Sarah

Hi, my name is Sarah. I'm Bipolar.

I was prescribed antidepressants throughout my early 20's whilst struggling my way through an eating disorder, panic attacks and anxiety. I abused alcohol, opiates, myself and my medication before finally being diagnosed with Bipolar disorder aged 27.

Since teenage years I have had cyclical patterns of ups, downs and relatively 'normal phases'. These have been punctuated by large events such as dropping out of University, moving across the world with a perpetual stranger and countless different obsessions from religion to diets to cleaning. I love writing, animals and my brightly coloured plastic jewellery collection. I hate not being able to find a job I love.

A girl wonders how she finds time to breathe! Sometimes she doesn't.

Posts by Sarah

Laughter Isn't Always Funny

19 July 2010 | Posted by Sarah | 3 comments

Topics: Someone who has experienced mental illness, Work and money, Stigma and discrimination

A year since my last long term sickness period and I find myself off work again suffering (and I do think that word is justified) anxiety. I'm a little angry at myself because I had a whole year of not missing one day at work, even when I was tearful, stressed, a bit down and lacking sleep.

Start the World, I want to Get On

09 March 2010 | Posted by Sarah | 6 comments

Topics: Someone who has experienced mental illness, Work and money, Recovery, Social issues

It's been a busy and strange Winter. My moods were fairly stable for quite a while and I think I made the mistake of becoming lazy with my treatment by forgetting to take tablets; drinking too much; keeping irregular sleeping patterns and over indulging in the Christmas festivities.

Bulimia

19 October 2009 | Posted by Sarah | 2 comments

Topics: Someone who has experienced mental illness, Physical health, Recovery, Social issues

This is the hardest part to write. I am disgusted by it. Unlike other illnesses such as anorexia and Bipolar Disorder, which are however wrongly glamourised and associated with models and fabulously creative people, Bulimia is by all intents and purposes disgusting. It's name is not pretty, the act is not graceful. Where did it start?

Ghosts of a Playground Past

17 September 2009 | Posted by Sarah | 2 comments

Topics: Someone who has experienced mental illness, Work and money, Stigma and discrimination

A month after going back to work and I'm turning up at the right place at the right time and meeting my deadlines. Part of my adjustments in returning to work is having Wednesdays off and I find this really helps me keep on top of things in my personal life and to attend Doctor appointments etc.

A Bipolar Holiday

11 August 2009 | Posted by Sarah | 8 comments

Topics: Someone who has experienced mental illness, Family and friends, Work and money

I can't sit still and just 'be'. My skin feels as though it is crackling with energy and keeping me in my body. I cry and punch my bedroom wall. An hour later I am laughing hysterically. I want to make a music video, move to Barcelona, learn German and cook all of Nigella Lawsons recipes in the order they are printed. Song lyrics are stuck in my head. Lady GaGa has moved into my brain. The holidays are over and I am in a mixed up state.

Wired

15 July 2009 | Posted by Sarah | 3 comments

Topics: Someone who has experienced mental illness, Health professionals, Medication and therapies

There is a quote from a former President of the United States of America which reads "Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all." This is food for thought in our daily lives and relationships with family, friends, strangers and colleagues. As this is my first blog, I'll give you an overview of my experience with mental illness.