bipolar

How I Am #MoreThanADiagnosis This World Bipolar Day 2016

March 30, 2016 By lyndsinreallife 4 Comments

Every year on March 30, the day of Vincent Van Gogh’s birthday, we celebrate World Bipolar Day; a day to bring the world population information about bipolar disorders that will educate and improve sensitivity towards the illness. World Bipolar Day (WBD) is an initiative of International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF), Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD), and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD). This year’s theme is #MoreThanADiagnosis.

2016 marks the third World Bipolar Day. You can read my past blog posts here: 2014 (my story) and 2015 (how to get through the first steps after diagnosis). I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in October of 2008, and I’ve been a volunteer with IBPF for a year and a half. I am the social media manager of IBPF’s Instagram account.

On WBD, people from all over the world share their stories, along with images of themselves holding a sign stating they are something other than their diagnosis. Some hold signs saying they love someone with bipolar or support those living with the disorder. You’ll be able to find all the photos (that were submitted) on IBPF’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, including mine!

My boyfriend Tim and I holding our signs for WBD

Since this year’s theme is #MoreThanADiagnosis, I thought I’d share how I’m just that: more than a diagnosis.

Here are some ways I don’t let my diagnosis define me:

I work. Granted, I don’t work full-time. I actually applied for disability last month, BUT I can do freelance/consultant-type work.
I have a steady, romantic relationship. In the past, bipolar would invade my relationships. But now that I’m stronger, I don’t let it. My boyfriend (pictured above) and I are very open and honest about our feelings, and we have great communication. Those things are ESSENTIAL for a good relationship. But trust me, it doesn’t come easy. We work at it every single day.
I graduated college. While we need and crave schedule and routine, it’s also hard for some people with bipolar. I can handle a scheduled life, but not a routine one. I get bored, and then I cycle. Despite missing one too many classes (and barely passing one semester), I graduated cum laude with a BA in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
I’ve found stability (time and time again). Stability doesn’t usually last forever, and I still cycle weekly, with the seasons, etc. However, the episodes aren’t as severe, and I guess that, to me, is stability. I’m able to function in daily life, which wasn’t always the case.
I’m a good friend. Okay, I’ll admit, I’m probably not the best friend ever. I tend to cancel plans, be late, forget to ask how they’re doing… but I’m a great listener. I give advice when asked. I like to try new things. I’m totally down for just hanging out and talking.
I volunteer. In my experience (and according to studies), I’ve found that volunteering helps improve my mental health. I shift my focus from myself to others, which helps me put things in perspective. It also helps me to get out of my head, which tends to be an issue. I volunteer for International Bipolar Foundation (since September 2014), and like I said before, I manage their Instagram account (@intlbipolar). It is so rewarding reading everyone’s comments and photos and things IBPF is tagged in. Helping people is one of the best ways to help myself.

This World Bipolar Day, I invite you to share your story and how you’re #MoreThanADiagnosis. Together, we can educate everyone on bipolar disorder and help end stigma once and for all.

You can find tons of shareable resources here!

Find me on Facebook (fan/personal), Instagram, and Twitter. Read my WBD posts and share your stories with me! 🙂

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to health & happiness,

An Episode of Bipolar Depression, In The Raw

November 5, 2015 By lyndsinreallife 6 Comments

You know that quote by Laurence J. Peter, “Speak when you are angry, and you’ll make the best speech you’ll ever regret”? Well, this post may be along those lines, except delete angry and add depressed.

I’m going to share about my experience of the current bipolar episode I’m in, and I’m hoping that come morning, I won’t think to myself, “oh geeze, what was I thinking?” I feel as if a big part of that thinking is because of the stigma attached to mental illness. Is me sharing about this episode too taboo? Either way, that’s a conversation for a different time and I’m going ahead with this post.

Bipolar is a sneaky B-word. It’s challenging enough trying to manage bipolar disorder; throw in random mood swings, and you’ve got yourself A LOT to handle. Yesterday, I was as happy as a clam (what does that even mean?). I mean sure, it was raining and cold and it just started getting dark at 4:59pm (ugh), but I went out with my boyfriend to a fancy social get-together in the Hollywood Hills, met some friends, and enjoyed my evening.

But come this morning, it was practically a full 180 (hence why it’s called bipolar). I had trouble sleeping (even more so than I usually do), and once I woke up, I knew getting out of bed would be hard. I called off work right away (I am SO grateful to have a job where my employer is understanding; many jobs/employers aren’t). For some, I’m sure it sounds silly to have such difficulty getting out of bed. But I’m not talking about it’s too cold, I’m so comfortable, I don’t want to work difficulty; I’m talking the mere thought of pulling the covers off is exhausting, I don’t think I can make it to the shower, I’ll break down crying once I get to the kitchen difficulty. And it’s serious.

