Bipolar Legislative News

Mental Illness Can Damage The Brain...

 “Mental Illness can damage the brain. You can't just wait for it to go away. The longer you wait to get treatment, the worse it will get and the greater chance that prescription drugs won't work.” That is a direct quote from a June 2012 Readers Digest article on “13 Things Your Therapist Won't Tell You.” Okay, my first thought: good thing, I can still try illicit drugs for treatment then.

Testimony of Patricia Ryan

Testimony of Patricia Ryan, “Challenges and Opportunities of Federal Mental Health Parity Implementation: Impact on California's Public Mental Health System” (October 6, 2009)

California Corrections Standards Authority (CSA) Briefing Paper

California Corrections Standards Authority (CSA) Briefing Paper, “Jails And The Mentally Ill: Issues And Analysis" (September 18, 2009)

Would You Choose to Opt Out of Bipolar Disorder?

 Would You Choose to Opt Out of Bipolar Disorder?

I’m writing a book about my life. In my research I watched a documentary called The Stephen Fry Story – The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive (Click here for Part 1 (1 hr) and Part 2 (1 hr)). It’s a fascinating portrait of BPD. It can help those of us who have it not feel so alone, and the people who love us understand us more.

Please welcome our new blogger, Patricia!

 

Christi's Blog Corner

 STIGMA

Please welcome our new blogger, Deborrah!

Deborrah B. is a work-from-home writer/blogger and social media strategist from Mesa, AZ. Though she is new in the bipolar community, she’s had Type II symptoms since high school which went undiagnosed until 2003. New to being medically-compliant, she tries to offer a humorous look at the disorder and the situations in which those diagnosed find themselves. 

Please welcome our new blogger, Maureen!

My name is Maureen, and I am forty years old. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder about eight years ago. I have battled depression since my teens and was diagnosed with it in my late twenties, while struggling with a stressful career and difficult marriage. My episodes became longer and more debilitating, and short-lived bursts of energy and activity followed. After one particularly difficult episode, I was unable to work and barely able to function. At this point, I was given the diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

Please welcome new blogger CHARLOTTE WALKER!

 

Charlotte Walker has been living with bipolar disorder since her teens. She works full time in the criminal justice field, while writing, campaigning and volunteering to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health conditions and diagnoses. Charlotte maintains a respected mental health blog (http://purplepersuasion.wordpress.com/) where she shares her experiences and explores issues of interest to mental health service users. Charlotte lives in London, UK.

 

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Maricela's Blog Corner

Bipolar Disorder and Weight Gain