Daily Writing Prompt

December 14, 2025 Looking for the Light5 Comments

Daily writing prompt

Tell us one thing you hope people say about you.

I don’t hope for people to think or say nice things about me, that’s not important. What’s important is what I think about myself and it’s a bonus if people think kindly of me. I’m thrilled everytime a blogger sends me a nice comment or appreciates a post, it’s an instant smile every time. People judge or have a perception of you based on many factors and it’s beyond our control.

Living an authentic life is how I live and people will form their own perception of me. I’m mostly talking about blogging because my close family members are no longer here and it’s hard to make friends when you don’t leave the house.

Living life wishing or worrying about what other’s think of you is a waist of time. My reply is not meant to sound negative, it’s my reality and everyone’s is different. The difference it what makes the world go round.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

AI · Health and Wellbeing · Internet Good/Bad · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward

Ask the Doctor: How Safe Is AI for Mental Health Information?

December 9, 2025 Looking for the Light6 Comments

It’s critical to remember AI pulls information from all souces and can’t be relied on as factual information.

AI offers quick information, yet it lacks the human insight required for safe, individualized mental health care.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly become part of our daily lives. Whether it’s a chatbot answering questions online, an app offering mental health “coaching,” or a website summarizing medical information, the presence of AI in healthcare is growing rapidly.

For many, these tools feel like an easy, convenient first step when they’re worried about a symptom or seeking information. And used wisely, AI can indeed be helpful. It is essential, however, to recognize the limitations and pitfalls of AI.

What AI Can Do Well

AI tools are very good at providing general information. If you want to know the common side effects of drug “A,” the difference between two medications, or the meeting times for Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in your community, a quick query can often bring up what you need. A Google search uses AI. These tools can scan large amounts of digital information and summarize it in seconds.

They can remind you of questions to ask your clinician or point you toward community resources you might not have known existed. As an educational tool, AI can help us feel more prepared and informed for a medical visit.

Where AI Falls Short: It Cannot Replace Human Insight

Problems arise when we begin using AI as a replacement for the clinical judgment of an experienced care provider. Clinical skills are developed over years of training and experience in patient care. The expertise acquired involves integrating judgment, logic, and reasoning on a background knowledge of the patient and circumstances. AI lacks this “lived and learned” experience and the insight that emerges only through direct clinical practice.

AI cannot understand the nuances of your personal history, context, values, or medical complexity. It cannot look you in the eye, notice subtle changes in your mood or tone of voice, or sense when you need extra reassurance or immediate intervention. These human qualities are a cherished and vital part of the clinical appointment.

AI Can Make Mistakes — and Miss Warning Signs

Most importantly, AI tools can, and do, make mistakes. They may sound confident and reassuring while giving incomplete, misleading, or even inaccurate health information.

It can be hard to know whether information, even when it sounds plausible, is outdated, incorrect, or completely made up (an AI “hallucination,” a term for when the system invents information that sounds believable but isn’t).

AI also lacks the ability to recognize emergencies. Someone searching phrases like “I can’t go on,” “I feel hopeless,” or “how to hurt myself” may receive generic wellness advice rather than the urgent, clear direction to reach crisis services. For individuals in distress, delays or misdirection carry serious risks.

Human emotions and suffering are enormously complex, and it must be recognized that a significant number of individuals who die by suicide have seen a care provider in the weeks prior. Suicide is notoriously difficult to predict.

Chronic and pervasive thoughts of wanting to pass from this world are common among those living with mental health conditions. What are the signs of imminent action? Many who spend time with a provider in the weeks before death by suicide do not reveal a plan. If they had, the provider would be expected to put in place the process for immediate help.

What they wouldn’t have done is what AI did in the past year, namely, helping write an explanatory letter about their upcoming suicide.

Privacy Risks Are Real

There is also the major concern of privacy. Most AI systems collect data, more than we users realize. What you type into a chatbot is likely stored, used in some way, and may be shared with other systems. It’s important to be thoughtful and cautious about sharing personal details.