During my worst depression episode in 2013, I barricaded myself in my living room for almost 6 months. My boyfriend took the mattress off the bed and set it on the living room floor for me (that was the only room with AC). I watched shows on my laptop, and if I was lucky, I’d take a shower. It was exhausting. And horrible. And the deepest despair you could ever imagine. I cried literally every single day.

Today, I tried to make myself do things. I made myself go outside (it was sunny today), especially before it got dark. [Side note: daylight savings time strongly affects those with bipolar disorder and mental health conditions. Circadian rhythms play a huge role in bipolar disorder. When it gets dark earlier, depression tends to set in.] I took a shower. I played with my dog, I made sure to eat frequently (blood sugar affects moods, as well; hence why people get hangry). I wanted to clean up so badly (my apartment is a disaster), but I could only muster up the energy to lay on the couch (and simply sit there, because barely anything brings comfort when depressed).

I felt/feel as if I could break down crying at any moment. I was telling my boyfriend about what I was feeling, and my body was trying to get me to cry, but I fought it. Sometimes crying helps, but I simply didn’t feel like dealing with it. It feels like I have a storm of sadness and anxiety swirling in my chest and my head. I can’t make sense of anything.

Luckily, I’ve learned to manage my bipolar (after much trial-and-error) since diagnosis in 2008. Because of that, I know I will get out of this by taking it easy, doing only what I need, meeting with my therapist, and probably my psychiatrist to tweak any medications if need-be. However, even knowing that, it still hurts like hell.

I guess there really isn’t much point to this post, except that I wanted to share about it in the moment that it was happening. It’s often hard to describe depression when you’re no longer in it.

I will get better, as I always do. And to everyone reading this who has bipolar and/or depression, I want you to know that you’ll get better, too. As my therapist once said (and I turned into my own quote),

“Pay attention to how you feel, and then take one step to help you feel better; whether it’s staying in bed a little longer, going for a walk, or eating a pint of ice cream.”

To happiness, stability, and everything in between,

Bipolar Disorder Events

Join Us For World Bipolar Day 2015!

February 25, 2015 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

World Bipolar Day (WBD) – an initiative of the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD), the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF), and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) – will be celebrated each year on March 30th, the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, who was posthumously diagnosed as probably having bipolar disorder.

I participated in World Bipolar Day last year (2014). It was my first year participating, and the first time I told my personal bipolar story to the world. It was liberating, plus I helped a few people get help for themselves! I invite you to share your story- you’ll find that you are not alone! You can read my story here.

The vision of WBD is to bring world awareness to bipolar disorders and to eliminate social stigma. Through international collaboration, the goal of World Bipolar Day is to bring the world population information about bipolar disorders that will educate and improve sensitivity towards the illness.

Each of the organizations is encouraging their members, chapters, and affiliates to orchestrate local events surrounding WBD.

International Bipolar Foundation’s CALL TO ACTION:

1. We are asking people with a lived experience, caregivers and the general public to submit

a photo to us:

Hold a sign, write text over your photo, or email the text for us to add, that says:

–Lived Experience: “I am (something other than your illness) ” with your name (optional), and country

–Caregivers: “I love/care for someone with bipolar disorder” with your name (optional), and country

–General Public: “I support those who have bipolar disorder” with your name (optional), and country

2. All images must be submitted no later than March 15th to hzupin@ibpf.org with your signed photo permission slip.

3. Images will be displayed all day on March 30th via Facebook, Twitter and additional IBPF social media pages.

I hope you will participate this year! Whether it’s through a blog post, a social media post, or by sharing your “I AM” photo, you’ll not only be helping yourself, but you’ll be helping others to know they’re not alone! If you have any questions, please email hzupin@ibpf.org, or email me at lyndsay.marvin@gmail.com. I am looking forward to reading everyone’s posts!

Find the International Bipolar Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. I am the manager of their Instagram account, and love connecting with new people every day!

To health & happiness,

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Events Lifestyle Personal

It’s My SITS Day; Welcome!

November 10, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 20 Comments

Today is my feature day on The SITS Girls! I am SO excited, and wanted to welcome everyone who stops by! 🙂

My name is Lyndsay, and I’m a 26-year-old writer living in Los Angeles, CA (originally from Cleveland, OH). I’m also a nanny, dog-sitter, brand ambassador, and affiliate marketer. I love keeping busy, what can I say? 🙂

I’ve been blogging since December 2013, but writing since age 8. I originally went to college for journalism, and was the editor-in-chief of my college’s newspaper. I loved it! I ended up graduating with a BA in speech-language pathology and audiology.

