Alcoholism Archives » Kitt O’Malley

Caregiving Can Wear You Down #RealTalkAboutCare

Dec 11, 2016

in Alcoholism, Bipolar Disorder, Caregiving, Dementia, Depression, Migraine, Stroke

Since Thanksgiving weekend, I’ve been sick with an upper respiratory infection (URI). As an asthmatic, URI’s tend to go to my lungs. My son, too, is sick and in bed (no way for a teenager to spend the weekend). URI’s are highly contagious. We tend to share far too many illnesses in my family. Even…

DEAR READER: Boundaries, Intimacy, and Trust

Nov 1, 2016

in Alcoholism, Bipolar Disorder, Mental Health

My post published today on Organic Coffee, Haphazardly. Yes, I have boundary issues.

Back from BlogHer16

Aug 8, 2016

in Alcoholism, Blogging, Mental Health, Social Stimulation, Writing

Recuperating from BlogHer16. Wondering if I want to go to NAMI California conference later this month. Prefer intimate get togethers where fellow writers support each other by sharing their knowledge. Do not get much from panel discussions. Plus, staying in hotels is expensive. Besides, I do not really want to monetize my blog. I identify…

Arm's Length

Jul 6, 2016

in Alcoholism, Bipolar Disorder, Caregiving, Family, Mental Health, Recovery, Self care

My psychiatrist has asked me numerous times how my sister has handled my parents differently than I have? How has she protected herself? How has she kept herself from being so enmeshed in the family dynamic? The answer is that my sister says no. She keeps my parents at arm’s length. She didn’t answer the…

Siren Song

Jul 5, 2016

in Acceptance, Alcoholism, Bipolar Disorder, Dual Diagnosis, Mental Health, Mental Illness, Substance Abuse

I have heard the siren song of alcohol and marijuana. Craved the quieting of my thoughts, the slowing down. Prescribed medications do help immensely, but I still understand and am wary of alcohol&#… Source: Siren Song

Brain Dead

Jun 11, 2016

in Alcoholism, Bipolar Disorder, Caregiving, Dementia, Family, Health, Mental Health, Mental Illness, Stroke

All three of us – my son, my husband and me – are sick with a virus of some sort – flu, perhaps. Exhaustion I already felt now worsened by deep fatigue achy muscles, nausea, and headache. My brain just is not working. Pulling up the wrong words. Not able to construct thoughts. Still, took…

Friday Was Tough

Jun 4, 2016

in Alcoholism, Bipolar Disorder, Caregiving, Depression, Dual Diagnosis, Family, Involuntary Hospitalization, Mental Health, Mental Illness, Psychosis

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V4YKeq88Qg&w=560&h=315] Note I’ve received feedback that my delivery in this video is too clinical and offputting. Forgive me. I’m trained as a psychotherapist. No doubt I use my training and jargon not just to understand, but to defend myself, to distance myself. Plus, I just like big words. Edited Transcript – “Ums” Removed Yesterday was…

I'm a Good Daughter, I Promise

May 30, 2016

in Alcoholism, Bipolar Disorder, Caregiving, Dementia, Family, Stroke

Okay. I pulled into a parking lot to adjust the camera. I like driving with the windows open. So we’re going to get a lot of, we’re going to get a lot of noise. I guess I could close the windows, but I love the windows open. I close them when I’m with my son…

May is Mental Health Month

May 3, 2016

in Alcoholism, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Disability, Discrimination, Mental Health, NAMI, Stigma

Anxious about Dementia

Apr 11, 2016

in Alcoholism, Dementia, Family

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjf4kNp9TRU] So here I am, in my car, which is pretty hot. Probably have to open the windows to let in some air. Just going to make it hard for anything to be heard. Oh, oh, that feels good. Okay. I’m on my way to the Alzheimer’s Association of Orange County, or whatever it’s…

Category: Alcoholism