To My Black And Brown Fam, Please Stay Safe.

Changed to: things harder than voting.

Video: President Obama Demonstrates 5 Things That Are Harder Than Registering to Vote

I’ve decided I need to be more spontaneous - stop thinking about things so much and just do them, or else nothing that I want is ever gonna happen. Like today, there were so many things I wanted to do - that I should have done - but I waited too long and missed my chance. So tomorrow I’m gonna try much harder to just do the things that I want - not think about it, so hopefully it will be better.

More relatable quotes about life here (via thelovewhisperer)

“Hold the fuck up.” I say. I am the fuck up. Please hold me.

After not being able to sleep for more than a few hours at a time, I just slept 24 hours. Now I just want puppies, bacon, and chocolate. Puppies for cuddles, not for eats.

If you study psychology, or know someone who does, could you request an invite to this exclusive group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/psych2go/

How to Kill Feelings of Inadequacy

1. Choose to like, love, value, and believe in yourself. Choose to be your greatest allay – and the best friend you could have.

2. Ask a good friend if they’ll tell you what they like about you most. Then believe what they are saying – don’t just push their words aside.

3. Commit to discovering what you’re good at and enjoy, then invest time and energy on developing those traits.

4. Don’t exalt others’ gifts as if they matter more than yours. Every talent is important. Don’t right off your personal strengths.

5. Learn to show yourself compassion when you struggle or you fail. And remember “you are human” - so you’re going to make mistakes.

6. Notice ways that you are growing … ways you’re changing over time. Give yourself some credit for this – you are different from before.

Be like Neil!!

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