Depression and anxiety turn up in several mental illnesses. Yet when there's a definite mood cycle -- when one energy level of mood becomes apparent, either a too up or too down, and then another eventually takes it place -- this can earn the diagnosis of Bipolar II Disorder if certain criteria are met. I'll talk about what Bipolar II is exactly and relay the stories of two people with Bipolar Disorder, Julie Kraft and Jennifer Marshall, both well-known advocates for talking openly about mental illness. And I'll focus on what are termed "triggers" and how to manage them, so that you learn how to take care of yourself during those times.

Our listener email is from a man in South America whose perfectionism drove him to try every new self-help technique out there, leaving him exhausted and confused. Maybe we should call it an addiction -- "self-helpism." His question is very thought-provoking and I hope you'll enjoy and learn from it.

Important Links:

WebMd article on Bipolar II

Article from the Mayo Clinic on Bipolar Disorder

Article in Psycom on Julie Kraft and her book

Article in Psych Central on ways different people with Bipolar Disorder manage their illness

Jennifer Marshalls Blog :  BipolarMomLife.com

Take Bipolar Quiz

You can hear more about depression and many other topics by listening to my podcast, SelfWork with Dr. Margaret Rutherford. Subscribe to my website and receive one weekly newsletter including my weekly blog post and podcast! If you’d like to join my FaceBook closed group, then click here and answer the membership questions! Welcome!

My new book entitled Perfectly Hidden Depression will be arriving November 1, 2019 and you can pre-order here! Its message is specifically for those with a struggle with strong perfectionism which acts to mask underlying emotional pain. But the many self-help techniques described can be used by everyone who chooses to begin to address emotions long hidden away that are clouding and sabotaging your current life.

And there’s a new way to send me a message! You can record by clicking below and ask your question or make a comment. You’ll have 90 seconds to do so and that time goes quickly. By recording, you’re giving SelfWork (and me) permission to use your voice on the podcast. I’ll look forward to hearing from you!

 

 

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