The Balanced Brunette is a blog that focuses on health, nutrition, fitness, mental health, and SoCal living. I started this blog as an outlet to share my thoughts about the correlation between mental and physical health. That is still the primary focus, but I’ve added in product reviews, events in Southern California, things to do in Los Angeles, and so on! TBB is sort of in a transition phase, as I’m going through a transition in my life.

I like to blog about bipolar disorder, as well. I was diagnosed in 2008. I am very in-tune with it, plus I am a pretty positive person! I’ve found that I connect with people the most when I share about my experiences, and it’s one of my favorite topics to write about.

Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who stops by The Balanced Brunette today!! Leave a comment on this post or any other post, and I will be sure to check out your blog and return the love! 🙂

Have a wonderful Monday!

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XO

Lyndsay

Twitter | Instagram

Ambassador Fitness Nutrition Reviews

Get More Energy With ENERGYbits + A Discount/Giveaway

August 23, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 6 Comments

Disclosure: I received two free samples of ENERGYbits in the hopes that I would review them on my blog. I did not receive any monetary compensation. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

I’ll admit, when I first heard of spirulina algae as a form of energy, I was not interested. I’m not a vegetarian or vegan, so plant-based isn’t necessarily important to me. But health and clean energy sources are. Especially as an athlete. And I found that with Boston based sports nutrition company, ENERGYbits!

Here’s a quick description of what ENERGYbits are, borrowed from their website:

“ENERGYbits® are tiny algae tabs so nutritionally dense, they eliminate fatigue and hunger instantly. Want a healthy, natural way to fuel your game or fire up your brain? ENERGYbits® are for you! NO caffeine, sugar, chemicals, gluten or soy, just pure, plant based nutrition, all for just ONE calorie per tab. ENERGYbits® have just ONE ingredient – organically grown NON GMO spirulina algae – a super food endorsed by the United Nations and NASA as the most nutritionally dense food in the world. Spirulina has been a favorite of gold medalists for decades. Now it’s your turn.”

They’re called bits because they are tiny tablets of spirulina algae. They’re not a supplement. They are a whole food source. One bit is 64% protein, contains 40 vitamins, antioxidants,, and nitric oxide. When you look at the percentage of protein in a bit, it’s higher than any other protein source. because of this, it’s great energy source! What’s awesome is that there is a no rush and no crash- just simple, smooth energy throughout your day (or workout).

Here’s the thing that tends to throw people off: one serving of ENERGYbits is 30 tablets. Yes, 30. At first, I didn’t want to try something that I needed to take 30 of. I don’t mind taking pills/supplements, but even then, I don’t take more than a few a day. Here’s what they look like:

Images Courtesy of ENERGYbits Pinterest & Burpees for Breakfast

With that being said, I am actually a big fan of these little bits!! They’re algae, so I definitely recommend swallowing them (not chewing). I took 10 at a time, and had no issues. I took my first sample (30 bits) on the first day of BlogFest. I don’t usually wake up at 5:30am, and I definitely don’t stay awake for 20 hours, especially without crashing. I was in a conference all day long, and was really surprised I hadn’t fallen asleep by 5 pm. But then I remembered I took the bits, and I was really impressed! I used to take Adderall (prescription), so I was used to feeling a big rush of energy, and then an even bigger crash later on. I absolutely LOVE that I did not experience that with the bits! Taking the 30 bits (which by the way are VERY small) is totally worth it.

Image Courtesy of ENERGYbits Pinterest

Another thing that I was hesitant about was the pricing. ENERGYbits come in a bag of 1,000 bits for $115.00. Yes, one hundred & fifteen dollars. BUT, you’re getting 1,000 bits at a time (a little over 33 servings). So when you break it down, it’s actually very comparable to any other energy source. Per serving, it equates to about $3.50. If you look at the cost of energy drinks, ENERGYbits are similar, if not cheaper. Plus, bits are a clean energy and whole food source. In my book, ENERGYbits win by a landslide!

One bag of ENERGYbits One sample of bits

Discount Code + Giveaway!

Do you want to try ENERGYbits, & get a 25% discount off your purchase? Simply visit their website, and enter code TBB into the coupon box to receive your discount!

Also, I am offering one reader a free sample of ENERGYbits! Simply comment on this blog post about why you’d like to try ENERGYbits! One winner (US only) will be chosen & contacted by Tuesday, August 26, 2014. ENERGYbits are only available at ENERGYbits.com, and Jonathan (their Community Manager) has let me know that he’d be happy to share more info on their sample program – you can email him at jlevitt@energybits.com.

