mental illness

Self-Care is Not Selfish

January 24, 2019 By lyndsinreallife 4 Comments

There are times in everyone’s life when you realize you just can’t do it all. Maybe you feel overwhelmed with the sheer weight of responsibility resting on your shoulders, or maybe issues that have haunted you since childhood threaten to sink you.

You might be experiencing some mental health or physical problems brought on by a mix of anxiety and exhaustion (cough me cough), or maybe something is happening in your life and you’re in need of some help. It can be overwhelming to ask for help. But it’s important to do it. With luck, you’ll be able to reach out to someone who can lend a supportive and listening ear and help you find practical solutions to your problems. A friend or family member might be able to help with your day-to-day struggles and relieve some of the pressure on you. For some, a therapist might be essential and incredibly beneficial.

For others, and for whatever reason, this might not be possible, and that’s where we step in. In this blog post, we’re going to look at some of the more well known self-help and self-care books that will provide you with some new ways of thinking and some guidance on facing up and coping with the issues going on in your life right now.

They are by no means exhaustive, and if you’re still struggling with your current situation, you must contact your doctor and let them know what’s going on and seek immediate professional help. Trust me, the possible “embarrassment” of seeking a professional (which is NOTHING to be embarrassed about) is nothing compared to dealing with mental illness alone.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

Self-Care

When there’s so much going on that you either forget or choose not to take care of yourself, then I suggest listening to this audiobook: The Self-Care Project by Jayne Hardy. This guide will give you the low down on letting go of some the things that threaten to overwhelm us and give some much needed time over to taking care of our health, cleanliness, and nutrition.

It’s a no-nonsense tool that makes it clear why self-care is much more than a buzzword and how making time for it in your life will lead to a calmer, happier, less stressed you (we all need that, right?)!

If you prefer something you can read, then try the book “Remember This When You’re Sad”, a great read by author Maggy van Eijk, who explores how you can turn around your negative relationship with yourself into one of self-care and compassion. Van Eijk recounts stories from her own life and her struggles with mental health, and offers advice like a friend, making this book accessible and undaunting.

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(affiliate link)

Decluttering

Decluttering might seem like a very small issue in comparison to the weighty topic of self-care, but in fact the two are very closely linked. The problem with clutter is that it leads to more clutter, and very soon you feel like you wouldn’t even know where to start in keeping your living spaces clean and hygienic. This feeling of not being able to cope often leads to depression and anxiety, and that’s where Marie Kondo comes in.

Kondo has written four books, such as “The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying Up”, and her practice has changed lives. She is practical and she is ruthless. It might take time to go through everything, but you will, and when you’re finished, you’ll have thrown away everything in your life that does not spark joy and you will be left with exactly what you need.

If you haven’t watched Tidying Up on Netflix, you should. Sometimes it may seem silly, but it’s a really great method! And Marie Kondo is super cute and relatable.

Dealing With Depression And Anxiety

There will be times where you’ll need to seek medical help for depression and/or anxiety, particularly if you have underlying health problems. With that in mind, it’s extremely important to not self-medicate, but rather get the guidance of a healthcare professional (whether it’s a Western medicine doctor or holistic).

However, if you experience depression and anxiety from time to time (and not every single day) and are looking for ways to manage it, then these guides could help you out.

“The Worry Trick” a book written by David A Carbonell, explores in depth why your brain is prone to anxiety, and assuming the worst and what can be done to combat those thoughts.

For those who suffer with the milder end of depression, you could check out “Feeling Good” by David D Burns. This book is considered something of a classic and takes the reader through a series of activities and exercises that mimic real life therapy sessions.

Body Positivity

If your current set of circumstances are centered around your body view (definitely me), then you might like to explore some books that will help you to create a more positive view of yourself.

In “The Goddess Revolution: Make Peace With Food, Love Your Body, And Reclaim Your Life” by Mel Wells, the author explains how to stop with the yo-yo dieting and fads and start living a life free from dysfunctional relationships with food and exercise.

If you’re after a classic read on the subject, then consider reading “The Beauty Myth” by Naomi Wolf, who explores how and why concepts of beauty in society have been harnessed against women to keep them oppressed.

