Melody Moezzi is many things. She is an activist, lawyer, author, speaker, and an Iranian American. Unfortunately, it is her bipolar disorder that has largely defined her life.
As the crisp autumn days get colder and shorter, we are reminded that the holidays are not far behind. For many, the holidays include travel plans. Whether it’s travel for a vacation or to visit friends and relatives, we can rest assured that accompanying stress will be part of the package. Regardless of your experience with travel, it is a different thing entirely when you add on a layer of anxiety-laced bipolar disorder.
Do you find it difficult to talk with your children about their sibling’s mental illness? No matter what the age of the siblings, strange behaviors in their sister or brother can be very frightening. Some of us may plan to talk with our children about this important issue, but due to our own anxiety, we delay it. It may be uncomfortable talking about it, but don’t worry if you haven’t started yet, it’s never too late. Educate yourself about bipolar disorder so that you feel comfortable imparting information and help erase the stigma associated with myths and misinformation.
In the northern hemisphere, spring, a season of rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal, resurrection, and regrowth conjures up images of colorful flowers, blue, sunny skies, chirping birds and butterflies flitting about the tulip beds. Spring also means longer days with almost 12 glorious hours of daylight.
Webster’s Dictionary defines stigma as “any mark of infamy or disgrace; sign of moral blemish; stain or reproach caused by dishonorable conduct; reproachful characterization.”
If you saw the trailers for Silver Linings Playbook, you probably thought you would be getting another raunchy romantic comedy starring two of the hottest actors right now: Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. Well let me tell you these trailers were completely misleading. I am not the biggest fan of rom coms, but I loved the talent involved with this movie. Aside from the leads, the film also includes Robert DeNiro, Jackie Weaver, and Julia Stiles.
When I saw Britney Spears on the news on a gurney with paramedics, sirens blaring, a team of policemen, two helicopters, chaos, and a lot of paparazzi and she was placed on a 5150 my heart was breaking and tears filled my eyes. I said to myself, “Oh my God! Even a pop princess can have a mental breakdown.”
For some, the holiday season is a time filled with great joy, family gatherings, gift exchanges, and festive parties, but for others, it can be a time of stress, disappointment and loneliness. If you have a mental illness, the holidays may be especially unsettling, and in some cases, destabilizing.
Founded by four mothers with children who have bipolar disorder, IBPF is a not for profit organization based in San Diego, CA and present in over 25 countries. The mission of IBPF is to fund scientific research; to enhance and promote care and support services; and to erase associated stigma through public education.
Over the past few weeks I have had the pleasure of seeing here in the Valley the productions of three Tony Award winning and incredible musicals! One of those was Next To Normal presented by StageWorks Fresno. I had seen this show before presented by a touring company in San Jose with some of the original Broadway cast, so I was very excited to see it again.