Using AI Safely: A Helpful Tool, Not a Decision-Maker

So what is the safest way to use AI in mental health? Think of these tools simply as what they are: tools. Use them to gather background information, learn about treatment options, or locate community resources. AI can help you understand the vocabulary of mental health care, remind you of questions to ask your clinician, and empower you to participate more fully in your treatment.

But when it comes to making diagnostic decisions, adjusting medications, interpreting symptoms, or determining whether a treatment is right for you personally, AI should never replace the guidance of a trained clinician.

Mental health care involves listening, observing, collaborating, and understanding people within the context of their lives. Follow-up questions for clarification are the hallmark of an experienced clinician. No matter how sophisticated the technology becomes, these human dimensions cannot be automated.

A Helpful Companion, With Careful Limits

AI is a useful tool, and I use it daily, as do many of my patients. But like any tool, it must be used carefully and wisely. Stay curious, stay informed, and above all, stay connected to the professionals who can provide the clinical judgment and personalized care that AI cannot.

Remember AI is a tool for basic information but is not factual.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.bphope.com/ask-the-doctor-how-safe-is-ai-for-bipolar-disorder-information/?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=bphope&utm_content=Best+-+Dec2+-+AI

Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward · Trauma

Agoraphobia: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options

November 4, 2025 Looking for the Light2 Comments

Agoraphobia is a common but often misunderstood anxiety disorder that can make everyday situations feel overwhelming or even impossible; understanding the signs and seeking the right support can help you reclaim your freedom,

Many mental health conditions are simply extreme degrees of minor challenges that most people face regularly. It’s perfectly natural to feel some nervousness when you’re going somewhere you’ve never been before or going to a crowded place where there are a lot of people you don’t know; But, agoraphobia is different.

If that slight tinge of nervousness becomes intense anxiety that prevents you from doing things you normally would, it might be a condition called agoraphobia.

What Is Agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is an intense fear of situations where there may not be an easy way to escape or where you may feel trapped or helpless.

At its core, it’s a phobia of being in a situation where you’re panicking and there’s not an easy way out. This typically translates into a fear of familiar places, crowds, public transportation and very open areas like large parking lots and open water.

In any given year, about 2% of people experience agoraphobia. That is about 6.8 million people in the US. It’s more commonly diagnosed in women than in men.

Agoraphobia can have a profound impact on your daily life. It can range in severity from avoiding certain activities you might otherwise enjoy, like parties, concerts or other large social events, to being unable to leave your home.

Some people become homebound for years or are unable to maintain a career and care for themselves because of it.

The Relationship Between Agoraphobia and Anxiety and Panic Disorders

Agoraphobia, like any other phobia, is a type of anxiety disorder. But it also has a unique relationship to panic disorders.

Agoraphobia often develops after a panic attack in a public place where escape feels impossible. Even if you were able to get out of the situation the first time, you have a fear that next time you won’t be able to.

Symptoms of Agoraphobia

The symptoms of agoraphobia include an extreme fear of:

Unfamiliar places
Public spaces, especially crowded places
Waiting in line
Leaving home by yourself
Using public transportation
Enclosed spaces outside your home, like elevators or movie theaters
Large open spaces like parking lots or open water

Agoraphobia is specific to these types of circumstances, where you might not have a clear path to safety. Extreme anxiety in situations other than these might indicate other anxiety disorders.

Where’s the Line Between Worry and Agoraphobia?

One of the tricky aspects of phobias is understanding the difference between a “normal” amount of anxiety about a particular situation and a phobia. While only a mental health professional can diagnose agoraphobia, you could have this condition if:

Your level of anxiety in the situation is out of proportion with the actual danger
Your fear prevents you from doing things you would otherwise enjoy, like certain social outings
You stop doing certain things or going places unless you have a trusted companion with you
You’re experiencing these symptoms for six months or longer

When you’re in a situation that triggers your agoraphobia, the symptoms can manifest in physical, emotional or psychological and behavioral ways.