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(affiliate link)

Addiction

Whether you’re just starting on your road to recovery or you’re a little further down the line, there are a number of reads out there that will give you that extra bit of support that you need to encourage you forward into sobriety. From “MAKING FRIENDS IN SOBRIETY: A GUIDE TO FRIENDSHIP AS A SOBER ADULT” to “Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions” from one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. The path to sobriety from an addiction, whether to alcohol, gambling, or drugs, requires the support of friends and family to stay healthy.

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For anyone supporting someone going through the process, you might also want to read “Codependent’s Guide To The Twelve Steps” by Beverly Conyers who talks through the action of recovery and how family members can cope when relapses do occur. She also helps families and friends manage their expectations around recovery and provide support for everyone involved in the process.

Getting Ahead

If you’re struggling to find motivation at work and feel yourself slipping further and further down the career ladder, you might benefit from some tips to help you find traction in your professional life and see your job prospects improve at the same time.

“Strategize To Win” by Carla A Harris gives you the lowdown on how to figure out what’s holding you back and how to plan to become unstuck. As the Vice Chairman at Morgan Stanley, Harris knows a thing or two about achieving success and recommends five year plans to create career success.

Dorie Kind offers her marketing insights on reinventing your brand in her book “Reinventing You.” She lays out how to sell yourself, change your career, and shape how others see you in this exciting read.

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When you want to get ahead in life but aren’t really sure what’s holding you back, you’ll want to read Jen Sincero’s book: “You Are A Badass.” I LOVE this book! It’s a book about self-help for those who profess that they don’t need self-help, and this read will help you wring the absolute most of life. It teaches the art of stepping over fear into adventure and creating self-belief. This, combined with tips on changing up your career and making some serious money, will give anyone lacking confidence plus a job they love the boost they need to make some serious changes.

Connecting

Are you failing to connect in friendships as well as romantically? It might be that you just need a little help to get your social and emotional intelligence on point.

Try listening to “The Charisma Myth” by Olivia Fox Cabane as an audiobook. In this audio, she explores the idea that anyone can learn the science behind being charismatic and appearing interesting, and offers some practical steps to achieve this status.

If you prefer a paperback, take a look at Leil Lowndes’ “How To Talk To Anyone”, a book packed full with 92 tricks to help you with small talk, body language, and creating a great rapport.

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If you’re seeking love and want to figure out why you keep landing the wrong one, then give “Deeper Dating” by Ken Page a go. Rather than trying to overwhelm you with tips on how to flirt or what to wear or say during a date, this book looks at how to make deeper connections and grow intimacy into something that blossoms into a healthy and functioning relationship.

Whatever you’re looking for and whatever it is that you’re going through, recognize that you deserve to feel better and you deserve to find the answers that you’re looking for.

Read around and find lifestyle bloggers and specialists that will add positivity to your life and not place you in a position of comparing yourself to others. Ditch anything, from social media to real life friends, who choose to keep you weighed down with negativity and their own issues.

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If you’re not sure where to start, begin by adding a few mindfulness techniques in your life that will help to center and focus you, and start the process of what to tackle first. Try deep breathing or guided meditation; anything that will help you gain a calmer mind, and be ready to make those big changes.

In what ways do you practice self-care?
What’s a new method of self-care that you’d like to take on?

This post was a collaboration.

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Bipolar Disorder

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

World Bipolar Day 2015 – A Guide To Getting Through Those First Steps

March 30, 2015 By lyndsinreallife 5 Comments

Today (March 30) is World Bipolar Day (WBD). It’s one of my favorite days of the year! Why? Because WBD is 24 hours of spreading awareness and eliminating social stigma of bipolar disorder around the entire world. Why is WBD so important to me? It’s important to me because I was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder seven years ago (although I have been living with it my entire life) and I know first-hand what the other 27 million people worldwide living bipolar disorder are experiencing.

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

**May involve triggers for some.

Last year was the first time I participated in WBP. I shared my story of living with bipolar disorder on my blog. I also recently shared my story of why bipolar disorder has made my life better on StigmaFighters.com. I’m super excited to participate this year as the social media manager of Instagram for the International Bipolar Foundation. It is an honor and a huge pleasure to volunteer with IBPF and to connect with so many amazing individuals through the Instagram account!

