About Me
**Disclaimer: The opinions on this website and in my blog are just from our personal experiences. I am not a professional mental health worker nor a medical doctor; I am just someone who has lived experience with Bipolar Disorder, it's various effects on my family and myself, and how we've educated ourselves to steadily improve my mental wellness and for my family to stay well.**
I am 48 yrs old and a proud mom of 2 beautiful daughters (inside and out), ages 23 and 21. I was an "empty-nester" but my darlings have moved back home to pay off their post-secondary school debts. I am incredibly grateful to have them back. I have been married (second-time-around) to a warm, wonderful, and supportive man for 7 yrs. Yes, he married me after I was diagnosed, true love is possible with a mental illness.
As mentioned on my home page, I was diagnosed with late onset Bipolar Disorder II in March 2010, just after my 41st birthday. Not only was it a total unexpected shock for me, but for my whole family as well, as I had no previous history of mental illness symptoms.
Through my blog posts and upcoming vlogs, it may come across that I am "fine". Please don't let that fool you as we all wear the "mask" from time to time, some more than others, and though I am spend the majority of the time in the depressive state of my Bipolar I always strive to make the best of a lousy day and most of the time try and put a positive spin on things.
Over the past few years, I have been approached by many people and agencies, to contribute to their websites and books, and share my stories of hope and perseverance. Below are links to the ones I have done to date and will update as more come in. Again, I try and put a positive light on my life because "behind every cloud is the sun". Please take the time to read and listen to my contributions to our mental health community; I am proud of how far I have come over the past 7 years and look forward to a healthy and happy future. We can get through this together!
My Resources Library is constantly growing. I am a true lifelong learner and have absorbed many extensive hours, days, years, learning not only about Bipolar Disorder, but other mental illness. I wanted a greater scope of knowledge so I am not ignorant when I'm helping others, educating the public, and being an active advocate and influencer, in the Mental Health Communities, on the many social media platforms out in the World Wide Web.
On my Reviews on My Resources page are a variety of Mental Health related books; memoirs, self-help, handbooks, and those that are related to this subject. These reviews are part of a free service that I provide to authors to help them reach a greater population of those having a mental illness, their loved ones, or their carers.
The Great Links and Bloggers tab are those that I go to for information and guidance. I am constantly adding to the list, so if you have something that you would like to contribute to our tribe of mental health warriors please do not hesitate to contact me at ourbpfamily@gmail.com
Last but not least, Take the Next Step. Questions, comments, and stories are ALWAYS welcome here! So please take part to End the Stigma surrounding Mental Health.
We sincerely hope you enjoy and find value with our posts,
Much love and respect,
The Marchildon Family
Cory, Laura, Caitlin, Sarah, plus Boomer and Keiko, our two companion Yorkies
I am 48 yrs old and a proud mom of 2 beautiful daughters (inside and out), ages 23 and 21. I was an "empty-nester" but my darlings have moved back home to pay off their post-secondary school debts. I am incredibly grateful to have them back. I have been married (second-time-around) to a warm, wonderful, and supportive man for 7 yrs. Yes, he married me after I was diagnosed, true love is possible with a mental illness.
As mentioned on my home page, I was diagnosed with late onset Bipolar Disorder II in March 2010, just after my 41st birthday. Not only was it a total unexpected shock for me, but for my whole family as well, as I had no previous history of mental illness symptoms.
Through my blog posts and upcoming vlogs, it may come across that I am "fine". Please don't let that fool you as we all wear the "mask" from time to time, some more than others, and though I am spend the majority of the time in the depressive state of my Bipolar I always strive to make the best of a lousy day and most of the time try and put a positive spin on things.
Over the past few years, I have been approached by many people and agencies, to contribute to their websites and books, and share my stories of hope and perseverance. Below are links to the ones I have done to date and will update as more come in. Again, I try and put a positive light on my life because "behind every cloud is the sun". Please take the time to read and listen to my contributions to our mental health community; I am proud of how far I have come over the past 7 years and look forward to a healthy and happy future. We can get through this together!
- Contributing author for "The I'mpossible Project: Changing Minds, Breaking Stigma, Achieving the Impossible" by Joshua Rivedal
- Contributing writer for "Stories of Hope", by David Susman PhD
- Contributing writer for "#iAMproject.community"
- A heartfelt message from my beautiful supportive daughters in my name "The S Word: Wall of Hope" (hover over my name for their message)
- Contributing bipolar audio clip for "#iAMproject.community"
My Resources Library is constantly growing. I am a true lifelong learner and have absorbed many extensive hours, days, years, learning not only about Bipolar Disorder, but other mental illness. I wanted a greater scope of knowledge so I am not ignorant when I'm helping others, educating the public, and being an active advocate and influencer, in the Mental Health Communities, on the many social media platforms out in the World Wide Web.
On my Reviews on My Resources page are a variety of Mental Health related books; memoirs, self-help, handbooks, and those that are related to this subject. These reviews are part of a free service that I provide to authors to help them reach a greater population of those having a mental illness, their loved ones, or their carers.
The Great Links and Bloggers tab are those that I go to for information and guidance. I am constantly adding to the list, so if you have something that you would like to contribute to our tribe of mental health warriors please do not hesitate to contact me at ourbpfamily@gmail.com
Last but not least, Take the Next Step. Questions, comments, and stories are ALWAYS welcome here! So please take part to End the Stigma surrounding Mental Health.
We sincerely hope you enjoy and find value with our posts,
Much love and respect,
The Marchildon Family
Cory, Laura, Caitlin, Sarah, plus Boomer and Keiko, our two companion Yorkies
