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Recently, I have been thinking a lot about identity labels. More specifically, I've been thinking about whether identity labels help or hurt us. In today's post, I will look at the ways that identity labels support us and, at times, the ways they might hinder us.
I deal with schizophrenia anxiety around COVID-19. The pandemic hit me especially hard. I still haven't recovered my former level of social activities, and much of my time is spent indoors and alone -- isolated. I still wear masks in the grocery store and don't dine indoors in restaurants (I live in a warm climate). When most of the world went on with their lives and returned to normal, my paranoia and anxiety kept me stuck in a loop of fear, worry, concern, and the possibility of adverse outcomes. Even though we took many precautions against contracting the virus, my husband returned to work over a year ago, and last week, he started having symptoms. Two days later, I did, too. After a few days, we both tested positive for COVID-19. 
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and relationships can pose some unique challenges. The constant fear of rejection looms around every corner, making it difficult to fully embrace the positive moments that relationships bring. Even when surrounded by love and support, the fear of impending abandonment can act as a barrier, preventing the full enjoyment of the positive aspects of a relationship. This struggle underscores the complexity of managing BPD within the context of interpersonal connections.
As my time writing for HealthyPlace ends, it presents the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past 12 months and prepare for what lies ahead. Before I leave, I would like to share what I have learned about myself while writing this blog and how it has reinforced my motivation to keep moving forward.
Sharing gambling addiction recovery stories really matters. As much as we discuss gambling and addiction, the picture that’s painted is that of hopelessness. Granted, the thrill and hope of a big win have a dangerous grip that leads people down the path of compulsive gambling, but it is the stories of hope and triumph that give people with addiction the hope they need to overcome the struggle.
With verbal abuse, avoidance may be present with the abuser, the target, or both, depending on the situation. This tactic has two sides that can be helpful or harmful based on the contributing factors. Avoidance in verbal abuse is common.
It's the holidays again, and I've found that this is a good time of year to not only say thanks but actively practice gratitude to help my anxiety. I've learned that gratitude can be a very powerful emotion and can actually help reduce stress and lessen the symptoms of anxiety that I experience.
Some people with bipolar seem like they're so angry. Sometimes, I'm one of those people. I don't take this feeling out on other people, but that doesn't mean I don't feel the anger intensely. Let's discuss why bipolar makes me so angry.
There are a lot of new words and concepts out there to describe one's gender identity or sexual orientation, and one of them is bigender. As our community continues to expand and evolve, we develop new language to describe our experiences and identities. You might not have heard of the term bigender before, and trust me, even as a queer person, it can be hard for me to keep up with all the identity words. Today, I want to talk about what bigender means. As a bigender person, I hope you find this helpful.
Survivor's guilt is real. Nowadays, when I open the Instagram app on my phone, I usually see content of a similar nature: graphic images and videos of dead or seriously injured Palestinians. Often, the people in these posts are babies and children, and it is heartbreaking to see the plight of these innocent, young souls. This post is not about siding with Palestine or Israel, but it is about the survivor's guilt that many of us around the world are experiencing today. Let's take a look. 

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Ant
My mother struggles with this from my youngest brother who is 7. She is falling apart and has succumb to the restraints of alcohol. Sometimes I am not sure who needs more help. I came here looking for a solution. I wish I could teach my brother a few things. I want to take him out, but I realize it is impossible and I have to have him locked up inside the house all day. He is a menace to society and will do everything in his power to fight back when I say, “Time to go home.” It is loose lose. Patience? I hope there is enough time. It’s no wonder my mother feels this way, though she could at least try a bit harder. Everyone here is failing.
Becka
This is so disheartening, you don’t deserve to be a parent and I am sorry for your child . I hope that you never have to walk a day in the life of mental illness. On second thoughts…. NVM. I hope that you have the life you deserve.
S. Johnson
Hi, Ms Hargis. My name is Scott. I know that I have something, but not fully. I have been told I said things during conversations that I don't remember saying. It's like I blinked and people were looking at me, telling me I said something bad. I will give more details in email. Does this qualify me? Thanks.
C.A.
That is not boundaries. If someone’s boundaries require you to not communicate there is something wrong. That is a manipulation tactic not a boundary. That is not about boundaries it is about control.
Robin Gaile
Mahevash, I too suffer (I usually say deal with but I am experiencing an episode too) from major depression disorder and it stinks. Especially this time of year when everyone is cheerful and I'm just not. It's like trying to dig yourself out of quick sand your just stuck and you feel yourself sinking. But you are right about this just being a moment (a terrible sometimes long moment) in time and it will fade and you will see brighter days if you just stick it out. Well I'll get off my soap box now and keep telling myself these things.😊🦋