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As you might have realized, it’s two days until Christmas. Because of that, I’m up against deadlines and and trying to get oodles done before I take a couple of days off.
Long story short, I don’t have time to write an original article this week. But, don’t worry, all is not lost. I have written quite a bit about bipolar and the holidays over the years and I thought I’d pull it all together for you here:
And if none of that helps, remember this: try to do what is right for you while making your mental health a priority.
Happy holidays to all.
(PS: yes, it’s true, Christmas isn’t the only holiday, but it’s the one that most people celebrate in North America. I’m not trying to exclude anyone.)
Natasha Tracy is an award-winning writer, speaker, advocate, and consultant from the Pacific Northwest. She has been living with bipolar disorder for 26 years and has written more than 2000 articles on the subject.
Find more of Natasha’s work in her acclaimed book: "Lost Marbles: Insights into My Life with Depression & Bipolar" on Amazon.
Connect with Natasha at the social media links below.
Shopping for someone with a mental illness can feel tricky—you want a gift that actually helps, not just more clutter. This guide walks you through 15 thoughtful, low-pressure mental health gifts that offer real comfort, reduce stress, and say, “I see you and I’m here,” during the holidays and all year.
I’m never going to call bipolar pain a “gift.” Most days, I just want it to stop. But emotional and even physical pain aren’t always random torture—they’re often trying to tell us something. This piece digs into what your pain might be saying, how to listen, and how that can make living with it just a little easier.
After 24 of 30 TMS sessions with no meaningful improvement, I wrote the guide I needed: why failed treatment hurts, how to get through the next 72 hours, and what to ask your clinician now.
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Thank you
Glad I could’ve helped even a tad.
:-) it’s over!!!!!!!!
Relief!
Thanks for acknowledging,
Yours in bipolar Sandra.
Remember we all have a voice,so you & your Dr are a team.
Don’t let others try & ( even though thinking in your best interests) try & play the psychiatry game you simply because they may have some training that is somewhat relative…
They aren’t your team….
Too many fingers in the pot spoil the soup syndrome….
There’s too much materialism one thing that really also ticks me off….about this time of yr.
Yes gifting is nice…but I used to love baking w mum,family time,even walking my little Yorkie more.
Honestly I feel,what I really wish if there was a Santa my mum & Dad would be alive again,my little brother would live in our city….
But reality bites & there’s no Santa.
I’m feeling very sad ….you don’t just miss the people but the entire experiences,the baking,decorating the tree.
This morn Ave Maria was playing,my fave song yet I’m absolutely not Catholic,yet it reminds me of mum…
Waterworks…..
Yup.
I’ll be glad as well I’m sure many others when the whole thing is over…….sheesh.
Nuff said
I hope everyone finds some joy over this time,just because I don’t,doesn’t mean I wish negativity on others.
We’ve all travelled a different road….yet suffer the same.
Peace
Freedom in their treatment,or more so nothing forced upon them,always plenty of alternative options..work together w your psychiatrist,give yourself a VOICE.
Being treated like any other person,because when were stable we ARE.
Peace in my mind heart & spirit.
Happy Christmas,yup it’s tough,alright ( least for me.)
Hugs to everyone Sandra
Freedom in their treatment,or more so nothing forced upon them,always plenty of alternative options..
Being treated like any other person,because when were stable we ARE.
Natasha,pls forgive double post….I waited a very long time,didn’t see my entry…
My algozies.
Sandra
Merry Christmas to everyone,especially Natasha who keeps our boat afloat!
My 3 things would be
1) to stay away from any illegal / street drug or ( sorry,peeps bout your wine) or any at all alcohol
2) to eat as healthy within reason,course slip few treats not the damn box! & as regularly ( tricky,but within reason)
:3) keep same sleep schedule as normal, take a nap daily & another if your bod really needs it…
Note these things aren’t necessarily numbered in importance
-as were all different & have different types bipolar…
Get some time for YOU
Do what interests,chills you out that isn’t self destructive & on positive note.
End…ITS your Christmas AS well.
So…. TAKE CARE OF YOU
Hugs
Sandra
Merry Christmas to everyone ,especially the one that helps float the boat Natasha.
I wish for us bipolars over the holidays,to not to drink/ or self medicate 2) to eat as healthfully & on regular time frame as we can( no body’s perfect,of course have few sweets! Just not entire tray…)
3) to try & stay on track re our sleep patterns ( incl maybe even extra rest,if your body feels in need)
Those guidelines keep me hospital free…
Not symptom free.
I noticed I failed to aid mild excercise ( due to our climate) but if you don’t have freezing rain & high snow banks…
brisk walks are beneficial,too,get away from all the confusion / chaos.
Always remember…everyone else posting is going through a tough high stress
= symptomatic period!know your triggers….that’ll ensure your safe & sound thru Christmas & New Yrs Eve,even!
Cheers
Best to all
One alone in a fight won’t always win,
But so many here are fighting so hard…..
Don’t give in…
Don’t give up.
As there’s life…there’s HOPE
Merry x-mas Natasha. If you ever have the time and interest I would appreciate a blog about the new police softwares (with prop. algorithms) being used or about to be used that uses computer activity of all kinds such as social media, blogs, etc., just about all public computer and phone activity as well as the standard use of public records of all types. One of the major things included in these algorithms is highly suspect to be past mental health history, various health authority’s (including suicide hot lines and so on) contacted in the past about suicide attempts and other mental health issues. All this information is used in combination according to one company’s algorithm to create real time information to police to access threat prejudicially regarding the mentally ill. Examples of this software are Beware (the largest I can tell. First net and others. You being a mental health advocate for the Bi-polar as well as being involved in the computer science field I think could possible contribute much in this are if it grabs your interest and I hope it does. If you decide not to and already know more about this subject I would love a personal response from you with any links, articles or so on that would help me in my research. This I think since recently learning about it will be something i’ll be spending considerable time looking into in the near future when I’m not in the grips of the black living death. Thank you, Natasha and again merry x-mas to all and a happy new year. Will Nist