“so You Usually Stay At Home Because Of Your Mental Illness?”

The PTSD is strong in this one.

Source: Pinterest

it’s ok 

nobody talks about how ugly taking care of yourself can be

yes, sometimes it’s taking a warm bath and texting memes to friends and keeping an aesthetically pretty journal.

sometimes it’s crying silently on your couch at 3am, hugging yourself and reminding yourself that you’re a good person.

self care is not always ‘aesthetic’ and cute…and that’s ok. don’t be embarrassed, just do what you need to do.

Last day for early voting!

This is my home. Smdh.

Watch: President Obama is officially out of f*cks to give

This broke my heart and made me cry 💔

reblog this post and tag ur Depression Meals™

I never cut class. I loved getting A’s, I liked being smart. I liked being on time. I liked getting my work done. I thought being smart is cooler than anything in the world.

Michelle Obama (via hexaneandheels)

What is bipolar disorder? PART II

Hypomania  

Hypomania is a mood episode that mostly people with type II bipolar disorder experience (but people with type I can experience it too) similar to mania. The difference between mania and hypomania is that in hypomania, the individual does not require hospitalization and there are never any psychotic features present. Individuals in a hypomanic episode typically experience:  

 Increase in energy 

 Decreased sleep 

 Pressured speech 

 Increase in goal-oriented activity 

 Irritability  

 Elevated mood 

 Psychomotor agitation 

 Grandiosity 

 Disinhibition and focus on instant gratification that can result in spending sprees or risky sexual behaviour  

It is important to note that these changes in mood and behaviour are enough to draw the attention of others, especially family and friends.  It is important that you have a friend or family member that can act as your “life guard”….someone to tell you when they notice these behaviours, and someone who you trust enough to take their word on it.

Mixed Episode  

A mood episode that includes features of mania/hypomania and depression simultaneously.

Diagnostic Criteria for the Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder 

Type I: One or more manic episodes.  A depressive or hypomanic episode is not required for diagnosis, but it frequently occurs. 

Type II: One or more hypomanic episodes and one or more major depressive episodes.     

Cyclothymia:  History of hypomanic episodes with periods of depression that do not meet criteria for major depressive episodes.  Low-grade cycling of mood which appears to the observer as a personality trait, and interferes with functioning.   

BD NOS (not otherwise specified): Catchall category.  Diagnosed when the disorder does not fall within a specific subtype.   

Types of Cycling  

Rapid cycling: Four + episodes per year.

Ultra rapid cycling: Several distinct episodes within a week 

Ultra radiant cycling: multiple episodes within the same day