Contrary to the cruel John Wayne ethos of rugged individualism that is drilled into us from birth here in the States, we human beings are social creatures who rely on community and support systems. Playing tough guy and eschewing help for my Bipolar Disorder nearly cost me my life. And striving to live as the … Continue reading You Are NOT a Burden →

Living (or surviving) in the midst of the unecessarry suffering of a pandemic run rampant, in a time of tremendous economic uncertainty for all but the rich and powerful, in the swirling chaos of a culture war that has escalated to a highly unsettling degree, and held hostage by a sadistic Malignant Narcissist who fans … Continue reading Don’t Lose Yourself →

In 1993, a dedicated and compassionate therapist diagnosed my Bipolar Disorder and gave me my most essential tools (along with medication and 12 Step groups/spirituality) that I use to remain stable: Talk therapy and cognitive behavioral techniques. She "gently walked through my brain" and started helping me with the Herculean task of clearing out the … Continue reading “This How You Living?” →

When "'You are a manic-depressive." Reading this brought tears to my eyes, as I could empathize with so many aspects of Guy's experience and struggle. What really resonated with me were the lengths to which he has gone to stay stable, employed, and functional. And I also felt inspired and validated. It takes tremendous effort … Continue reading When “‘You are a manic-depressive.” →

Systemic Savagery: We Aren't Healing Femurs Anymore By Jason Miller "A student once asked anthropologist Margaret Mead, “What is the earliest sign of civilization?” The student expected her to say a clay pot, a grinding stone, or maybe a weapon. Margaret Mead thought for a moment, then she said, “A healed femur.” A femur is … Continue reading Systemic Savagery: We Aren’t Healing Femurs Anymore →

Just Offer Them Grace Tragically, compassion and empathy are increasingly rare commodities today. The worst humanity has to offer has been unleashed by the decisions, public policies, and behaviors that we are all witnessing and experiencing in the midst of a global pandemic of epic proportions. But those of us with a mental illness, and … Continue reading JUST OFFER THEM GRACE →

Photo: Richard Gere portraying a man with Bipolar Disorder experiencing a manic episode in the 1993 film, Mr Jones By Jason Miller Some people with Bipolar Disorder refuse to take their medication because they prefer the illusion of limitlessness and invincibility afforded by mania to the relatively humdrum reality of a stable life. While I … Continue reading Into the Rabbit Hole: A Cautionary Tale →

The Fluid Dynamics of “The Starry Night”: How Vincent Van Gogh’s Masterpiece Explains the Scientific Mysteries of Movement and Light [EDITOR'S NOTE: My life experiences have led me to firmly believe that suffering and tragic circumstances often give birth to strength, meaning, and/or some sort of benefit. Which is why I created my blog, https://bipolarisbeautiful.com/. … Continue reading The Fluid Dynamics of “The Starry Night”: How Vincent Van Gogh’s Masterpiece Explains the Scientific Mysteries of Movement and Light →

[There are approximately 553,000 people in the US who are homeless. 35% are addicted to substances or behaviors, 20-25% have mental illness, and 6% have a severe mental illness. (For the sake of full disclosure, I have a severe mental illness and two addictions. I have been blessed in many ways and though my misadventures … Continue reading They are worthy of respect, dignity, compassion, and any assistance we, as a society of ethical human beings, can offer them, the most vulnerable among us. →