Blogs

 The most courageous decision you make each day is the decision to be in a good mood.

Voltaire

I simply could not sleep last night. I tried, as we so often find ourselves doing, endeavouring to master and victoriously conquer the alluring and devilish seductress of sweet and life replenishing sleep.

 I Petcha I'll Make You Feel Better

I have four cats. They are like my kids. I wake up every morning and go find each one and kiss them, after of course I kiss my husband! I grew up with dogs, and went through pets that taught responsibility, these were the guinea pigs, rabbits, and fish. Although keeping a fish alive is actually very difficult. My sister's goldfish lived until it was 12 years old. This is not a typo!

 A Mother's Nightmare

I had been expecting the call. Finally, two and a half weeks ago it came. Not that I wanted it to come, but it didn't surprise me. Over the last couple years, I've expected it. And dreaded it too.

When I first heard the news, I was remarkably calm. All business. What needs to be done? What are the steps we take now? Who do we call? What happens next? It took almost a week for the reality to set in. Prison. He is in prison. My 20 year old bipolar son has been arrested, charged with six felonies. My son is in prison.

Happy pills, I’ve got those happy pills…

Mental Illness Stigma: Myth vs. Fact (Article 1 in Stigma series)

Dear friends,

Last week I was invited to an event dedicated to human resources and mental health. The audience was composed of professionals with knowledge in the HR and employments law fields; I was invited as an “expert by experience” in the field of mental health. The event was designed to bridge the gap between our areas of expertise and get HR professionals thinking about the needs of employees with mental health conditions.

I have found that I ran the range of emotions over time in my bipolar existence. Some of them occurred despite my bipolar illness and some were the cause of it.

Fear, something that affects everyone at some point in their lives. One of our first fears in life is usually the boogie-man in the closet as a child, or the monster under our beds. Some say, “A healthy dose of fear is a good thing.” I’m not sure where I stand on that issue. I mean honestly, what is a “healthy dose” when it comes to something like fear?

 My Wish for You
By: Kristian McElroy