#bipolar disorder awareness

[mirriorball]

my boyfriend gets it :')

all jokes aside, important note on this: please recognize World Bipolar Day today. 4.4% of people suffer, and so many of them in silence. always check on the mental health of those you love, and ask for ways you can support them when they struggle.

[mental-mona]

10 things not to say to someone with bipolar disorder

These are the 10 most unfortunate comments that I and other friends with bipolar disorder have gotten over the years, with an explanation of why they're so wrongheaded.

"So you'll take that and be fine in the morning, right?" Yes. No. Maybe. See, once my mood's gone off the rails, anything can happen. It's possible that I'll temporarily raise the dose of something or add something in and wake up in the morning feeling perfectly fine, but it's also possible that recovery will take weeks, especially if my meds weren't adjusted optimally to begin with. Alternatively, I might wake up the next morning in a normal mood but feel like a zombie because of the medication's side effects.

"Have you tried antidepressants?" No I haven't, at least not by themselves. If I have taken them by themselves, most likely bad things happened. See, when you give people with bipolar disorder SSRIs without mood stabilizers, they go manic. Imagine that in your brain there's a switch. In depressed people it has 2 settings, depressed and normal. In people with bipolar disorder it has 3 settings, depressed, normal, and manic. Antidepressants flip that switch from the lowest to the highest setting, regardless of what you intended "highest" to be.

"Have you tried [alternative/additional therapy]?" Just to clarify: the prevailing psychiatric theory is that bipolar disorder is a chronic biochemical imbalance in the brain. If what you're pushing makes some kind of sense, I might consider it, but the best it will do is make me feel slightly better or give me a coping mechanism. It won't make the problem actually go away; only medicine and psychotherapy combined with lifestyle changes can do that. Yes, there are some amazing herbs out there, but many of them conflict with various prescription drugs and can't be taken by people with certain medical conditions. Yes, prayer is wonderful and G-d is a great listener, but doctors are His healing hands.

"This is happening to you because you [insert vice(s)]. If you'd just [insert virtuous thing(s)], you'd be fine." If you're lecturing me about getting enough sleep or cutting back on substance use, you are likely correct. If you're lecturing me about almost anything else, then yes, I might feel better overall, but it won't stop me from having random biochemical blips that make my mood go nuts. Also, you sound obnoxiously self-righteous when you lecture me like that; if you still feel the need to suggest whatever it is, please phrase it better.

"I have no idea what to do with you." If you mean that you have no idea how to treat me overall, ask me! Hopefully I'll be able to outline my basic emotional support needs. If I can't or won't, Google guidelines for supporting someone mentally ill and go from there. In fact, you should probably research that regardless. If what you mean is more like "I want to do you a favor but don't know what you need," know that I probably won't be able to answer a generalized "what do you need?" Instead, ask about something specific you can help me with, e.g. a meal. If I can't give you a straight answer on the specific thing, it's now my problem, not yours. If what you mean is more along the lines of "You need more help than I can give you" or "I don't have the energy to deal with you all the time," then you should have said so, albeit gently.

"When's the last time you took your meds?" or "Are you going into an episode?" in response to a strong emotional reaction. I am a human being with the same basic emotional responses as everyone else. Please do not pathologize my feelings and/or brush off an outburst as the product of a diseased mind until you have talked to me and tried to understand what I'm reacting to and why. If you're still concerned, watch for other signs of an altered mood, and tell me if you see them.

"Are you sure the meds aren't making you sicker?" If by "sicker" you mean more mentally unstable, then no, they're most likely not. It might appear that way because episodes often keep getting worse without treatment and whatever meds my doctor's prescribed either haven't had a chance to take effect yet or just aren't right for me, but I should stabilize within a few weeks once we get a handle on what works. It does occasionally happen that a psych med will make things worse, but it's unlikely. If by "sicker" you mean something physical, then indeed they might be, but sometimes that's a price I must pay for emotional stability. Hopefully it's only a temporary adjustment period. That said, if the medications' side effects are unbearable I can always ask my doctor if we can try something else or change the way I'm taking the meds in question.

"You're crazy." "Crazy" is a very loaded word when applied to the mentally ill, and some of us are more sensitive to it than others. Even if I'm ok with the word in one context, I might not be in another. If I choose to use the word to describe myself and I seem genuinely comfortable with that description, it might be ok to jokingly call me "crazy" in conversation with me. However, if I'm desperately asking you to reassure me that I'm not crazy or I shy away from the word altogether, definitely avoid it. Oh, and even if I'm cool with using the word in conversation with you, I'm almost certainly NOT ok with you telling other people that I'm "crazy." As a rule of thumb, if you're unsure whether the word is acceptable, assume that it's not.

"OMG I feel so bad I didn't know what life is like for you I'm so sorry that I reacted like that!" or "I feel so useless that I can't help you!" Odds are that you said this in reaction to my explaining how bipolar disorder can make my life hell and/or how it changes things even when I'm not actively cycling. Odds are that when I explained this to you, I was looking for support. You have just turned the tables and made it about you and how you're a bad friend, thereby forcing me to expend energy that I may not have had in order to reassure you that it's ok. Fail.