I am more than my diagnosis. –Find more photos on IBPF’s Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter!

Below are a few of the steps I took (and feelings I experienced) going from diagnosis to getting help to stability. **Please note: I am not a mental health professional and do not diagnose, treat, or cure any medical conditions. I am simply offering my own opinions based on my personal experience.

| THE DIAGNOSIS |

It can be pretty scary and overwhelming being diagnosed with bipolar disorder (or any mental health condition). If you’re anything like me, you were alone, had no one to talk to, and didn’t really know what the next step was. My entire life changed during a 20 minute evaluation. Truthfully, my life had been that way for as long as I can remember. The mood swings, the anxiety, the hyperactivity, the depression, the self-harm, and mostly, how different I was from all my friends. But once that actual diagnosis came, once it was said out loud, it could never be taken back (no takesie backsies on this one!). It was time for me to figure out my next steps and get the help I needed.

| TELLING YOUR LOVED ONES |

To be honest, I don’t remember telling my family. I don’t remember what I said or their responses. Truthfully, I can’t remember if I ever officially told them. My older brother was diagnosed bipolar II five years before I was, but he did not continue with treatment. I don’t think I was necessarily worried about what my parents would think; I think I just probably forgot. Totally not the best way to go about it, but I was a mess during diagnosis. I regret not formally telling my parents and loved ones. There were many years of frustration, misunderstanding, pain, and helplessness that I now feel could have been prevented by being open, vulnerable, and honest.

If and when you are ready to share your diagnosis with your loved ones, I recommend being open with them. Don’t just talk to them, talk with them- like a conversation almost. Allow them to ask questions, and steer away from becoming defensive. One thing I always have to remember is not to get angry when they don’t understand what I’m saying. That’s going to happen. Remember, not many people know details about bipolar disorder, and even if they do, they generally have absolutely no idea what you are going through. That is not their fault, and no one wants to place blame. If the conversation becomes overwhelming or too stressful, let them know you need to take a break and remove yourself from the room. Share only what you want to share. If there are things you are uncomfortable talking about (i.e. mania can sometimes cause hyper-sexuality), then leave that out. You can always share it later if you choose. However, I recommend sharing the major bullet points so they have a good idea of what to look for and what will happen. Even if you are afraid or nervous, remember that it’s crucial to have that support, and this will help you in the long run.

I also recommend creating a WRAP Plan (Wellness Recovery Action Plan). This plan will help you to identify triggers, early warning signs, etc along with crisis planning and so on. It helps you to better manage your disorder, and it helps loved ones recognize what is happening and what to do next. Find a blank WRAP Plan here.

| GETTING HELP |

Getting help is crucial. In my opinion, it’s absolutely necessary if you want to get better. “Help” does not mean or look the same for everyone. Various ways to receive help are:

psychiatry/medication
therapy
support group
online forums
energy healing
self-healing/self-work

There are countless other ways to reach stability, but these are ones I’ve personally tried as well as others in the community. I want to add that balanced nutrition and exercise are very important for stability. The physical body is as important as the mind, and vice versa. They are completely intertwined.

| TREATMENT IS DIFFERENT FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL |

Not everyone will follow the same path to stability. Some people refuse to take medication, so they will follow a more holistic approach (energy healing, hypnotherapy, etc). Others might not like talking with someone of “higher authority” and therefore choose to forego therapy. The most important thing to remember is that it truly is different for everyone. I cannot stress this enough. I see people on forums (be wary of the internet; opinions should not be confused with medical professional advice) telling others to never take medication and to replace it with marijuana or herbal remedies (I saw this two days ago). While those may be great options, telling someone to not take medication is unsafe.

Other times, people push medication on others by saying, “Lamictal is bad, you should take Prozac” or whatever. Firstly, “you should” shouldn’t be used at all. It’s rude and wrong to tell someone what they should or should not do. You can offer advice, but not tell someone what they must do. Secondly, each person will have a different reaction to a medication. Our brains are wired differently; none of us are the same. So our medications, therapists, healing will be completely different. For example, I do really well with Lamictal. However, for some, they develop a severe skin rash from Lamictal and cannot take it. Some people (like my brother) can take Celexa and feel better. When I take Celexa, I get nauseous and dizzy.

