Scott Ninneman/Speaking Bipolar

1/8 Mental Illness and Stigma

One of the uncomfortable realities of social media in the present political climate is people just don’t see mental health sufferers as a marginalized population. It pains me keenly to know people who have #HumanRights #EqualityForAll #Humanity and #BeKind or

The ABCs of Radical Self-Care: Flexibility If I must maintain it, then I must also let go of it.

That's what radical self-care is all about: learning to let go of all of the harsh and unfair standards you were raised to meet, and raise yourself above them.

#blog
#cptsd
#trauma
#bipolar
#recovery
#amwriting
#recoveryposse

radicalself.org/the-abcs-of-...

Text Roulette or a handwritten letter?
Day 3 of Gratitude Week is all about connection.
Who do you need to thank today?
#Gratitude #PositivityClub
Read more: open.substack.com/pub/speaking...

End the year in a positive way.

- 5 weekly lessons
- Look at the what you learned
- Be more grateful
- Celebrate your wins
- Plan for the year ahead

Includes:
* 5 PDF Workbooks
* 5 video lessons
* Scripts for each video

Ready? 👍 😁

Link: speakingbipolar.gumroad.com/l/ReviewCour...

Gratitude isn't just journaling.
Try a Gratitude Tree or a Color-Coded Calendar to see your blessings grow. 🌳
What color is your day today?
#Gratitude #PositivityClub
Read more: open.substack.com/pub/speaking...

Helping a friend with bipolar doesn't require a degree.
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is just listen without judgment.
Read more for 11 simple ways to start supporting your loved ones today.
#BipolarSupport #MentalHealthAwareness
Read More: open.substack.com/pub/speaking...

A card or text can silence the negativity. 💌
Education is love in action. 📚
Never underestimate the power of just showing up.
#BipolarSupport #MentalHealth
Read More: open.substack.com/pub/speaking...

"Call me anytime" is a lifeline. 🌙
Don't offer if you don't mean it.
Mental health crises don't keep office hours. ☎️
#BipolarSupport #MentalHealth
Read More: open.substack.com/pub/speaking...

Practical help is love in action.
Washing dishes or picking up dinner can lift a mountain off someone’s shoulders during a depressive cycle.
#BipolarSupport #MentalHealth
Read More: open.substack.com/pub/speaking...

Gentle reminders are better than nagging.
Offering to go to doctor appointments can be a lifesaver when brain fog hits.
Be their second set of ears.
#BipolarSupport #MentalHealth

Read More: open.substack.com/pub/speaking...

Bipolar stability requires a village. 🏘️
Encourage loved ones to stick to their treatment plan and help them build a safety net.
You don't have to do this alone.
#BipolarSupport #MentalHealth
Read More: open.substack.com/pub/speaking...

Don't be afraid to ask "How are you?"
Even if the answer is short, it shows you care.
Remind your loved ones they are more than their diagnosis. 🌟
#BipolarSupport #MentalHealth
Read More: open.substack.com/pub/speaking...

Your brain isn't concrete,
It's a grassy field.
Learn how to hack a new path through the mental weeds.
You have the power to change.
#BipolarStrong #Neuroplasticity
Read More: bit.ly/4a8cOPp

Forget Everest.
Just aim for 1% better today.
Small steps create massive highways in your brain over time.
You can do 1% better.
#SmallWins #MentalHealthMatters
Read More: open.substack.com/pub/speaking...

Feeling like a fraud while working on your mental health?
Good!
That means you're growing.
Kindness (even self-kindness) feels weird at first,
but keep going for you’re forging a new path.
#GrowthMindset #Bipolar
Read More: open.substack.com/pub/speaking...

Stop fighting your brain.
Swap "But" for "And" to end the shame spiral.
You can be struggling AND resilient.
#BipolarRecovery #SelfCompassion
Read More: open.substack.com/pub/speaking...

Hate journaling?
Try the 30-Second Gratitude Scan instead.
No pen required, just eyeballs.
Let's rewire that brain for joy.
#BipolarLife #GratitudeHack
Read More: open.substack.com/pub/speaking...

Talk to yourself like you would talk to a friend who is sick.
You aren't lazy, you're managing.
Lower your expectations out of kindness.
You are doing enough.
You are enough.
Read more: bit.ly/4r5qRva

My #1 tip for depression:
radical self-compassion.
You are not lazy, broken, or a burden.
You are a person managing an illness.
Be kind to yourself, always.
Read more: bit.ly/4r5qRva

My depression isn't always sad
sometimes it's angry and restless.
Find a safe outlet for that energy.
Tearing up junk mail or scribbling hard on paper is a valid release.
Read more: bit.ly/4r5qRva

Depression can physically hurt.
That ache in your shoulders?
It's real.
My advice: soothe, don't just fix.
A hot shower or a heating pad can be a kind reset for your body.
Read more: bit.ly/4r5qRva

Sleep can feel like a trap.
Whether it's insomnia or sleeping 12+ hours, both can shut you down.
Choose gentle options.
Read a book,
Avoid your phone.
You deserve rest.
Read more: bit.ly/4r5qRva

My brain fog weapon?
Sticky notes
I write everything down
(alarms for meds, notes on the door).
It frees my mind from the pressure.
Be kind to your mind.
Read more: bit.ly/4r5qRva

Depression fatigue is like a lead blanket holding you down. My only goal on those days? Just one micro action: take my meds, drink water, sit for a minute in my art corner. Your worth is more than your productivity.

My favorite color is periwinkle—the best of blue and purple!
Last week's color series is a reminder to look for the positive in all colors.
What's your favorite color?
Read more: bit.ly/4osNIz3

Today's color is blue! 💙
Blue is the color of trust, calm, stability, and good communication.
Looking at the sky or ocean always makes me feel peaceful.
What does blue make you feel?

Read more: bit.ly/4osNIz3

It's Color Week in the Positivity Club!
Today's color is pink.
Pink is associated with gentle things like compassion, unconditional love, and nurturing.
It reminds us of self-compassion.
What does pink make you feel?

Read more: bit.ly/4osNIz3

The Positivity Club is celebrating Color Week!
Today is all about purple. 💜
Once the color of royalty, today it's often associated with wisdom, intuition, and self-love.
What does purple make you think of?
Read more: bit.ly/4osNIz3

It's Color Week in the Positivity Club!
Today's color is green. 💚
Green is associated with balance, nature, healing, and growth.
It's a grounding color.
What does green make you feel?
Read more: bit.ly/4osNIz3

It's Color Week in the Positivity Club!
Today's color is yellow. 💛
Associated with sunshine, warmth, and optimism,
it can even help clear brain fog!
What does yellow make you feel?
Read more: bit.ly/4osNIz3