News and Media

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

 My Wish for You
By: Kristian McElroy

 Understanding the
Ball of Yarn

Those of us with some form of Bipolar, understand how our minds work. Most of us are gifted with creativity that drives us, especially during manic times. But for those reading this who do not have Bipolar, the creative aspect of Bipolar may be a bit of a mystery. While there are countless scientific links between creativity and mental illness, specifically Bipolar, I do not intend to cite them here. Instead, I can only speak from my own life experiences, as I am no expert.

As I recall somewhat hazily, nine months ago I decided to take a break from writing. Initially it was only going to be for a few short months. Just enough time to steady my increasingly chaotic moods, have some much needed time to myself and to enjoy more of my now habitual and delightful long ponderings - preferably whilst drinking a nice hot cups of tea and trying to muster some self control over the heavenly packet of biscuits, that were coyly looking at me, with their mesmerizing eyes.

 To Tell or Not To Tell?

****The opinions below are mine personally and the experiences that I have had, everybody’s own situation is different.

April Lecture with Kelly Cavanaugh

On April 11, 2013 at 5:30 pm, International Bipolar Foundation will be holding their free monthly mental health lecture with Kelly Cavanaugh on, “Youth Suicide Prevention Using the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program.”

Kelly Cavanaugh is the Youth and Program Coordinator for the San Diego Chapter of the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program®. Born and raised in San Diego, CA she has been volunteering or working with the Yellow Ribbon Program since she was a senior at Rancho Bernardo High School.|