The point is: find a psychiatrist and a therapist. Form a support group (friends, family, online, community, etc). Work on yourself; learn how to practice self-love and care (I owe most of my stability to this). Explore all options, and if something doesn’t work for you, then move on. I never thought I’d see a hypnotherapist for healing, but now I absolutely love it. Be open, be honest, be vulnerable. It is all a part of the journey.

| STABILITY |

I can happily say that I am stable, and have been since October 2013. I’ve had a few mini depressive episodes, but they only lasted a few days. Usually my episodes last about 8 months. Once you reach stability, remember that it will not stay forever. That sounds negative, but if you’re receiving treatment, it’s okay. For example, I began experiencing severe daily mood swings, along with anger and irritability. I met with my psychiatrist and we determined that I needed to be on a mood stabilizer (I was taking only an anti-depressant, which isn’t the best choice for those with bipolar – can cause mania). I’ve had to adjust my dosages every so often. I currently take Lamictal, Zoloft, Trazodone (for insomnia), and Vyvanse (for ADHD). I see my psychiatrist once a month and my therapist once a week. Together, we are able to recognize when an episode is coming. By doing so, we are able to prevent the episode more easily and effectively.

I see my team of doctors, receive hypnotherapy and energy healing, have a support system of friends, family, and my boyfriend. I have a puppy who I am training to be my bipolar support dog, I practice yoga, I write, I get outside every day, and I take a break when I am stressed. These things as a whole have helped me reach stability.

Find what works for you & embrace it. Embrace your disorder. It will bring you creativity, passion, and empathy on a much higher level. When it becomes almost too much to bare, remember that it will pass.

You are a bipolar warrior. And you are perfect, exactly as you are in this moment.

Have you been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, or any form of mental health condition? What helps you find stability?
What aspects of your disorder do you find positive and wonderful? (Don’t say ‘nothing’.. there has to be SOMEthing!)
What would you change about the steps I provided? What would you add?

Comment below! 🙂

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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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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!

Bipolar Disorder Fitness Personal

How Fitness Has Impacted My Bipolar Disorder

May 5, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 18 Comments

It’s interesting thinking back to all the times when my bipolar was unstable. There are many reasons why I cycle one way or another (mania or depression), but the biggest factor (in my experience) has been my nutrition/fitness.

Here’s a little bit of background on my disorder:

I currently take lamictal (mood stabilizer) and trazodone (antidepressant to help with insomnia) daily. I have taken almost every medication on the market, but this is what works for me right now.
My medications help me to function and focus, which helps me to have the energy to exercise.
My disorder affects everyone in my life, not just me. For example, my boyfriend (whom I live with) sees my mood go up and down every day, and is always the one who takes the “hit” when I am upset or depressed. He also has to deal with my mania when I am up until 4 a.m. He is extremely supportive, and he actually helps me to be more cautious of those around me.

When I am feeling manic, cardio is the best thing for me. I have a lot of energy, and usually have difficulty relaxing and sleeping, so it’s important to get my heart rate up. This way, I get rid of the energy and I am able to sleep. Plus it’s awesome, because I am able to stay fit! As opposed to depression, when it’s nearly impossible for me to exercise.

This is where yoga comes in.

Yoga has been a life-saver for me! How I got through life without it, I have no idea. I tried yoga for my first time in 2013, and not only did I feel great physically, I felt great mentally. The yoga I do is perfect because I am able to go to a “happy place” mentally, but also get my sweat on. Because of this, it’s good for when I am depressed OR manic!

I must note that it’s important to wear quality active wear when doing yoga. Too many times have I been in a class where either I was wearing see-through pants, or my yogi friends were. Not cool. You want to be comfortable during yoga, so wearing clothes that fit well is really important too. I make sure to wear Katie K Active all-inclusive active wear during all my workouts! The pants, shorts, and shirts are soft, cute, moisture-wicking, and not see through! 😉

Visit KatieKActive.com and use code LYNDSAY25 for 25% off your order + FREE shipping (I receive a portion of purchases made using my code)! The shorts are brand new this spring/summer (2016) and they’re amazing.