"Do it! I dare you!" in response to a description of manic urges. If I'm fully manic, I have very little judgment or impulse control. If I have an insane urge to streak down all of Main Street, your egging me on might be all the impetus I need to actually do it. It'll stop being funny when I get arrested for indecent exposure, and I don't think you really want to be the reason it came to that.

[borderlinejessie]

I want love but I don't want to have to beg for it. Please love me too. Please acknowledge me. It's like you don't want me here anymore...are you better off without me? Is everyone better off without me?...

[doomedfromthewombfr]

I keep trying to be enough for everyone else, but I can’t even be enough for me

[shesinbipolaris]

...Alice, Alice, don't you know Wonderland was all a hoax?

Lost her mind a while ago, madder than a hatter, Alice.

[mariposas8494]

Exactly what’s happening rn…

[ooppo]

Btw for anyone who needs to hear it: thinking that people are reading your mind/your thoughts are being heard by everyone is not normal. It's a symptom of psychosis and could be linked to a psychiatric disorder. This, too, goes with hallucinations.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but to teens who don't know what symptoms look like, they may jog it off for a number of reasons. I did, too, when I was in highschool! As a freshman I was having delusions/hallucinations and I didn't tell anyone because I thought they were cringe and weird. I chalked up my hallucinations to me being "tired". People who have psychosis often don't realize that what they're experiencing IS psychosis. This goes the same with other classmates/friends/loved ones. If someone comes to you with concerning behavior (even if they are joking about it) you should take note of it.

In highschool I remember a kid talking about how he could go into the matrix and he had a whole other world to protect/do missions in. He would also go still for long periods of time randomly. I thought he was weird and didn't think much of it, but those are symptoms of schizophrenia (delusions/catatonia).

I would appreciate it if this got a reblog so it could potentially help those recognize these symptoms in either themselves or others!

I wish I could have seen a post like this when I was younger. Then I could have avoided a lot of hardships and would have gotten treatment a lot sooner

[lullxbyblue]

I don’t even interact with anyone on here because I don’t even know how to be human

[borderlinejessie]

No silly!! My bpd doesn't make me your dream girl.

You're forgetting I can love you to the point it aches but I can also despise you so much I could ruin your life.

I can be hypers3xual and fun but would you still love me when I'm crying in an oversized hoodie scared to let anyone touch me?

Sure I can party, I'll rave, but what about when the liquor and dr/ug5 become more than a just a little weekend fun?

Maybe I understand why you're also scared of me. I'm scared of me too.

[doomedfromthewombfr]

Existing feels like a punishment I don’t remember earning

[astrosouldivinity]

Astrological placements in a natal chart that may indicate Bipolar Disorder or BPD 😶 🌊

Part 1:

⚠️ Disclaimer: I am not suggesting that these placements indicate AuDHD, anxiety, or OCD. However, individuals with these placements may be more prone to certain behaviors associated with these disorders. Astrology can be a useful tool for observing subconscious patterns and can aid in shadow work. Keep in mind that these insights may not apply to everyone, so take what resonates and leave what doesn���t.

Scorpio Sun/Moon/Rising/Venus/Mars/Saturn- When they feel emotionally slighted, they may tend to see things in black and white, lacking a gray area in their perception of situations. This can lead to vengeful and petty behavior, especially when they experience a real or perceived betrayal.

Capricorn Moon- With the Moon in detriment in this placement, it can be challenging for these individuals to connect with their emotions; they may even suppress them. However, if they are pushed too far, they can become emotionally explosive, causing everything they have been holding back to surface.

Gemini Sun/Moon/Rising/Venus/Mars/Saturn-They can be emotionally unpredictable and chaotic, often embodying multiple personas at once while feeling a range of emotions and perceiving various perspectives and realities. Their mind is always in motion, rarely ever still.

Cancer Sun/Moon/Rising/Venus/Mars- They can be emotionally explosive, especially if unevolved or negatively aspected. They feel things very intensely and can be quite scattered in their emotions. Additionally, the phases of the Moon can significantly impact their emotional state.

Negatively Aspected or Unevolved 12H/8H Stellium/Sun/Moon/Mars/Venus/Saturn. These individuals may experience an unstable sense of self and can be emotionally volatile, particularly if they are not yet connected to their emotions.

Moon Square Venus- These individuals may struggle with codependency, displaying behaviors such as emotional suffocation and overall emotional neediness. This can make it challenging for them to form healthy relationships with others.

Chiron Aspects- Chiron in astrology represents our deepest wounds. If these wounds remain unhealed or unevolved, they can manifest negatively, leading to behaviors such as emotional avoidance or volatility.

Uranus Moon Aspects- This can manifest as emotional independence, making it difficult for these individuals to ask for emotional support. This struggle may lead to emotional detachment or mood swings.

