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You might have notice I’ve been soliciting more reader feedback lately. This is for two reasons:
Because without those two things, this site turns into me just talking to myself, and well, I do that a lot already. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned about readers it’s that they surprise you. Actually asking you what you want is infinitely better than me guessing.
I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts with me. You’ve provided me with great topics to write about, and of course, your questions inspired the posts on mood tracking and the series on mixed moods in bipolar disorder, which is currently underway.
60-Second FeedbackToday I’m launching a 60-second survey to get a bit more information about you. This survey is completely optional, but I would appreciate one minute of your time so I can learn a bit more about you.
I’m running this survey through a site called WEGO Health. WEGO Health focuses on finding people who are leaders in health communities. These are people who:
Basically, they’re looking for many of you. I know many readers here fit their profile and would possibly benefit from their services. Note that your information will not be shared or sold by WEGO Health.
WEGO Health runs webinars, chats and whatnot on health topics. You never have to attend if you don’t want to.
That’s perfectly fine. There’s a checkbox at the bottom of the survey that will opt you out of all emails.
One of the good things about running it through a third party is you’ll be anonymous to me so you can be completely honest. If there are things you don’t like here, it’s OK – be honest about them.
By taking this survey you will get customized social media tips provided by WEGO Health.
And as a bonus, two lucky survey responders will receive my new ebook, currently in production: Electroconvulsive Therapy – Everything You Need to Know Before You Go Under the Electrode (it’s a working title, I know, inflammatory).
OK, go spend 60-seconds for me. I appreciate it.
(Note: I have no direct or financial ties to WEGO Health. If anyone has any questions about the survey, feel free to leave a comment here or contact me directly.)
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.
For decades, people were told bipolar disorder was just a ‘chemical imbalance.’ That idea was never accurate—and modern science proves it. From brain scans to genetics and circadian rhythms, research shows bipolar disorder has real biological markers. Learn why the myth persists, what the evidence really says, and how it matters in everyday life.
Self-hatred in bipolar disorder can feel relentless — a voice telling you you’re not enough, day after day. But this voice is lying to you. Discover why bipolar disorder makes it so easy to hate yourself, how it steals your self-worth, and practical steps to break the cycle.
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I just finished your survey! I think it was a great idea, especially as a way to determine what your readers want. I am really looking forward to when you publish your books, I will be one of the first people line to pick up a copy!
I hope you are doing well :)
Dave.
Hi David,
Thanks! I’m hoping it’ll yield some good data. I’ll be on the nag train for the next week and a half while it’s running to try and get as many people as possible. Feel free to join in with the nagging.
Oh boy will I be glad when my books are out there too.
– Natasha Tracy
done!
:)
Wow, do you currently have 2 or 3 books in the works??
Hi Marcela,
Yeah, I have two. Which is crazy (if you will) but I get all hopped up on one topic and have a lot to say and then it turns into the first 40 pages of a book. I’m trying to get the ECT one out first and then hopefully the one on building a relationship with doctors shortly thereafter.
It’s a lot of work, but I think the books will help people and hopefully, in the long run, I won’t have to write quite as much to make a living. You wouldn’t believe the amount of work I have to get out for clients per week.
– Natasha
The link was a bit screwed up. It works after you delete some of it.
Hi Darren,
Sorry about that. Thanks for letting me know; I fixed it.
– Natasha Tracy
No problem. Always loved your blog :)
Well thank-you.
– Natasha Tracy
I don’t want to do the survey (sorry) but can you point me towards reliable sub-clinical bi-polarii treatment options, examples, identification etc?
I’m looking too… ‘subclinical’ is a shitty term to use. The depression is major depressive disorder buy the impulsive or hypomanic stages are considered ‘subclinical’ thus manageable. I just need more into on the management of these symptoms as they are hard to identify & harder to have someone take seriously bc they don’t last a week (2-5 days). Usually impulsiveness is somewhat manageable but the irritability (angry hulk dominating the world with my obvious ‘always right’ness) is TOO MUCH on my own.
Any ideas queen bee of the burble? Thanks :)
Leslie,
No 60-seconds for the survey huh? Even after I harangue you one last time? Well, as you wish.
As for your question, what you’re experiencing is actually pretty common. Many people are diagnosed with depression because of exactly what you’re talking about. This is sometimes called “soft” bipolar. Or, subclinical.
Great book: Why am I Still Depressed? by Dr. Jim Phelps
It’s plain-language and easy-to-read and I think you would find it beneficial.
Dr. Phelps is also good enough to provide pretty much everything in the book plus more, for free, but unfortunately it can be harder to understand and is the ugliest site in the world: http://psycheducation.org/
Here are some signs of soft bipolarity: http://psycheducation.org/depression/02_diagnosis.html#soft
That whole page is probably pretty useful for you: http://psycheducation.org/depression/02_diagnosis.html
As for treatment options, anyone with bipolarity has basically the same treatment options: mood stabilizers. And by that I mean lithium, anticonvulsants or antipsychotics.
Here’s information on why antidepressants are concerning and what you can do if you’re depressed and bipolar: http://psycheducation.org/depression/ADwithoutAD.htm
And finally, mood stabilizers by evidence: http://psycheducation.org/depression/meds/moodstabilizers.htm
If you finish all that and still have questions, let me know :)
Dr. Phelps has made his practice (as far as I can tell) out of helping people just like you, so he knows what’s he’s talking about.
Hope that helps.
– Natasha Tracy