How Yoga Has Helped My Bipolar:

I stated what fitness I like to do for bipolar, but I’ll get a little more vulnerable with how it’s helped me. I’ve been doing yoga recently and truly found a passion for it, so that’s my fitness of choice. I know for many people with bipolar, yoga isn’t enough– they need that fast-paced cardio. But for me, it’s perfect, no matter the mental state I’m in.

Since starting yoga, my moods have been more stable. Usually I am extreme one way or the other, but it’s sort of like yoga is my daily way to stay within the “normal” range (whatever normal is for you). When I start my day with yoga, I have a fabulous day! I feel calm, centered, happy, and clear. I feel awesome because I got my exercise in, but I also feel awesome because my mind feels clear and free.

By adding in yoga with a healthy diet, I have learned to better control and manage my bipolar disorder. It’s a difficult disorder to manage, but I cannot stress enough how important nutrition and fitness are for overall, optimal health.

What is your favorite fitness?
Have you noticed a change in your mental health through your healthy, active lifestyle?

May is Mental Health Month.

Thank you for reading!

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Bipolar Disorder Nutrition Personal

My Current Nutrition Plan, & Why It Has Nothing To Do With Anyone But Myself

April 26, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 13 Comments

There are two main reasons for this post.

To hold me accountable and to document my progress with my new nutrition plan
To clear up any confusion as to WHY I am doing this nutrition plan

Let’s start with what the plan is. It’s called the GAPS diet. GAPS stands for Gut and Psychology Syndrome and was developed by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. Basically, my digestive system is in poor health. When I am stressed, I eat a lot of sugar and refined carbs. Read my previous post about my sugar addiction for a little bit of a background. In addition to this, I have bipolar disorder. I don’t want to take medication for the rest of my life, and I am very aware that good nutrition and regular fitness are very important for both physical and mental health. I decided to take a mental health coaching program from a holistic wellness coach who has bipolar disorder, and has successfully managed her bipolar without medication for one year.

I started the program with her almost two weeks ago, and officially started the GAPS diet this past Wednesday. My coach, Nellie, recommended this nutrition plan for me because I need to get my digestion under control. Every symptom I’ve been having is directly related to an unhealthy gut. I have candida, which is a fungus that overgrows when we consume too much sugar and refined carbs. I have almost every single symptom of it (and now it all makes sense!):

chronic fatigue
digestive issues
difficulty concentrating/foggy brain
irritability, mood swings, depression, anxiety
seasonal allergies and itchy ears (I’ve never had itchy ears before- so weird)
strong sugar and refined carb cravings (oh my gosh, it’s awful)
skin rashes — I have had hives 3 times in the past 4 weeks. A couple nights ago, I woke up at 4:30 am with severe hives on both my arms. Here’s a picture (it was not pleasant and rather scary, actually):

It’s not only physical, but also mental. The GAPS diet is used for people with various mental health conditions, like depression, ADHD, schizophrenia, and so on. Having bipolar disorder, the GAPS diet is perfect. I told Nellie that I would be completely open and be the client (I’m used to being the health coach), and try out what she recommended for me. It has worked for her (and countless others), and I am really excited to see how it helps my mental stability! And of course the healthy body and weight loss will be great. 🙂

It really is a different feeling when you’re eating for health as opposed to eating for weight loss. It’s so much easier. Don’t get me wrong though, it is by no means EASY. It’s been four days and I am struggling. Sugar addiction is no joke. I crave it and I get really moody when I don’t have it. But I am finding alternatives, and today has been a really great nutrition day! So I feel optimistic about it.

While on the GAPS diet (however long I decide to be on it- at least five weeks), I cannot have grains/gluten, dairy, sugar, anything processed, and soy.

This leads me to the second point of this post.

I have been a health coach with Herbalife for exactly one and a half years in May. Herbalife has completely changed my life, and I am forever grateful for the company, the products, and the people who have helped me lose weight and go after my dreams! However, Herbalife meal replacement shakes contain soy. It was never a problem for me (like I said, it helped me to lose weight and feel amazing!), but I told Nellie I would be completely open, so that means stopping Herbalife for the five weeks or so that I am her client. I was hesitant about it at first, but not only am I paying my coach for the mental health coaching, I am committed to finding ways to treat my bipolar disorder holistically. Why would I do this program, and spend the entire however many weeks/months not doing what my coach asked me to do? As a coach, I know how frustrating that is! Having clients who you spend time on and give your all to, but they just won’t do what you ask them to do. I would be a hypocrite. It’s like what Seth Godin (my favorite blogger) said,

“If you don’t have the time to do it right the first time, then you don’t have the time to do it over.”

