Natasha Tracy's Blog, page 3

Should Doctors Be Allowed to Medicate Mentally Ill Patients Without Consent?

Should doctors be allowed to medicate people with mental illness without their consent? This controversial topic sparks debate, but in emergency situations, what are the real options? Explore the ethical and practical considerations of psychiatric treatment without consent and why it might be necessary for patient safety.

L-Methylfolate and Antidepressants: Can This Supplement Boost Your Treatment?

Struggling with antidepressants that just aren’t working? L-methylfolate (MTHF) might be the missing piece. This key nutrient helps your brain produce serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—exactly what antidepressants target. But some people don’t make enough of it naturally. Could supplementing with MTHF boost your treatment? Find out what the research says, plus my thoughts on it.

When Depression and Anxiety Treatment Fails: Finding Hope and Support

What do you do when therapy and medication don’t work? This guest writer spent years battling depression and anxiety, searching for relief that never seemed to come. In this personal story, he shares his journey through treatment-resistant mental illness — the frustration, the hopelessness, and the unexpected places he found support. If you’ve ever felt like giving up, this article is for you.

Smiling Through Depression: The Hidden Pain of High-Functioning Mental Illness

"Smiling depression" and "high-functioning depression" aren’t official diagnoses, but if you’ve ever forced a smile while feeling broken inside, you know they’re real. I’ve lived it—going through life as if everything is fine while struggling just to get through the day. If you hide your pain, function because you have to, and feel exhausted from pretending, you’re not alone. In this article, I share my experience with smiling depression, why we do it, and why it’s okay to stop hiding. You don’t have to carry this alone.

Thoughts and Feelings Are Not Facts: How to Reality-Test Your Brain

Your thoughts and feelings aren’t always telling the truth—but they feel like they are. This cognitive trap can fuel anxiety, depression, and even destructive behaviors. So how do you reality-test your thoughts and emotions? Here, I break down why thoughts and feelings aren’t facts, how they trick you, and practical ways to challenge them. Learn how to stop believing everything your mind tells you!

Bipolar Rule: You must advocate for your health needs.

Advocating for your health with bipolar disorder can be a challenge, especially when stigma and misunderstanding get in the way. Discover practical tips to ensure your voice is heard, your concerns are taken seriously, and you get the care you deserve. Don't let prejudice stop you — empower yourself with these essential self-advocacy strategies

The Hidden Truth About New Year’s and Suicide — Finding Hope and Healing in January

New Year’s is often seen as a time for fresh starts and celebration, but for many, it can be overwhelming, especially for those living with bipolar disorder. The cultural pressure to “start over” combined with feelings of loneliness or failure can make January 1 a particularly difficult day, even increasing the risk of suicide. In this article, I uncover the hidden struggles of New Year’s Day, explore why it can feel so challenging, and offer practical steps to find hope and healing in January and beyond.

Best Mental Health Charities to Donate to This Holiday Season and Beyond

Looking for a meaningful last-minute gift? Discover the top-rated mental health charities that make a real impact. Whether you're honoring someone special or simply want to give back, these organizations are doing incredible work to support mental health and serious mental illness. Learn how your donation can make a difference today.

Shame Vs. Guilt: The Psychological Difference and How to Overcome Toxic Shame

Did you know guilt and shame, though often confused, have drastically different effects on your mental health? While guilt can guide you toward growth, toxic shame tears you down, harming your self-worth and relationships. Discover the psychological differences between these emotions, why shame is so toxic, and practical steps to overcome it in this revealing article.

10 of the Best Thoughtful Gifts for a Friend or Loved One with Bipolar Disorder 2024

Struggling to find the perfect gift for someone with bipolar disorder? These 10 thoughtful and supportive ideas focus on self-care, relaxation, and creativity, helping you show how much you care. Plus, find out how to win a pair of inspiring PJs (enter before November 30)!