Top 10 Breaking Bipolar Articles from 2011

Happy new year to everyone. Thanks to all for joining me for a wonderful year of information, interaction and debate. I have learned a lot and I hope you have too. But in case you missed it, here are the top ten articles people were reading from Breaking Bipolar last year:

1. Why Don't We Want to Shower When We're Sick - This piece struck a chord for many who have trouble with basic self-care during mental illness episodes. There were 50 comments on this particular post from people who knew just what this problem was like.
2. "High-Functioning" Bipolar Disorder - This most commented-on article is on what it's like to be perceived as a high-functioning person with bipolar. It's about the costs associated with presenting this image to the world.
3. Charlie Sheen is Suffering From a Manic Episode - That's Not Funny - I took a break from our normal programming to comment on an extremely prevalent news story that I felt was clearly mental health-related. Many disagreed with me stating that I had no right to make that assessment and that Charlie Sheen was acting unusually but mentally healthy (?). Judge for yourself.
4. For Loved Ones after a Suicide Attempt - This post was inspired by a friend of mine who attempted suicide. I wanted to explain to people that a suicide attempt wasn't the fault of those around them. This is a very personal message for me and an important one for many.
5. How to Help Someone with a Mental Illness - I wrote this piece in response to a reader question on this subject. Many loved ones of those with a mental illness feel helpless to help, but there are things that can be done.
6. Bipolar: I'm Sorry I'm Sick - This article is about the perceived need to repeatedly apologize for an illness - something that isn't my fault.
7. Biological Evidence for Depression - Mental Illness Exists - This is one in a series of two posts about the biological evidence for depression. It's important for us all to realize that depression is as real an illness as any other and understanding the biological underpinnings can help us do that.
8. Are People with Bipolar Disorder More Intelligent? - Here I look at some evidence that suggests that people with mental illness are not, in fact, smarter than the average person, in spite of what conventional wisdom may suggest.
9. Mental Illness Means Physical Pain Too - This article reminds people that mental illness isn't just "mental" as the name suggests but it every bit as physical as other illnesses.
10. Bipolar Disorder and the Important of Socializing - in this post I remind us all that socializing is critically important for mental wellness. In fact, working on personal relationships might even be a good thing to look at in the new year.

I look forward to an equally successful 2012.

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