Every year on March 30, World Bipolar Day is observed to raise awareness about Bipolar Disorder and to eliminate stigma surrounding this complex mental health condition. It's a day to educate, support, and advocate for those living with Bipolar Disorder, as well as their loved ones. This blog post delves into a general overview of what Bipolar Disorder is, how to differentiate between its subtypes, signs to watch for, common misconceptions, treatment options, and resources for support and management.
The SANE Blog
Introducing Dr Carissa Coulston-Parkinson - the brains behind SANE’s latest series of blog posts, including topics on the Power of Psychology, International Men’s Day and Women’s Day, Human Rights Day, Challenges of the Festive Season, Adapting to the New Year, and Returning to School (just to name a few).
Dr Coulston-Parkinson is a compassionate and dedicated Clinical Psychologist with a profound understanding of complex mental health conditions. She has specialist knowledge in the areas of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, intellectual disability, personality disorders, traumatic brain injury, and neurological conditions. Her research publications can be viewed here, and her expertise and insights into some of these conditions will continue on the SANE Blog this year.
International Women's Day is celebrated on 8 March, highlighting the achievements and hurdles faced by women across the globe. A critical aspect of any challenges is mental health, influenced by the distinct biological, social, and emotional shifts that women navigate through various stages of life. This post delves into these stages, the mental health issues they may entail, signs to watch for, and strategies and resources for support and management.
The return to school is a challenging time for most families, but for kids with mental health struggles, the social and academic pressures can be especially difficult. Here are some ideas for a more balanced and supportive experience for yourself and your child.
The transition into a new year often comes with an intensified mental load around various expectations and reflections. These may include changes in routine and lifestyle, pressures to set and achieve new goals, reminders of past traumas or losses, health-related anxiety, and general uncertainty about what lies ahead. This period can therefore be especially challenging for those already dealing with mental ill-health, so here are some strategies to help you manage and adapt to the new year more effectively.
The festive season is often portrayed as a time of joy, togetherness, and merriment. It's a time when families come together to celebrate, share traditions, and create cherished memories.
However, for individuals impacted by complex mental health issues and their caregivers, the season can bring a unique set of challenges. These are discussed, with strategies on how to manage them.
Human Rights Day is celebrated on 10 December, and is a time to reflect on the fundamental rights and freedoms every individual is entitled to.
I grew up completely ‘normal’, or at least in my own narrow mind it was. I did what I wanted when I wanted, went places without physical challenges, social or emotional. Played community and school sports, performed in bands, productions – I was absolutely, “normal”. I had no true understanding or construct of disability - or so I thought. I thought that because I had no form of diagnosed disability, I was much like everyone else and everything in my life I was exposed to. I saw disability as, “different”. How wrong I was.
International Men’s Day aims to raise awareness of issues that impact men’s health and well-being. This year, the focus is on suicide and mental health, reflecting the fact that men are significantly more likely to die by suicide compared to women.
Tanya is a SANE Peer Ambassador. She recently reflected on how getting involved in lived experience work gave her tools for coping with distress.