Because I am doing a nutrition plan that does not allow soy (which therefore does not allow Herbalife meal replacement shakes, except allergen-free, which is totally fine), I do not feel authentic when talking about it at this time. I get that some people will not understand this. That since I have been with Herbalife (and I am successful with it), I should only promote Herbalife, no matter what. And okay, I do get that for some people. But it doesn’t feel right in my heart promoting something that I am not currently doing. It is not authentic. It denies me integrity.

I will eventually introduce certain foods back into my diet, like my Herbalife shakes (trust me, I miss them!). I still love the products, I can still share about my experiences with them, and I still love the company. My current nutrition has nothing to do with Herbalife as a company or even a product. My current nutrition/situation has nothing to do with anyone or anything BUT ME.

I am still coaching clients. I am still building a team in Ohio. I feel good about the decision I’ve made, and I don’t have to explain myself to anyone. I just figured I’d clear a few things up. 🙂

I will be posting updates about my mental health coaching and GAPS diet weekly!

Bipolar Disorder Fitness Nutrition Personal

Health Coaches Need Coaching, Too; My Struggle With Sugar Addiction

April 14, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 28 Comments

As most of you are already aware, I am a health & fitness coach, and I also live with bipolar disorder. A couple weeks ago, I was talking with my psychiatrist, and he said to me,

“Lyndsay, you are always taking care of your clients and inspiring them. You’re taking care of the kids you babysit and the dogs you care for. It’s great, but let me ask you, who inspires you?“

A simple question, but it hit me hard. In that moment, I wanted to break down and cry. I absolutely LOVE what I do as a coach. The progress my clients make, the breakthroughs, helping others to live longer.. it’s absolutely amazing! I am in awe every day of how wonderful my clients and friends are. I love the feeling of being needed. I’m sure there is a specific reason behind that, but like Miss Maudie said in To Kill A Mockingbird, “All anyone wants is to feel needed.” My career brings me satisfaction, happiness, and hope.

But at the same time, I am giving all my energy to my clients, and completely neglecting myself. How can I be a good coach/mentor if I am not taking care of my mind and body? Who can I go to when I am not feeling strong? When I need inspiration, motivation, and help with my nutrition? Yes, I know a good amount about health, nutrition, and fitness, but I don’t know it all.

As much as I don’t want to admit this, I am going to, because honesty is incredibly important. Not only for the people you’re talking to, but also for yourself. I have a sugar addiction. Like a hardcore, legit, anxiety-fueled addiction to sugar. I have dealt with this on and off throughout most of my life, but when I get incredibly stressed, I lose control completely.

I have felt myself slowly spiraling out of control over the past two months. Poor nutrition, poor fitness, poor mental health. It is a vicious cycle. I feel sad/stressed, so I want to eat something that will release dopamine and endorphins, so I eat sugar (it’s comforting). But the comedown from that sugar causes me to feel depressed/anxious/stressed… and the cycle continues.

This photo represents the cycle of addiction. Any addiction. Did you know sugar addiction is similar to heroin addiction? It is very, very real.

This is specifically what happens in your body when you consume sugar. Endless, awful cycle.

You know how they say that people come into your life for a reason, and at the perfect time? It’s amazing! I was searching through blogs and stumbled upon Lifelong Wellness Coaching with Nellie Russell. I originally found her through her blog, Bipolar Out Loud, and saw that she offers mental health coaching. It’s something I’ve never considered, but something I definitely wanted to try. It’s similar to therapy, but I also get a meal plan catered to me and my physical/mental health issues.. plus Nellie has bipolar disorder as well, so she totally gets me. It’s a little different getting life coaching from someone who lives with what you live with, as opposed to someone who only studied it. Totally not discounting what therapists do, but it’s just a different experience.

