Natasha Tracy's Blog, page 2

Suicide Attempts & Shame: How to Heal After a Symptom of Serious Mental Illness

Up to half of people with bipolar disorder will attempt suicide—but that moment of crisis is a medical symptom, not a moral failing. Learn why shame doesn’t belong here, how to reclaim hope, and where to find real-time help.

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. If you’ve ever doubted psychiatry, read this first.

Mental Health Awareness Month 2025: Turn Awareness Into Action

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May is more than a hashtag — it’s your chance to spark real change. Explore 14 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. Dive in and pick your first action today.

Why Mental Illness Feels So Lonely: You’re Not Alone with Depression or Bipolar

Mental illness lies to you. It says you're alone. But whether you're living with depression, bipolar, or another diagnosis, you're not the only one. Here's why mental illness feels so isolating — and what to remember when you're in the dark.

Bipolar Rule: Stop insulting yourself. ‘Bipolar Rules!’ Sneak Peek

Do you insult yourself without even thinking? You’re not alone — especially if you’re dealing with depression. These internal attacks can feel normal, but they’re not harmless. Learn why self-insults happen, how they spiral, and how to start fighting back with real, practical tools.

Is Salt Making You Sad? How Sodium May Cause Depression and What Else Diet Research Reveals

We’ve long known that diet plays a role in depression, but new research is uncovering just how powerful that connection really is. From high-sodium foods increasing depression risk to the surprising effects of the Mediterranean and keto diets, here’s what the latest science says about how what you eat affects your mood.

How Depression Affects Memory: Why You Can’t Remember Being Happy

When you’re depressed, it can feel like you’ve always been depressed — like joy is just something you imagined. This article explores how depression warps memory through state-dependent and mood-congruent recall, making it difficult to remember positive emotions. Drawing on both personal experience and scientific insight, it explains why sadness seems permanent and how some joyful memories — especially from before illness — can break through the fog. If you’ve ever wondered why you can’t remember being happy, this is for you.

Autism on ‘Survivor’: Eva Erickson’s Powerful Meltdown and Comeback

When Survivor featured a powerful autism meltdown and recovery on national TV, it showed the world what true neurodivergent strength looks like. Here's why Eva Erickson’s moment matters so deeply.

I Know How to Cure Bipolar Disorder

People love to promise miracle cures for bipolar disorder — herbs, supplements, religion, and more. But anyone claiming to have 'the answer' is either misled or selling something. This post tackles the dangers of false hope, profit-driven cures, and why scientific treatment is the only real path forward.