In these situations, physical symptoms can include:

Tightness in your chest
Rapid heartbeat
Shortness of breath or hyperventilating (breathing too fast)
Dizziness or disorientation
Shaking or trembling
Sweating even though you’re not warm
Upset stomach

Meanwhile, the emotional or psychological symptoms can include:

Dread
Fixating on what could go wrong
Feeling a loss of control
Fear that you’re dying

During agoraphobia triggering situations, you may also have these behavioral symptoms:

Avoiding certain situations, like crowded places
Only going to certain places if you have someone with you
Only going to certain places or events after planning out escape routes or what to do if you need to get out

Causes and Risk Factors of Agoraphobia

How do you know if you’re at risk for developing agoraphobia? It usually develops in the teenage or early adult years and does seem to have a genetic link. People who have a close relative with agoraphobia are more likely to develop it. Some studies indicate that the heritability is as high as 48-61%.

Genetics isn’t the only factor, though. There are often traumas and life experiences that contribute to agoraphobia, especially trauma that occurs in childhood. This can include abuse, being attacked or the loss of someone with whom you felt safe, such as a parent.

It’s also important to note that many people with agoraphobia have other mental health conditions too, like panic disorder, depression or PTSD. In particular, a large number of people with agoraphobia already had a panic disorder.Their agoraphobia may have been triggered after having a panic attack in a place where they felt unsafe or helpless.

While a panic attack in a public place might trigger agoraphobia, often these people already had some level of anxiety in these situations. So it may be a combination of panic disorder and existing agoraphobic tendencies.

How Agoraphobia Affects Daily Life

One of the hallmarks of a phobia or other anxiety disorders is its impact on your daily life and the limitations that it creates for you. It can affect your work, romantic relationships, family relationships and social life in numerous ways.

You may decline social events and invitations due to anxiety about the situation, or struggle to complete work assignments if they involve situations that make you anxious. You could be limited in the types of jobs you can accept.

Maybe you can only able to perform jobs where you can work from home or jobs that don’t involve situations in public or crowded places. Finally, your relationships may suffer because you aren’t able to join loved ones for the things they enjoy doing.

Agoraphobia can even prevent you from taking care of yourself and living independently, especially when it is severe. It could prevent you from doing essential tasks like going to the grocery store or running other errands, such as going to the doctor.

Finally, agoraphobia can have a substantial impact on your mental health, especially if you have co occurring conditions already. It can worsen conditions like depression, because you feel trapped at home or aren’t able to do activities that could boost your serotonin. In some cases, it can make substance use disorder worse, too.

Agoraphobia changed my life over five years ago. I don’t drive, walk outside of house, only leave the house for doctors appointments or to see my hairdresser. It’ also affected the activities I did in the past with my husband. I’ve read some great information on how to slowly gain confidence on being by myself. I have a plan to start as soon as my shoulder heals from surgery.

If Agoraphobia is impacting you quality of life, I hear you, and wish you all the best at venturing out when the time is right for you.

I am in no way supporting the site or it’s service offers, it is just the great information.

Melinda

To read the entire article click HERE.

Reference:

https://therapy.com/conditions/agoraphobia/

Book Review · Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward

Book Review For Degloved: Every Scar Has A Story

October 19, 2025 Looking for the Light1 Comment

I want to say a special thank you to Laura Sebright, Marketing & Ecommerce Executive at Trigger Publishing for sending this very interesting book for review.

About the Author

On October 18th 2014, Adelaide was in a bike crash that would change her life. She went through the driver’s side window of a car that pulled in front of her, suffering injuries that almost killed her – and emotional trauma that would continue for years to come. In addition to facing the physical injuries and PTSD, Adelaide worried about how the crash would affect her ability to cope with her bipolar II. After an arduous recovery, she returned to riding, eventually qualifying to become a professional triathlete. She is an advocate for cyclists’ safety and strives to help others who have suffered life-threatening crashes. Adelaide lives with her husband Kennett and their dog Maybellene.