If you’re interested in the awesomeness of ENERGYbits like I am, you can participate in their health and fitness Twitter chat, held every Tuesday night at 8 pm (EST) using hashtag #PoweredByBits.

You can also follow ENERGYbits on their Pinterest and Facebook, and visit their website at www.energybits.com!

Don’t forget to follow me, too! I am most active on Instagram and Twitter.

I want to thank ENERGYbits for the samples and opportunity to review their amazing product!

XO, Lyndsay

Fitness Nutrition

Energems Review + A Giveaway!

May 17, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 19 Comments

I had the wonderful opportunity of reviewing Energems and jumped at the chance! I have had issues with energy for as long as I can remember. I’ve tried (what feels like) everything, and wanted to see how Energems would work for me!

Not only are Energems effective, but they’re delicious! They are literally like big M&Ms®. And taste like it! There’s a bit of a weird aftertaste, but it only lasts a few seconds or so. There are three flavors: chocolate, mint, and peanut butter.

What I love about Energems is that they are convenient. I am always on the go (I nanny, dogsit, dogwalk, work at a wellness center, and more!), so convenience is perfect. Knowing I can wake up, eat some delicious chocolate, and get energy from that is perfect! Plus, they’re only 45 calories per serving (3 pieces). Love it! The energy burst comes from a proprietary energy blend of D-Glucuronolactone, Taurine, Caffeine, and Suntheanine® (L-Theanine), and also B-vitamins. Plus, it’s made with real milk chocolate!

I definitely recommend Energems for people who want an energy boost, especially on the go! With that, I am doing a GIVEAWAY for one winner! I tried all three flavors for myself, but saved the other three boxes for one lucky person!

To be eligible to win:

Comment below what you’ve tried for an energy boost
Follow The Balanced Brunette on Instagram
Like The Balanced Brunette on Facebook

Simple as that! The giveaway ends on Wednesday, May 21 at 9 p.m. PST. Good luck!!!

To check out Energems and purchase some of your own (you know you want to), visit their website here.

Thank you Energems for the opportunity to try and review your amazing product!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one the products mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Ambassador Fitness Nutrition

I Am A #SweatPink Ambassador!

May 10, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 9 Comments

A few weeks ago, I was accepted as a brand new #sweatpink ambassador with Fit Approach! It has been an amazing few weeks already!

This is the Fit Approach mission (borrowed from the Fit Approach website):

We believe that kicking ass is best done in pretty shoes. We’ve learned that real women sweat, and sweat hard. We know that assertiveness, strength, and ambition are the ultimate feminine qualities. We concede that sometimes it takes hours to get ready, but we’re also no strangers to just rolling out of bed and going. We’re convinced that we run faster in pink shoelaces. We believe in pushing ourselves, and we believe in giving ourselves a break, too. We’re all about the rush of endorphins and the thrill of the challenge. We’re all for looking great and feeling even better. We’re committed to finding our best fit, and making it stick.

How awesome is that?! The mission is what attracted me to Fit Approach in the first place. Pink is my favorite color, so this was a no brainer! I am all about pink shoelaces. As a welcome, I was sent a #sweatpink tank and some pink shoelaces:

Everyone in the #sweatpink community is SO welcoming! I love the feeling of being a part of a community of like-minded people, and knowing that I can go to any of them even though I don’t physically know them! I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity. <3

If you’re interested in becoming a #sweatpink ambassador, apply here! 🙂

Check out Fit Approach on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest!

Ambassador Fitness Nutrition

What Being An I’m Fit Possible Ambassador Means To Me

May 1, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 24 Comments

UPDATE: I’m Fit Possible ended their ambassador program in September 2014.

I announced this a few weeks ago on here, but I’m sharing it again: I am an I’m Fit Possible Ambassador!! I love the community of supportive, energetic, happy people who share the same passion of health and fitness. It’s an amazing feeling, being able to get online in the morning and have posts and comments from fellow ambassadors on Facebook, my blog, Instagram, Twitter, etc.! Who doesn’t love a supportive community?

One of the biggest reasons why I love I’m Fit Possible is because it’s all about being real. This is who we are (borrowed from the I’m Fit Possible website):

“We are social, big hearted, creative fitness enthusiasts.

We believe in unplugging and heading outside.

We believe that the best workouts are the ones done with family and friends.

We try and sweat every day, but if we don’t we won’t sweat about it.

We love to try new things and if we love something, you’ll hear about it.

Oh and smiles, hugs and high fives are not negotiable.