My first session was tonight, and oh my gosh, I already feel like a new person. I have hope again. I don’t feel stressed (and I’ve been stressed ALL day.. hellooo taxes). It feels so good to allow myself to be the client, and to go into a coaching program with an open mind. I get so caught up in helping other people transform their lives (which again, I LOVE), that I forget to transform my own life. I am excited for what these sessions bring, and I am excited to improve my life. Physical and mental health go hand-in-hand, and it is time for me take full control of them both!

Have you ever dealt with any type of food addiction? If so, how did you get through it?
If you are a coach (or in any profession like it), how do you stay inspired? Who helps you?

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?

Bipolar Disorder Personal

World Bipolar Day 2014

March 30, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 10 Comments

Six years ago, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I always knew there was something different about me, I just never knew what it was. I often felt depressed and anxious, and other times, very chatty and overly happy. When I was diagnosed (it was my parents who noticed the mood swings), I was more relieved than anything. After years of feeling like I was just weird, I finally had a diagnosis that made sense.

For those who don’t know, bipolar disorder is defined as “a mental illness that brings severe high and low moods and changes in sleep, energy, thinking, and behavior.” For me, I cycle about every 8 months, from feeling really depressed, then stable for a short period, then hypo-mania sets in. I have severe difficulty with holding down a 9-5 job, or even a job longer than a year for that matter. Having a routine is great, but at the same time, I strongly dislike having a schedule.

The longest and worst depression I can remember was actually last summer, after moving to California. Such a dramatic life-changing event triggered a depression that lasted from April through the end of September. I didn’t leave my apartment. I barely even left my bed. In October, I became stable. It is such a weird feeling.. thinking back to just a few weeks prior and thinking it’s so strange how I couldn’t physically do anything, yet when stable, it’s no problem. Does that make sense? Like even now, thinking that I could barely get myself out of bed to take a shower.. I was a completely different person. But that’s what bipolar is- two poles. Two people. Two worlds.

Now I am in a manic episode, and luckily I have an amazing psychiatrist in LA who is helping me to calm it. Mania is somewhat better than depression in some regards, but it’s really the same as depression, but opposite. Okay that probably doesn’t make sense, but it does to me. Depression and mania are both dangerous. They both physically hurt. I barely have control in either state. With mania, I say it’s somewhat better because at least I can function. I’m able to leave my apartment, babysit, work at the wellness center, etc. But the lack of control is rough. My biggest issue during mania is spending money. During a manic episode, I can’t have any credit/debit cards or cash on me. After over $12K in debt (from age 18-26), I have finally figured that one out.

The reason behind World Bipolar Day is to create awareness and end stigma associated with mental illness, or as I prefer to call it, mental health conditions. It’s interesting realizing that I let the stigma affect me, even if I say I don’t. I’m very open and honest about bipolar, and my experiences with it. I am not ashamed of who I am (I was for the longest time.. probably until about a year and a half ago). But even as I write this, I am asking myself, “Should I really be this open on my public blog? My blog is focused on nutrition and fitness.. will my followers think less of me for having bipolar disorder?” And that’s so silly! If someone were to judge me for having bipolar disorder, that is their issue, not mine. Like Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

The way I look at it now, I feel that I have a gift to offer to the world. Yes, I am emotional, sensitive, often unstable, dramatic, a little off-the-wall.. but those traits are what make me, me. Because of my emotional and sensitive personality, I feel that I am able to connect with people on a much deeper level. I can truly feel their feelings when we talk. I can help people at their lowest point because I’ve been there.

Plus, having bipolar helps me to be creative. One of my all-time favorites quotes is from Alice in Wonderland:

“Have I gone mad?”

“I’m afraid so. You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.”

This World Bipolar Day, March 30, 2014, I invite you to learn a little bit more about mental health conditions. Ask a friend with bipolar what they love about it. If you know someone who could be suffering from a mental health condition, find a way to get them help. If you have bipolar disorder, take some time for yourself, get a journal, and truly reflect on how amazing you are! Share your story with someone. Tell a loved one with bipolar disorder why you love them. Whatever it is, spread positivity, love, and acceptance for not only people living with bipolar disorder, but for everyone. All of us needs each of us. Much love to you all! <3