Pisces Sun/Moon/Mars/Venus/Saturn or Neptune aspects- They may struggle with being grounded in reality and can be prone to escapist behaviors. This can lead to emotional self-destruction and an inclination toward addiction-like behaviors, potentially indicating an addictive personality.

Water Dominant Charts: These individuals can be emotionally unpredictable and generally sensitive. They feel deeply, which can be overwhelming for them, especially if they haven’t yet learned how to manage their emotions effectively.

Aries Sun/Moon/Mars/Venus/Saturn: They may be prone to emotionally explosive and impulsive behavior, particularly if they are unevolved or negatively aspected.

Empty 1H or Saturn in the 1H- They may struggle with a sense of self, sometimes feeling as though they lack one altogether. This can make it challenging for them to develop and assert their personality, especially if they have no planets in the 1st house.

~Part 2~

©𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝙰𝚕𝚕 𝚁𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜 𝚁𝚎𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚎𝚍.

[pumpkin-the-girlie-girl-vixen]

The Positives & The Negatives Of Borderline Personality Disorders

_Please note that individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) are complex and multifaceted, and not all individuals with BPD will exhibit all of the qualities listed below. Additionally, it's essential to approach this topic with empathy and understanding, rather than judgment or criticism._

_Positive qualities:_

1. _Emotional intensity_: Individuals with BPD often experience emotions intensely, which can lead to a deeper understanding and connection with others.

2. _Empathy_: People with BPD can be highly empathetic and compassionate, with a strong ability to understand and relate to others' emotions.

3. _Creativity_: Many individuals with BPD are highly creative and expressive, with a talent for art, music, or writing.

4. _Passion_: Individuals with BPD are often passionate and enthusiastic, with a strong desire to pursue their interests and goals.

5. _Loyalty_: People with BPD can be extremely loyal and dedicated to their loved ones, with a strong desire to maintain and nurture relationships.

6. _Introspection_: Individuals with BPD often have a strong ability to reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, which can lead to personal growth and self-awareness.

7. _Resilience_: People with BPD can be highly resilient and able to cope with stress and adversity, despite the challenges they may face.

_Negative qualities:_

1. _Emotional dysregulation_: Individuals with BPD often struggle to regulate their emotions, leading to mood swings, intense emotional outbursts, and unstable relationships.

2. _Impulsivity_: People with BPD may act impulsively, without considering the consequences of their actions, which can lead to reckless and self-destructive behavior.

3. _Unstable relationships_: Individuals with BPD often struggle to maintain stable and healthy relationships, due to their fear of abandonment, emotional dysregulation, and impulsivity.

4. _Self-destructive behavior_: People with BPD may engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse, self-injury, or suicidal ideation, as a way to cope with their emotional pain.

5. _Fear of abandonment_: Individuals with BPD often have a deep-seated fear of abandonment, which can lead to clingy or possessive behavior in relationships.

6. _Identity disturbance_: People with BPD may struggle with a sense of identity, with rapidly changing interests, values, and goals.

7. _Dissociation_: Individuals with BPD may experience dissociation, which can lead to feelings of detachment from themselves or their surroundings.

8. _Anger management_: People with BPD may struggle to manage their anger, leading to intense outbursts and conflict with others.

9. _Self-esteem issues_: Individuals with BPD often struggle with self-esteem issues, with a tendency to self-criticize and self-blame.

10. _Mental health comorbidities_: People with BPD are at a higher risk for developing other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

_Additional characteristics:_

1. _Trauma_: Many individuals with BPD have experienced trauma, such as childhood abuse or neglect, which can contribute to their emotional dysregulation and self-destructive behavior.

2. _Neurobiological factors_: BPD has been linked to neurobiological factors, such as abnormalities in brain structure and function, which can affect emotional regulation and impulse control.

3. _Environmental factors_: People with BPD may be more susceptible to environmental stressors, such as relationship conflicts or work-related stress, which can trigger emotional dysregulation and self-destructive behavior.

4. _Treatment challenges_: Individuals with BPD often require specialized treatment, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which can be challenging to access and implement.

5. _Stigma_: BPD is often stigmatized, with many people holding negative stereotypes or misconceptions about the disorder, which can make it difficult for individuals with BPD to seek help and support.

Again, it's essential to remember that individuals with BPD are complex and multifaceted, and not all individuals with BPD will exhibit all of these qualities. Additionally, it's crucial to approach this topic with empathy and understanding, rather than judgment or criticism.

[mariposas8494]

Haha yup, damn paranoia! 😂

[borderlinejessie]

I'm tired.

I want to give up.

[doomedfromthewombfr]

Just so you know, if you're mentally ill and feel like life has left you behind, you're not the only one. If you've ever stared at the ceiling, wondering why everything feels so empty, or why your chest is so heavy while your soul feels hollow- I get it. It's hard to keep walking when every step feels like sinking. It's hard to keep going when you don't even know where you're supposed to go. But even in the chaos, even in the dark, you're still here. And maybe, just maybe, that's enough for now