Most importantly, we agree:

Together is BETTER

Being SOCIAL is way cool

Real stories by real people MATTER

Opinions COUNT

YOU define what is healthy for you.”

Just like it says, to me, being fit possible doesn’t mean you have to have a 6 pack or a thigh gap, or can run the fastest mile, or whatever. To me, being fit possible means anyone can be fit. And that definition of fit is different for everyone! As long as we are trying to be a little bit better each day, and we’re moving our bodies and trying to eat healthy foods, then we are fit possible.

HOWEVER, if having a 6 pack or thigh gap or running the fastest mile is what makes you feel fit possible, THEN PERFECT!! That’s the amazing thing about the I’m Fit Possible community- we all have different goals, and we all support each other with those goals.

I want to shout out Tara, the founder of I’m Fit Possible. She is absolutely wonderful!! She is funny, witty, sassy, beautiful, inspirational, supportive.. I could go on and on. She has made me (and all the ambassadors) feel super welcomed since the very beginning! Tara wanted to do something nice for the ambassadors, so she sent out a gift to everyone:

How amazing is that?! It’s a tea bottle (has an infuser at the top) that obviously says I’m Fit Possible, a sample of Tisano tea (I received mint cacao!), a sticker (where should I put it?!), and a hand-written note welcoming me! It seriously made my day. And I use the bottle every single day! So Tara, THANK YOU so so much for allowing me to be a part of this family, and for recognizing that we can be “fit” even if we don’t have a 6 pack!

Check out I’m Fit Possible on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to see what all the ambassadors are up to!

Do you want to become an #imfitpossible ambassador? Apply here! 🙂

Ambassador Fitness Nutrition

New Delta Labs Ambassador & A GIVEAWAY!!

April 21, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 7 Comments

I’ve got nothing but love for the company Delta Labs and their supplements!! I found Delta Labs through a fellow fit friend, and figured I would try it out. They currently have 8 different supplements- all for women, and all gluten-free! Some of them are vegan-friendly, as well!

I have every single supplement except the prenatal and postnatal! Love love love them all! I was so excited about the company and the products, that I became an ambassador for Delta Labs! It’s an amazing community dedicated to women’s health, and I am so grateful to be a part of it. As a welcome, Delta Labs sent me this amazing package of gifts:

I feel so incredibly special!! I get to represent this amazing brand with a backpack, a couple super cute tee shirts, etc! What’s even more awesome about this is that I have samples of the green tea+ that I get to GIVEAWAY to 5 people!!!!! This is my very first giveaway and I am so incredibly excited about it! The green tea+ is probably my favorite product of them all. It helps with weight loss, more energy, more control over emotional eating, and food cravings! It might sound too good to be true, but it has helped me SO much already! If you read my post from last Monday, you’ll know I have a sugar addiction that I am working to get over. The green tea+ definitely helps!!

Okay, so this giveaway is going to be pretty simple! There are 3 things you are required to do to be eligible to win 1 of the 5 sample packs:

Comment on this post about why you want to try the green tea+
Follow me on Instagram
Like my Facebook page

This is what you will win:

Let the games begin!! The giveaway ends on Monday, April 28, 2014!!

Good luck! 🙂

OH, and one more thing: if you’re excited to order any supplements now, go to deltalabsusa.com, and at checkout, enter code GETFITWITHLYNDS for $5 off your order!! They will also send you a prepaid label so you can send back your empty bottle for another $5 off your next order! I love that this company is all about decreasing our carbon footprint! 🙂

Bipolar Disorder Personal

Being Just Crazy Enough

April 9, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 2 Comments

“Maybe, ya know, there’s no such thing as crazy. And being diagnosed with a mental illness doesn’t mean you’re crazy. But maybe it means you’re just more sensitive to what most people can’t see or feel. Maybe, no one’s really crazy, everyone is just a little bit mad. How much depends on where you fall on the spectrum. How much depends on how lucky you are.”

My wonderful boyfriend sent this video to me this morning, and kept telling me to watch it because he knew I would like it. He sends me videos ALL the time, and often times, they’re pretty boring (sorry babe!). But this one.. this one still has me smiling so big.

I’ve told people that having bipolar disorder makes me a more sensitive person, but in a good way. I am more sensitive to someone’s thoughts and feelings, and can relate to them much more than your average person. I may have a little bit of “crazy” in me, but that’s what makes me, ME. My passion, my intensity, my drive, my emotions… those all make up Lyndsay. I think without bipolar, I’d be boring. I’d much rather be intense than boring. 😉

What do you think about what Joshua Walters shared on this video?