Blurb

When the red Fiat pulled out in front of Adelaide, she squeezed her bike’s brakes so hard that she left 50 feet of skid marks along the highway. The last thing she remembers is being lifted into the ambulance and someone saying, “Her face is peeled off.”

She spent five days in a medically-induced coma, during which surgeons picked glass from her face, reconstructed bones and inserted a stomach tube. She spent another six days unable to talk, at times gasping for air, enduring leech treatments to keep her necrotizing lip alive, and fearing a crippling bipolar episode. Without knowing what neurological damage or permanent disfigurement she’d be left with, her boyfriend Kennett proposed to Adelaide daily in the hospital, until she became conscious. But her recovery would extend far beyond the hospital and the visible physical injuries.

DEGLOVED is about perseverance as well as failure, written to give hope to those living with mental illness, and anyone who has had a traumatic event thrust upon them, which threatened to destroy their lives.

My Thoughts

Where do you go after an accident almost cost took your life? For Adelaide, it’s moving forward slowly with an eye on recovery and sharing her story to help others. Not only was she in a coma, but also had reconstructive surgery, leech treatments, and fears that her Bipolar Disorder will pop its ugly head.

When you suffer from a traumatic injury it can cause PTSD and slow the recovery process. It can be more complicated if you have a mental illness, like Bipolar Disorder. For me, stress is a huge trigger for my Bipolar Disorder and it’s something I have to keep an eye on. It can throw me into depression very quickly.

Degloved is a book of tragedy and triumph with great lessons to learn about life after unsurmountable odds. Adelaide is a strong person and her perseverance against the odds gave her life back. She’s also a walking example of what our body can do when it comes back from hell.

Adelaide pushes herself thru unimaginable odds to go on to not only compete again but is now a professional Triathlete.

This book is for anyone who has been involved in a traumatic event or knows someone that has. The book is great for caregivers.

I recommend the book hands down. It’s a great read and a very inspiring story.

Trigger Publishing

TriggerHub.org is the first mental health organization of its kind. We are bringing mental health recovery and balance to millions of people worldwide through the power of our books. We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives.

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · Daily Writing Prompt · Family · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Moving Forward

Daily Writing Prompt

October 5, 2025 Looking for the Light9 Comments

Daily writing prompt

What would you do if you lost all your possessions?

View all responses

After the shock wore off, I would cry for the photos of my Grandparents lost and any cherished items they handed down to me. Then I would have to get a grip the best way possible and be thankful for a roof over my head, food to eat and that my family is alive.

Things are nice to have, pretty decorations, art work, books, and list goes on, yet we don’t need those to survive. All we have to do is look around our own country and many other countries where so many people live in poverty and we can see how a simple act of kindness puts a heartfelt smile on their face. A simple gesture like repairing a leaky pipe for an elderly couple brings joy, tears and most important they don’t feel forgotten. I got a bit of course there.

I’m blessed in life, in poverty and in riches, I’ve found joy and a will to keep moving forward.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Celebrate Life · Climate Change · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Moving Forward

Friday Quote

September 19, 2025 Looking for the Light4 Comments

Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.

Melinda

Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Illness · Moving Forward

How to Handle Disrespect Without Taking It Personally

September 16, 2025 Looking for the Light7 Comments

Bipolar can make disrespect feel overwhelming. Reframing others’ behavior keeps the focus on their actions — not your worth.

Did you know that no one can disrespect you?

That’s right! No one can disrespect us. When we feel disrespected, we’re taking someone’s words or actions personally, and we choose to feel disrespected. We assign to our response feelings like invalidation or disrespect. In actuality, they are not disrespecting us. Here’s why.

You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s absolutely true: People’s actions are a reflection of the person they are. They are projecting their behavior onto us.

Don’t Take Disrespect Personally

Learning not to take things personally is so important to our mental well-being and happiness. When we think people are being disrespectful, invalidating, or rejecting, that’s when we’re taking their behaviors personally and making their behaviors about us.

