Kathleen Haagenson - Mental Health Blog - Page 2 of 2

two women during a therapy session

How To Prepare For Your First Therapy Session And Get Help

by Kathleen Haagensonupdated on August 14, 2023August 19, 2023Leave a Comment

For newcomers preparing for your first therapy session can be a little confusing. Typically it’s caused by not understanding how to prepare and schedule your …

young woman sitting at her desk excited about utilizing adhd productivity tools

7 Outstanding ADHD Productivity Tools That Rock

by Kathleen Haagensonupdated on August 12, 2023August 16, 2023Leave a Comment

Let’s be honest. ADHD productivity tools can be a hit or miss. You’re on fire, productive, and efficient when they’re good. Yet when the novelty …

woman taking a mood stabilizer

Mood Stabilizers: A Somewhat Simplified Explanation of What They Are

by Kathleen Haagensonon August 6, 2023August 6, 2023Leave a Comment

Mood stabilizers are the breakthrough I didn’t realize I needed. After a lifetime of undiagnosed and untreated bipolar disorder II, I was surprised to discover …

close up of ADHD medication

ADHD Medication Stigma Is Making You Scared to Take Your Meds Here’s Why

by Kathleen Haagensonon August 5, 2023August 5, 2023Leave a Comment

ADHD medication stigma kept me in denial for years about my condition. Despite suspecting that I had ADHD, I continued to live under the false …

woman looking in mirror scrutinizing body struggling with toxic body image

6 Steps to Overcome Toxic Body Image and Achieve Confidence

by Kathleen Haagensonon August 5, 2023August 5, 2023Leave a Comment

Toxic body image is surging within today’s social media culture and influence. And I’m sure you’ve struggled directly with your body image and appearance from …

two men engage in street harassment against a woman

Dear Men, Street Harassment is Misogynistic Here’s Why

by Kathleen Haagensonon August 5, 2023August 5, 2023Leave a Comment

Street harassment is an issue that women of all races, cultures, shapes, and sizes face regularly. We can all swap stories about uncomfortable experiences with …

7 Simple Coping Strategies to Manage ADHD and Bipolar Disorder You Need to Try

by Kathleen Haagensonupdated on August 7, 2023August 4, 2023Leave a Comment

Living with a dual diagnosis of ADHD and bipolar disorder is challenging. It’s hard to differentiate between symptoms and even harder to manage them. Fortunately, …

woman discussing mental health break with a friend

Why You Need to Take A Mental Health Break Right Now

by Kathleen Haagensonon August 4, 2023August 4, 2023Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever considered whether a mental health break is worth it, I’m here to tell you it is. A mental health break is best …

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Since being diagnosed 2 years ago with Bipolar and

Since being diagnosed 2 years ago with Bipolar and ADHD, it's been a rollercoaster ride, and I'm not too fond of rollercoaster rides. But with therapy, I've developed some solid coping strategies that have helped manage my symptoms. And while I can list the 50 million things I do to keep me balanced and steady. And I share them all on my blog. The most essential coping strategy I've developed is self-awareness.

Becoming more self-aware has helped me identify hypomanic and depressive episodes to manage them more effectively. Being self-aware has allowed me to combat the challenges of these conditions, such as impulsivity, inattentiveness, irritability, time blindness, and executive dysfunction, by creating a system of checks and balances that helps me overcome them.

The best piece of advice I can offer for anyone navigating Bipolar and ADHD is to develop self-awareness. Learning and understanding how these conditions impact you takes time, but it's so worth it in the end.

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, and we each

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, and we each have the ability to be there for each other, especially during the tough moments when there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel.

I wanted to share some advice on how to be a safe person and show up for others when they're at the end of their rope.

For starters, know that if a person discloses they're considering unaliving themself, it's a big deal. They're risking your judgment and rejection because they're desperate for help. And while it's scary for you, too, there are some things you can do to help them and save a life.

Do a Risk Assessment. Are they an immediate threat to themself or others? If so, call 911.

If not, talk to them and listen.

Avoid saying:

It's not that bad
Stay positive
Don't say that
I know how you feel
I would be devastated if you were gone
Other people have it worse
You're being selfish

Instead, Say:
I'm so glad you told me this
What's going on that's making you want to die
What can I do to help?
Help is available

Take them for coffee or dinner and have them spend the night with you. Keep an eye on them and check in with them. Keep them talking and be a safe, supportive space for them. These simple yet powerful acts can help save a life.

