Dual Diagnosis Archives » Kitt O’Malley

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

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…

Bipolar Network News

Dec 30, 2014

in Bipolar Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Dual Diagnosis, Health, Medication, Mental Health

Today I quote the fabulous Bipolar Network News, 6th issue, 2014. The Bipolar Network News keeps track of the latest research on bipolar disorder and its treatment and summarizes it for you. How awesome is that?! I highly recommend visiting their website and signing up for their newsletter. Thank you, Bipolar Network News! In this issue Positive Traits in Bipolar…

Review: An American’s Resurrection

Dec 6, 2014

in Bipolar Disorder, Dual Diagnosis, Gratitude, IBPF, Involuntary Hospitalization, Mania, Mental Health, Mental Health Advocacy, Psychosis, What About God?

An American’s Resurrection: My Pilgrimage from Child Abuse and Mental Illness to Salvation by Eric C Arauz My rating: 5 of 5 stars On November 9, 2014, I had the pleasure of hearing Eric Arauz’s presentation on Conscious Storytelling at the International Bipolar Foundation’s Annual West Coast Meeting. He gave us each a copy of…

Holiday Drinking Triggers Me

Dec 5, 2014

in Acceptance, Alcoholism, Dual Diagnosis, Mental Health, Mood Cycling, Substance Abuse, Triggers to Mood Cycling

Originally posted on STIGMAMA.com at Holiday Drinking Triggers Me, by Kitt O’Malley. Holidays I find unsettling. Not only are the days far too short, but visiting family can destabilize me and trigger bipolar symptoms. I acutely feel a genetic predisposition to alcoholism, drinking minimally, but craving intoxication, more so when triggered. The holidays trigger me for…

IBPF Consumer Track Meeting

Nov 10, 2014

in Acceptance, Alcoholism, Bipolar Disorder, Dual Diagnosis, Health, Medication, Mental Health, Psychosocial Education, Public Speaking, Recovery, Substance Abuse

Yesterday I attended the IBPF (International Bipolar Foundation) Annual West Coast Meeting – Consumer Track. The one-day consumer track meeting covered quite a bit which I outline here, providing links to more information. David J. Miklowitz, PhD Professor of Psychiatry, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UCLA Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at…

NAMI Week Six ~ Dual Diagnosis

Aug 27, 2014

in Anxiety, Dual Diagnosis, NAMI, Psychosocial Education, Substance Abuse

Twice today peers, both recovering addicts, have suggested that although I do not drink much, I may be an alcoholic because of my relationship with alcohol (and marijuana, for that matter). The statements ring true. Within me lives an alcoholic over whom I must exert tremendous control. I sense a strong genetic and biological predisposition to alcoholism…

Thank You Nonsense and Shenanigans

Jul 12, 2014

in Dual Diagnosis, Gratitude, Mental Health Blogging, Past Awards – No Longer Accept, Writing

Tempest Rose, author of the amazing blog Nonsense & Shenanigans – Trying to make sense out of nonsense and shenanigans …but usually achieving the opposite, today honored me by nominating me for the Liebster Award at http://nonsenseshenanigans.com/2014/07/12/liebster-award/. Please go visit her blog, enjoy her writing, and learn more about her. The blogs she nominated are well worth reading. Although greatly…

Apologizing to Roses

Jun 7, 2014

in Bipolar Disorder, Dual Diagnosis, Past Awards – No Longer Accept, Recovery, Writing

I can’t believe I forgot to nominate Lori Lynne Armstrong for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award for her blog: Not This Song | A storytelling site about dual diagnosis recovery. I’m also reblogging one of her many incredibly well-written and insightful posts. She is a truly gifted writer. Please check out Lori Lynne Armstrong at: Not This Song | A…

Bring Me Thy Failure

May 31, 2014

in Acceptance, Bipolar Disorder, Dual Diagnosis, Recovery

I love this blog post by Lori Lynne Armstrong about acceptance.

Category: Dual Diagnosis