Another person’s behavior is not about us. It may feel like people are acting a certain way because of us, but the way people act is always about them.

When we feel disrespected, this is our cue to start reframing the situation for clarity and perspective. Instead of taking things personally and feeling bad about ourselves, we need to change our thinking to find perspective, objectivity, and clarity.

Reframe Negative Thoughts for a Healthier Perspective

I used to feel disrespected all the time, like I didn’t matter, and people put me last or trampled my boundaries. We can feel very low and cultivate a lot of negative thinking about ourselves when we have this perspective. This is not good for promoting a solid sense of self, healthy self-esteem, or positive self-image.

We need to protect ourselves from emotional hurt and invalidation. I’ve found that when I can reframe hurtful actions as experiences rather than taking them personally, it helps me cope with people who may be unaware or hurtful.

Not having the situation be about me makes it easier to maintain perspective, distance, and detachment.

How do you do this? Instead of claiming disrespect, detach from that idea and reframe the situation in terms of how the disrespectful person was behaving. Your thought process is no longer, They were disrespectful to me, which hurt my feelings! Instead, it becomes:

They were being rude
They were acting like a jerk
They were being insensitive
They were being disrespectful

And here’s the important part, … but that is a poor reflection of them and not hurtful to me.Again, the key here is, that’s not hurtful to me.

Why Strong Boundaries Protect Your Mental Health

The most important dynamic in human behavior and healthy relationships is creating and maintaining boundaries, in my opinion. Boundaries allow clarity, perspective, and detachment because they keep us in a safe space and separated from what crosses our boundaries and creates anger or hurt.arated from what crosses our boundaries and creates hurt or anger.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.bphope.com/blog/taking-yourself-on-effective-strategies-to-deal-with-disrespect/?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=bphope&utm_content=Best+-+Sep9+-+Anger

Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Illness · Moving Forward

Top Bipolar Disorder Support Organizations and Resources

September 15, 2025 Looking for the Light1 Comment

Professional support groups and networks play a vital role in addressing challenges faced by those living with bipolar disorder and their families.

Finding the right support can make a world of difference when living with bipolar disorder. National and international organizations offer resources, education, and community — helping individuals and families feel informed, empowered, and less alone.

These care networks — such as peer and professional support groups — create a sense of connection and belonging and provide practical insights for navigating the often complex mental health care system. They also offer valuable tools, such as self-help strategies and lifestyle recommendations, which empower individuals to manage their symptoms more effectively.

In addition to providing support and resources, some national networks are actively involved in research, clinical trials, and the development of innovative therapies.

Here’s a roundup of the best bipolar support organizations contributing to a brighter future for those who live with bipolar disorder or love someone who does:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides a range of programs designed to educate you and your family about bipolar disorder, including a peer-to-peer program specifically for adults living with mental health conditions.

They also feature a helpline on their website that offers free, confidential support, as well as referrals to local services, and guidance from trained volunteers. With local chapters all over the United States, the national organization can provide you with direct assistance, including access to support groups, educational initiatives, and community outreach programs.

As advocates for improved mental health policies, the National Alliance on Mental Illness actively works to enhance access to care, safeguard your rights, and increase research funding. Plus, they share the latest research findings in bipolar disorder management, helping you stay informed and empowered.

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)

As a leading national organization specializing in depression and bipolar disorder, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance reaches millions of people each year with its extensive selection of resources. A key feature of their support system is the array of both in-person and online support groups, which are led by individuals who’ve had personal experiences with mood disorders. These groups provide a safe and comforting space where you can share your experiences, gain support, and learn coping strategies. And if you’re interested, they also provide training so you, too, can lead support groups and share your experiences with others.

The organization also offers dedicated resources for support partners, families, and friends. They provide an online community where your support network can connect with others in similar situations to exchange advice and gain support.

