DBSAlliance

Everywhere you go, you hear about it--Bullying. Sad stories abound. But Kira's story is different. This 16-yo with bipolar describes terrible things her bullies did to her online and how she fought back...and won! In this podcast, you'll hear 3 ways to tackle cyberbullying. At the end, Kira shares a special message for teachers and parents. Also featured: Taylor Swift's song Mean, Kira's anthem.

60 million Americans struggle with insomnia every year. Are you one of them? Do you fight manic nights--only to fall asleep at 3 am and struggle to get up at 7:30 for school or work? Thousands of people with bipolar disorder carry this burden--are you one of them? This podcast features 3 ways to handle a manic night so you can be punctual and productive the next day!

Your Thoughts?/Suggestions for Comments:

Do you have sleepless nights?

Could you use any of these three strategies (avoid stimulating activities, get ready now, & express yourself)?

Despite being bullied for having bipolar disorder, 16-yo Kira is nobody's victim! She talks about how bullying once drove her to a suicide attempt. But her story is filled with hope! She overcame adversity and got into a fine arts school and won numerous music awards including writing a song that garnered a record contract! Hear Kira's 3 tips for managing bipolar disorder and advice for anyone being bullied whatever the reason! Also featured: Taylor Swift's song Mean, Kira's anthem.

Your Thoughts/Suggestions for Comments?

Have you ever been bullied for having a mental illness (bipolar, ADHD, etc.)?

Could you use any of Kira's 3 strategies: 1) take medication 2) build a support network and 3) find an outlet for your frustration ??

So often we complain (and rightfully so) about how the media stereotypes people with mental illnesses. In this podcast, you'll hear about lives changed by Erasing the Distance, a Chicago theater company that destroys stigma & connects people with resources. Hear how your story can become one of their plays and how you can help them win a $25,000 grant! Executive Artistic Director, Brighid O'Shaughnessy talks about how you can attend a show, volunteer, or share your story. Wanna help them win a $25,000 grant in the Chase Community Giving Contest? Contest ends 11/22/11. Vote; check out http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/. If you want to watch a show, submit your story, or learn more, visit www.erasingthedistance.org.

Your Thoughts?:

Were you encouraged by the stories Brighid told--the teenage boy who got help for depression or the woman who found understanding 20 yrs after her rape?

Can you use your pain to help others?

The holidays are supposed to be a happy, magical time. So why do so many Americans complain of holiday stress? And what can you do about it? This podcast explores 3 solutions for holiday stress with many easy-to-apply tips and different examples. Also featured: Andy Williams' It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. ♪ ♪ ♫

Your Thoughts?:

Can you use any of these strategies (focus on people-not perfection, spread out greeting cards & appointments, share your workload)?

Do the holidays stress you out?

We hear Melody and Matt's story! Melody has Bipolar I. Can two friends become lovers? Can love tested by mental illness survive? You'll hear A) tips on loving someone with a mental illness and B) tips on being in a relationship when you have a mental illness. Melody Moezzi is a blogger for bp magazine (bipolar magazine). She is currently writing her second book, which is on bipolar disorder. Visit her website at www.melodymoezzi.com! Featured: Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat. ♪ ♫

Your Thoughts?

Can you use these tips (listen, educate yourself & others, attend support network meetings together, etc.)?

Can you share this podcast with someone else (like a partner)?

Erin, a successful 29-yo with ADHD who is also married to a man with ADHD, shares 3 tips for relationship success. In this series, we hear tips that are helpful for keeping simple misunderstandings from turning into arguments. Advice is also applicable to relationships where ADHD is not a factor. Recommended book: Is It You, Me, or Adult A.D.D.? by Gina Pera http://amzn.com/0981548709

Your Thoughts?:

Can you use any of Erin's 3 tips (choose your battles, leave time between request and expectation of an action, learn as much as you can about your partner's disorder)?

Could you relate to Erin's story?

It's no secret that men and women think differently! But the situation gets more complicated when ADHD enters the picture. Erin, a successful 29-yo with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) also married to a man with ADHD, shares 3 tips for bridging the communication gap between men and women. We discuss common predicaments--woman wants to de-stress by talking about work while man wants to sit and watch the game--what do you do? Bridge the gap with these simple strategies.

Your Thoughts?:

Can you use any of the 3 tips (Communicate clearly, Stay organized, Express love)?

Do you have a romantic success story despite mental illness?

Feel like your family or friends don't know what to say? Share this podcast with them. OR do you love someone who's depressed but never have the right words? Listen up! Here is a top 10 list--actually two Top 5 lists. First: Top 5 Things NOT to Say to a Depressed Person. Second: Top 5 Things TO Say to a Depressed Person. Both lists include comments from Flipswitch listeners who shared their ideas via Twitter!

Your Thoughts?:

What is the worst thing someone said to you when you were depressed?

What is the best thing someone ever said when you were depressed?

If you don't have depression, can you use the tips here (be present, listen first) to help a friend in need?

800 million people use Facebook. 175 million people use Twitter. Social media is now an inescapable part of life. Could you (or someone you love) have what some doctors are calling "Facebook Depression"? What is it and how can you keep it from happening to you? Hear 3 ways.

For more info on how to help a suicidal friend on FB, click here to see the Facebook Help Center.

Or Visit the National Suicide Prevention LIfeline here. Phone number: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Your Thoughts?

Can you use any of these 3 tips (Be: 1. Selective 2. Interactive 3. Active)?

Do you find yourself comparing yourself to others while on FB?