Dear Bipolar Warriors and Supporters,

May was Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to reflect, educate, and take action. I explored how depression affects memory, challenged myths about psychiatric medication, and found ways to turn awareness into meaningful change. Whether you're seeking understanding, support, or strategies, I hope these lessons offer something valuable for your journey.

📬 What's Inside:

• 🎧 A featured podcast on memory, mood, and mental health
• 📝 Latest articles from Bipolar Burble, including one debunking the Van Gogh Myth
• 📸 An Instagram highlight on how we are not too much
• 🤝 Connect with me
• 💬 Final thoughts & quote on mental health awareness vs. action
• 🗣️ Share Your Feedback

Let's dive in!

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🎧 Featured Podcast: Memory, Mood, and Mental Health

In this episode of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast, I delve into how depression distorts our memories, making it challenging to recall joyful experiences. We discuss 13 practical strategies to combat these cognitive distortions, such as:

• Recording messages to your future self
• Creating a "hope kit" with tangible reminders of better times
• Engaging trusted friends to help recall positive memories

These tools aim to provide support during depressive episodes, reminding you that joy and hope are attainable.

👉 Listen to the full episode

📝 Latest Articles from Bipolar Burble

This month’s blog posts tackle some big questions — from creativity and psychiatric meds to persistent mental health myths. Whether you’re navigating bipolar yourself or supporting someone who is, these articles are packed with insights to inform, challenge, and empower.

• Does Psychiatric Medication Kill Creativity? Debunking the Van Gogh Myth
  Are psychiatric meds the death of genius? The Van Gogh myth says yes—but the evidence, my own experience, and the tragic artist suicide roll call say otherwise. Before you ditch your prescription in search of a masterpiece, read this hard-hitting reality check.
• Are Psych Meds Evil? Debunking Antipsychiatry Myths with Science
  Are psychiatric medications evil or life-saving? After two decades battling bipolar disorder, I’ve seen both sides. This post separates fear-based myths from science, exposes antipsychiatry misinformation, and shows how evidence-based treatment can save lives.
• Mental Health Awareness Month 2025: Turn Awareness Into Action
  May is more than a hashtag—it’s your chance to spark real change. Explore concrete ideas—from bipolar self-care hacks and crisis-plan refreshers to ally moves that reshape policy—and learn how to turn Mental Health Awareness Month into year-round momentum.

• 📚 More from Bipolar Burble
• 💥 My work on HealthyPlace, Breaking Bipolar
• 📝 My articles for Health Union
• 🎥 Videos for bpHope

"As people with bipolar, we're often told we are just 'too much.'

This is not true. We are just too much for people who aren't enough.

When you find your people, you will find that they appreciate just how much you really are.

Don't make yourself smaller for other people."

💬 Final Thoughts & Quote

Now that Mental Health Awareness Month is over, remember that every small step continues to count. Whether it's reading an article, sharing your story, or supporting a loved one, your actions make a difference.

"Awareness is great, but action changes lives.”
— Unknown