If you feel you are a threat or danger to yourself, help is available; contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

#worldsuicidepreventionday #worldsuicideday #worldsuicideprevention #worldsuicidepreventionmonth

Quick question: Why are you considered "drug seeki

Quick question: Why are you considered "drug seeking" when using medication for ADHD and other mental health conditions? What differentiates treating mental health conditions from chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure? Part of the reason I go on and off ADHD medication is because of this ingrained stigma I carry that I need to do better at managing my symptoms. And when it comes to my bipolar medication, a part of me judges myself for needing it. I know a large part of this ingrained stigma I carry has to do with growing up and being told I'm acting out and attention-seeking. Which were, in reality, me crying out for help.

But no matter what I do, I can't take ADHD and bipolar away. I can't muscle my way through chemical imbalances that have existed within me since I can remember.

But how can we as a community decrease stigma and make this world safe for those with mental health disorders?
🖤Be compassionate to others you don't know what they're going through
🖤Lead with kindness
🖤Normalize mental health treatment
🖤Have honest, open conversations about mental health
🖤Avoid rash judgments
🖤Educate yourself about mental health

#mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthstigma #mentalhealthmatters #adultadhd #bipolar2

Well that was a long time. 😅 What was supposed

Well that was a long time. 😅 What was supposed to be a mini-break turned into a hiatus. But my mental health was trash and I really needed it. Here’s to a new season and fresh start! 🥳 And hoping I still know how to use this app. 😂

All bodies are good bodies and they go through cha

All bodies are good bodies and they go through changes at different phases and stages of our lives. If you're taking medication for mental or physical health weight gain or loss may be a side effect. And, it can be frustrating. I've been on both ends of this spectrum and struggled mentally and emotionally with the physical changes my body underwent.⁠
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However, I've learned it's essential to have grace with yourself during these times and know that your body is doing the best it can. What matters is your health and well-being. And keep in mind that if it's too much of an issue you can always discuss trying another medication with your doctor. ⁠
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Regardless of what you decide or where you're at on your journey you're perfect as you are. ⁠
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Going through perimenopause while having endometri

Going through perimenopause while having endometriosis is draining my energy. And I've had to learn to practice grace with myself and incorporate lifestyle changes and modifications to support proper energy management. ⁠
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For starters managing stress properly. The world is especially stressful and chaotic right now. But putting aside time to disconnect from the media and news has helped alleviate stress and anxiety. And in doing so I've created a healthy bedtime routine which makes it easier for me to stick to a regular and consistent sleep schedule. ⁠
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Additionally, prioritizing tasks and following a schedule helps decrease brain fog and allow me to accomplish tasks for my work and personal life. For example, I know that my energy is at its highest in the morning so I focus on high-priority tasks that require more energy. And in the afternoon I complete low-priority tasks that don't require as much of my energy. ⁠
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Perhaps the most important thing I've incorporated has been to allow myself plenty of time to rest and do nothing at all. I'm not good at resting because I like to be busy but it's so necessary especially when you're struggling with chronic fatigue. ⁠
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And while all of this has helped I'm still looking for more ways to better manage my energy and help with chronic fatigue. What are some of your tricks for dealing with chronic fatigue? ⁠
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Recently I joined a hiking group to help decrease

Recently I joined a hiking group to help decrease my extreme introversion and become more social. And, I found myself sitting in my car worried about one thing in particular. What would happen when the topic of children came up. ⁠
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As a childless woman, this is always a delicate topic that elicits a mixture of emotions. And I honestly was at a loss at how I would handle the inevitable questions about my childlessness and what led me here. ⁠
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And, after meeting and chatting with a lovely lady the dreaded question indeed reared its ugly head "Do you have any children?" I politely answered no and to my surprise that was it, the conversation moved forward. There was no prodding, digging, or invasive questions about my childlessness. It was just accepted. ⁠
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I didn't have to share my long history of endometriosis, infertility, and the difficult decision I made to stop pursuing parenthood. All I had to say was no and it was the end of that line of conversation. ⁠
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I can't explain how grateful I am to this woman. It may have seemed like nothing to her but it was everything to me. ⁠
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Like almost anyone with a surgical scar I've done

