cwsopentheeyesofmyheart

My name is Casey Smith & I pledge my commitment to the Blog for Mental Health 2014 Project. I will blog about mental health topics not only for myself, but for others. By displaying this badge, I show my pride, dedication, and acceptance for mental health. I use this to promote mental health education in the struggle to erase stigma. I hope that others will open their hearts & minds to the suffering of the mentally ill.

Read the post in its entirety! Visit Taking the pledge | cwsopentheeyesofmyheart.

Blood and Thunder

It’s taken me a long time to get to the point where I can talk about mental health, especially my own, openly and honestly.

My own struggles with mental illness have lead me where I am today. Shaped every aspect of my life. Helped me grow and learn.

My hope is that talking about my own struggles/triumphs will encourage others to do the same.

At the very least, my hope is it will show others that they are not alone. That there are people out there who know and understand. That it’s going to be okay, even when it doesn’t seem like it will.

Read the post in its entirety! Visit I am taking the Blogging for Mental Health pledge | Blood and Thunder.

Blessed Beyond Measure

I have bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and one psychiatrist had the nerve to tell me that I was narcissistic. Ooh, he ticked me off! Anyway, forget about him – what counts is that I belong in this group 🙂

Anyway, too many people “out there” in the world don’t recognize that mental illnesses are just as real as diabetes or cancer or high blood pressure. It’s not something that we CHOOSE. Heaven knows I didn’t want to grow up and have to take a handful of meds or see a psychiatrist every couple of months!

. . .I’m putting my life and my words out here so that maybe somebody will recognize herself – or himself – and get the help they need.

This is about getting rid of the stigma that we all face, sometimes on a daily basis. If you have depression, bipolar disorder or another mental health issue or two, click on Lulu’s name above and join in. The more voices that speak up, the louder we’ll be, and the more people we can reach!

Read the post in its entirety! Visit Blog for Mental Health | Blessed Beyond Measure.

Finding My Way Back

I have been dedicated to sharing what it is like to live with bipolar and borderline personality disorder. Lately, perhaps because the weather is brighter, and I am able to be outside more, or perhaps it is the ability to garden and grow my own vegetables, I have been feeling for the most part very well.

I do have my days though.

I was diagnosed approximately 3 years ago with bipolar 2, the year before that it was confirmed that I do have Borderline Personality Disorder. I am hopeful that as my demons are addressed, that BPD will no longer be the thorn that it has been. As for my Bipolar 2, I learned of it just before my cousin committed suicide from the same illness 2 years ago. I made a commitment to him and to myself that I would overcome and have a life where I will enjoy my senior years, with as much peace and calm available to me.

Read the post in its entirety! Visit Blog For Mental Health 2014 | Finding My Way Back.

Writing 4 Mental Health

Mental health and wellness is a universal concern. Visit A Canvas Of The Minds to learn more about this anti-stigma movement.

I encourage you to join this movement. As one with bipolar disorder who has survived suicide attempts, hospitalizations and homelessness. . .

Read the post in its entirety! Visit Writing 4 Mental Health – Taking The Pledge…