In addition to these support groups, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance has plenty of educational materials to help you better understand your diagnosis, learn about treatment options, and find strategies for maintaining your bipolar stability.

Mental Health America (MHA)

A reliable resource to guide you on your journey with bipolar, Mental Health America offers a wealth of helpful information. This includes detailed insights into symptoms, understanding the diagnosis process, exploring various treatment options, and practical strategies for day-to-day coping.

Through their website, they offer various tools, including online screening options, to help you identify potential bipolar symptoms, insightful articles about the mood disorder, and hosting educational webinars and podcasts.

Understanding the value of shared experiences and community in managing bipolar disorder, Mental Health America promotes its peer-support platform, Inspire. They also conduct public awareness campaigns to help reduce stigma and advocate for research to enhance our understanding and management of this diagnosis.

International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF)

A valuable support, the International Bipolar Foundation provides a range of educational tools, including informative webinars and detailed blogs to help you — and your loved ones — understand and manage your condition more effectively. If you’re newly diagnosed, they offer a free book to guide you through this journey.

Recognizing the importance of having people around who understand what you’re going through, the foundation maintains a list of support groups worldwide. One of their main goals is to help you connect with these groups and mental health professionals, ensuring you can always find the help you need.

In collaboration with global organizations and experts, the International Bipolar Foundation is dedicated to advancing research to improve our knowledge and treatment of bipolar disorder. They’re also active in raising awareness and reducing stigma through various campaigns, promoting greater societal understanding and acceptance. For anyone in a crisis, they list international suicide hotlines.

American Psychiatric Association (APA)

Dedicated to promoting mental health through research, education, and advocacy, the American Psychiatric Association offers valuable resources for individuals with bipolar disorder and healthcare professionals. They create guidelines that doctors use to diagnose and treat bipolar, ensuring that you’re getting care based on the most current knowledge and research.

They also educate psychiatrists and health providers about the latest findings and treatment methods for bipolar disorder, which helps keep your health team updated and well-equipped to support you.

The association also conducts research and advocates for policies and funding that improve mental health care. This work can lead to a better understanding and treatments for bipolar disorder in the future. You can find informative articles, webinars, podcasts, and guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, all aimed at increasing understanding, reducing stigma, and improving overall care. If you need to find a psychiatrist in your area, consider trying their Find a Psychiatrist tool.

Mayo Clinic

This top U.S. hospital provides personalized care and support for people living with bipolar disorder, which includes everything from diagnosis to treatment. Mayo Clinic’s team of specialists, including those from their Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, work together to create a treatment plan designed specifically for you. This could include medications, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a mix of these.

Mayo Clinic provides educational resources to help you better understand your condition, manage your symptoms, and make informed decisions about your treatment. Plus, they offer support services like stress management assistance and help with any related school or work challenges.

They also have a comprehensive outpatient evaluation and treatment program at the Mayo Clinic Depression Center, along with the Mood Disorders Unit and the Mayo Mood Clinic.

And as part of their ongoing efforts to improve bipolar management, Mayo Clinic conducts research, which means you’d have access to the latest treatment options and may even be able to participate in clinical trials.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

The National Institute of Mental Health — part of the world’s largest medical research organization, the National Institutes of Health — plays a significant role in supporting you or your loved ones.

A rich source of information about bipolar disorder, they maintain an extensive collection of educational materials on their website, providing in-depth insights into the symptoms, causes, diagnostic process, and treatment methods related to the disorder.

The institute invests in research and clinical trials to improve how we diagnose and treat bipolar disorder, and evaluate new treatment possibilities. They also collaborate with other organizations to raise public awareness about bipolar disorder and reduce its stigma. This helps everyone, from the general public to healthcare professionals, to better understand and respond to the complexities of this mood disorder.

Additional Mental Health Associations and Organizations

The following additional organizations spread awareness and understanding about bipolar disorder, the treatment of clinical depression, and mental health, in general. If you seek additional information about bipolar disease and depression treatment for yourself, a child, or loved one, we encourage you to explore these websites:

United States