OOTD: an abbreviation for “outfit of the day” For individuals living with depression and bipolar disorder, everyday tasks become difficult and time consuming; such is the case when trying to put together outfit in the morning. During a depressive episode an individual will have difficulty concentrating and focusing. The individual may find that they’re having trouble putting together one simple outfit to wear. They’re unable to match a shirt with a bottom. Articles of clothing that are ...read more
Diagnosis and Feeling Like a Damaged Person by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT
Getting a diagnosis can have benefits. For parents, loved ones, and family members of an individual, it can help to provide answers to the questions they may have been wondering about for some time. The individual who is diagnosed could experience some relief because they now have a name for their experience and a path to treating it. On the other hand, some individuals who are diagnosed experience feeling like a damaged person, or that they are in some way defective. This can be an ...read more
Feeling Lost When Your Partner is Living with Bipolar Disorder by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT
What expectations should I have? Individuals living with bipolar disorder can lead successful lives. The path to living a successful life takes a lot of strategizing, planning, and practicing. There may be times when the individual is struggling, and although it may not seem like they’re trying, they really are. Action steps are tougher when living with bipolar disorder. The adversity individuals face when living with this diagnosis includes unhelpful expectations from others, such as “Why ...read more
The Road to Wellness by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT
There are many things to keep in mind when beginning your journey to healing. Oftentimes, people make comparisons about themselves in relation to others, but when it comes to therapy it’s important to focus on your own journey and creating a path that works for you. Each person has their own story to tell. Although people with the same diagnosis may share similar symptoms, how they express their symptoms and struggle can vary. Each person also carries with them specific influences on their ...read more
Depression and the Catatonic Brain by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT
Individuals living with depression can have trouble concentrating and making decisions. For some, this experience is severe enough to where their mind and thoughts are blank. What does it look like? Imagine that you’re on a fitness bicycle and someone is slowly and steadily increasing the resistance so that it becomes harder and harder to move your legs. This is the experience of the individual trying to think when they are experiencing a depressive episode. You may see the individual with ...read more
Habits of Successful People Living with Bipolar Disorder by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT
Individuals who live with bipolar disorder can be successful. The key to living successfully with bipolar disorder comes down to healthy habits: They meet with a mental health professional. This can include a therapist and/or psychiatrist. Meeting with a therapist allows the individual to explore and problem solve sources of stress, which often includes relationships, work, and lifestyle as well as what they’re struggling with internally. Therapy also assists individuals in deep struggles ...read more
Depression: Ways to Keep it Moving by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT
The physical symptoms of depression are a huge part of an individual’s experience if they live with depression or bipolar disorder. Sleepy Lack of energy Difficulty moving around Moving slowly Feeling as if your body is sinking into the ground Body feeling physically heavy, which makes moving a huge task The physical symptoms a person experiences during a depressive episode can take over. It can feel like the depression cloud has swallowed your body whole, immobilized you, ...read more
Tips To Manage Irritability by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT
What to do about irritability You’re at a new restaurant getting something to eat with friends. The décor is hip and modern, but something about it is making the different types of sounds of movement in the restaurant crash into each other. Maybe it’s the lack of carpet, cushioned seats, or other furniture that would absorb the sounds. It’s summertime, and with everyone else wanting to be out, it feels like more and more people are walking in by the minute. Now, the sounds of movement are ...read more
Taming Summer Mania by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT
The summer months are associated with fun and happiness, because what comes with them is warmth, sunshine, and longer days. Everyone seems to be out and about. Families, students on break from school, just about anyone may have the desire to go outside and be more active. It’s the time of year that’s viewed as fun and exciting. So, what’s the harm? For individuals living with bipolar disorder, changes in weather can have a big impact. As stated above, nearly anyone will have ...read more
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