

Biological Evidence for Depression – Mental Illness Exists

April 7, 2011 / by / Breaking Bipolar

Common messages spread by certain special interest groups are that “mental illness doesn’t exist” and “there is no biological evidence for mental illness.” It’s not surprising I take great exception with these claims. So do most doctors. But the brain … Continue reading →