Debunking the pervasive myth that bipolar disorder is psychological rather than biological, the National Institute of Mental Health released a science update synopsizing three studies in which MRIs recorded and documented altered brain function in young people with bipolar disorder when compared to healthy control groups.

To see that update, click here.

The significance of such studies lies in increased awareness of how the bipolar brain works, leading to better treatments and the hope for correction, cure or greater control in the not-too-distant future.

Greater knowledge means more choices for people with mental illness and those who love them.

“I accept life unconditionally. Life holds so much — so much to be so happy about always. Most people ask for happiness on condition. Happiness can be felt only if you do not set conditions.”

–Arthur Rubenstein

Listen to the brief NPR story covered by Paul Atkinson on Morning Edition at KJZZ NEWS 91.5.

If you or a loved one continues to struggle with well-being, consider the words of Albert Einstein as shared by Blessings Guru, Kate Nowak, at bettertobless.com:

The significant problems we face today cannot be solved by the same kind of thinking that created them.

Or in the word of another great American problem-solver, Benjamin Franklin:

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

Do you continue in frustration?

Are you stuck in a cycle of disappointment?

Change your own attitudes and actions and immediately alter that which frustrates and disappoints. Begin there and regain your power to solve the problem.

Recently I was asked to write an article for a website for divorced women and women contemplating divorce. My immediate reaction was “I’ve been married to the same man for 27 years. I don’t know the first thing about divorce!” Of course I was told, “They already know about divorce, Kate. They need you to teach them how to co-parent a challenging teen.”

LIGHT BULB!!

sHEepIsH GriN

Oh … yeah … I can do that!

And so I did. I encourage you to check out First Wives World and read my article entitled “Co-Parenting a Teen in Crisis” as well as the many other interesting and relevant pieces, and if you or anyone you know is dealing with divorce, First Wives Worldis an amazing resource and on-line community. I now log-on every day because I’m learning a lot … but I’m still happily married to my high school sweetheart!

HaPpY GriN

Recently a woman who just read Mommy I’m Still in Here said “…you seem so happy. With such challenge in your life, how can you remain upbeat? I’d be miserable if I was you.”

I was stunned. Choosing unhappiness and misery don’t occur to me. So much more is possible. I deserve so much more.

And I thought of this Og Mandino quote:

“Realize that true happiness lies within you. Waste no time and effort searching for peace and contentment and joy in the world outside. Remember that there is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving. Reach out. Share. Smile. Hug. Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself.”

So, my dear weBlog friends, I invite you to join me and choose happiness!

Kate

Two of my three children have Bipolar Disorder. Do I wish my children were healthy, free from mental illness? Yes, of course. Would I change it if I had the necessary incantation? Tough call. Are their lives, our lives, less glorious because they have Bipolar Disorder? Not one bit. In fact, it may be more glorious because they do. I don’t know. But I do know that, thanks in part to medical advances, we enjoy innumerable good times, deep and abiding love, and a greater respect for diversity and individuality that many of my contemporaries have yet to discover. I know that every difficulty has nurtured strength, or character, or both. We have a keen appreciation of one another and of simply being together.

Sounds blessed, doesn’t it?

Kate

I attended the Schorr Family Award for Distinguished Contribution in Advancing Public Understanding of Mental Illness event in Tucson, Arizona where recipient, Pete Earley, journalist and New York Times bestselling author, graciously accepted the honor and inspirationally spoke on the topic of mental health care in America.

In true journalistic fashion, Earley’s memoir, Crazy, exposes a sad and scandalous American reality: People with mental illness all too often end up in the prison system rather than receiving medical care.

A former Washington Post columnist and the author of a dozen books, Earley became an advocate for the mentally ill in the same way most of us do. Someone he loves dearly–his son–has bipolar disorder. A masterful writer and relentless researcher, Earley shares facts, figures, and feelings in Crazy. Read it. You’ll be better informed, more connected and more compassionate for having done so.

Feeling far inferior, I add my voice to Earley’s. Perhaps you will join us. Then another and another, until a chorus made rich and beautiful by virtue of its diversity loudly sings a song of truth about mental illness, recovery, hope and unconditional love.

Peace.

Learn from Pete Earley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbgAww67oG4

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These people have an appreciation, sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep, loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”

May we all move toward this kind of beauty, toward appreciation, sensitivity, understanding, gentleness and deep, loving concern.

Blessings All!

Kate

 In response to recent media feeding frenzies surrounding campus violence, The American Psychiatric Foundation released study results confirming what seems obvious to me…if drugs and alcohol are not involved, people with mental illness are no more prone to violence than the average Joe. Still, many state legislatures are rushing to pass laws limiting the rights and privacy of people diagnosed with a mental illness. Watch your local news and speak out LOUDLY if rights infringement is about to become law in your home state.