Kitt O'Malley, Author at Kitt O’Malley

Language Frustrates Me

Sep 27, 2015

I wrote this piece about thirty years ago when I was as an undergraduate. I used it as a writing sample when applying for jobs. *** Language frustrates me. Because of it, I think in distinctions; I draw lines where they do not in fact exist; I categorize and differentiate. All this I do to simplify,…

Lost in the Crowd

Sep 26, 2015

in Acceptance, Bipolar Disorder, Poetry

Lost in the crowd Out of my natural surroundings Out of my home Out of my neighborhood At a busy cafe Surrounded by business people On their lunch break I’m unmoored Uncertain of conventions Where do I order my food? Do I pay first? Where do I stand to wait? So many people What should…

Kitt O'Malley – STIGMA SMASHER – NAMIWalks 2015

Sep 25, 2015

in Mental Health Advocacy, Mental Illness, NAMI, Psychosocial Education, Recovery, Volunteering

October 10th my husband and I are walking the 5K NAMIWalks Orange County 2015 with team STIGMA SMASHERS. NAMI Orange County has been instrumental in my mental health recovery. Please visit NAMIWalks.NAMI.org/KittOMalley to sponsor me. Thank you! *** Will you be in Orange County on October 10th? Join our NAMIWalks team: STIGMA SMASHERS William R. Mason Park 18712 University Drive…

Why I #Homeschool

Sep 21, 2015

in Motherhood, Parenting, Vocation

I am not a cookie and bread-baking homeschooler, nor am I homeschooling for religious reasons. In fact, in spite of the fact that I have twice attended a multi-denominational Christian seminary, I remain a skeptical and questioning believer. No, I’m just a mom, trying her best, to find the right fit for her kid. Then,…

Maybe I'm Just a Loner

Sep 20, 2015

in Acceptance, Social Stimulation, Triggers to Mood Cycling

What’s so bad about being a loner? Why is “social isolation” always referred to negatively? Can’t individuals have different needs? Some of us cannot tolerate social stimulation. Some of us do better alone, with a small family, with a close partner. Some of us do not do well in groups.

Throwback Thursday

Sep 17, 2015

in Parenting, Photos

I Don’t Want to Write About #Suicide

Sep 16, 2015

in Depression, Grief, Motherhood, Poetry

I don’t want to write about suicide I don’t want the image of her Clinging onto a chain link fence Chef’s knife in hand Chef’s knife inside of her Looking through the chain link At kids playing in the park She mourned the loss of her son She could not contain her grief She could…

Diva at Heart

Sep 2, 2015

in Acceptance, Bipolar Disorder

My name is Kitt O’Malley, and I am a diva. H.K. Abell aka Helena Hann-Basquiat (a self-proclaimed dilettante) flattered me by describing my nature as bold and brassy (some may think that an insult, not I).

Online High School

Aug 31, 2015

in Anxiety, Chronic Illness, Depression, Disability, Health, Migraine, Parenting

My son struggles with multiple health issues: migraines, cyclic vomiting, weak immune system, allergies, eczema, depression, and anxiety. The newly defined spectrum syndrome ALPIM (Anxiety-Laxity-Pain-Immune-Mood) describes his constellation of symptoms, but does not yet give us answers as to how to cure or treat the underlying genetic disorder. Monday, August 31st would have been my…

I Give Up (Again)

Aug 30, 2015

in Acceptance, Bipolar Disorder, Hypomania, Mental Illness, Mood Cycling, NAMI, Overstimulation, Social Stimulation, Stress, Triggers to Mood Cycling, Volunteering

Here is where I must admit defeat or acknowledge my limitations and sensitivity to social stimulation. I’ve been hypomanic since I began coming into the NAMI Orange County office to volunteer, and since I offered to help with social media. Apparently, both overstimulate me. I love everyone at the NAMI office and so want to…

Author: Kitt O’Malley