Like almost anyone with a surgical scar I've done different things to fade and improve its appearance. As a matter of fact, in this month's blog post, I share simple ways to fade and improve the appearance of laparotomy scars. And how, with time and proper care, I've been able to enhance the appearance of my scar. ⁠
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But here's the thing it's still there. It's still a silent reminder of all that endometriosis put me through. And it still bothers me. I still struggle with being self-conscious that my stomach will never look the same again. ⁠
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And now that it's pool season, I'm even more self-conscious and unsure of my appearance. But here's the thing having a scar doesn't make me any less, so I shouldn't feel ashamed or uncomfortable. Scars happen, and they're normal. So I shouldn't feel the need to hide. ⁠
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I can do everything to make my scar appear less and look better, but I also have to do internal work to accept my body regardless of how it looks. Surgical scars or not, I'm still a person with worth and value. ⁠
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While I don't believe there's anything wrong with using products to treat and fade scars. I have to make sure I'm not using scar gels and creams to help me feel worthy and acceptable because that's something I already am. Having a scar doesn't take that away from me. ⁠
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I'm not the only one who struggles with body insecurities, especially during the summer when more skin is exposed. However, I hope we all remember our self-worth isn't built on what we look like but on who we are as individuals. ⁠
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If you want to learn about proper scar care and how to fade them naturally, visit the link in bio and click on this picture to read the full post. And remember, regardless of how your scar looks, you're still worthy. ⁠

Why do we constantly compare ourselves to others?

Why do we constantly compare ourselves to others? I know I compare myself because I'm seeking validation and want to feel like I'm "normal" and "acceptable." But the problem with this is that everyone is in different phases and stages of their life. And it's not fair to compare where you are to where someone else is. ⁠
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Yet it's hard not to compare when we live in a digital world where everything is advertised and promoted as perfect and ideal. As a result, it's easy to feel you don't measure up and struggle with poor self-image and low self-esteem. ⁠
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But, learning to conquer comparison and shift your focus onto living authentically by showing up as who you are right now can help build a positive self-image. ⁠
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For me conquering comparison is an ongoing battle that takes a lot of work and determination. But something that helps me is journaling and asking simple yet honest questions about what's triggering me to compare myself. Additionally, dealing with the emotions or underlying factors that make me feel inadequate and unworthy allows me to defeat the comparison monster. ⁠
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If you struggle in this area, I want to share a sample of a digital journal I'm creating to help you confront and overcome comparison. Click the link in the bio and tap the picture to download your copy, and let me know what you think. ⁠
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I recently started going to a support group and it

I recently started going to a support group and it's been difficult. On the one hand, it's comforting to know that I'm not the only one dealing with mental illness and mental health difficulties. On the other hand, it's really hard to open up without wanting to run for the hills. ⁠
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I know that sounds absolutely crazy considering I have no problem being transparent about my mental health online. But it's different when it's an intimate setting and everyone is looking and listening to your every word. I don't get to see people's reactions online so there's this anonymity that exists. ⁠
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And despite the discomfort, I keep going because it's helpful and it's part of my commitment to recovering and maintaining balance. ⁠
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Have you tried going to a support group? If so what was your experience like? ⁠

Let me tell you self-gaslighting is a thing. After

Let me tell you self-gaslighting is a thing. After years of being gaslit by doctors and medical professionals, I've realized through therapy that I've begun to gaslight myself in so many instances especially when it comes to my health and body. ⁠
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And it's truly hard work to undo the lies and work through all the emotions and feelings. But so worth it when it comes to learning how to advocate for myself and use my authentic voice. Perhaps one of the most important things I've discovered is that my discernment and intuition regarding my health are always on point.⁠
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I've always had a sixth sense of my health and known intuitively that something was wrong. But because I was constantly told I was being dramatic or overthinking things I stopped pushing for answers. But now when I feel like something is off I keep advocating for myself until I get answers. And I encourage you to do the same too. ⁠
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If your doctor is blowing you off and not listening to you and you KNOW something isn't right you're not crazy. It's your body's way of alerting you. If you're not being validated and respected find another doctor who will and keep pushing until you get answers. ⁠
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I talk more about some of the ways you gaslight yourself on the blog if you're interested and want to learn more click the link in bio and tap on this pic to give and give it a read. ⁠

I can't stress how important and healthy it is to

I can't stress how important and healthy it is to take regular social media breaks. There's something beautiful and amazing about being focused and remaining present in the here and now. So necessary and so essential. ⁠

Yes, endometriosis can even impact your sex life.

Yes, endometriosis can even impact your sex life. Experiencing pain upon penetration, burning/aching pain, or prolonged throbbing pain post intercourse may be a sign of endometriosis. Having pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse is not normal and shouldn’t be overlooked. But, oftentimes women dismiss this symptom because they are too embarrassed. If you’re dealing with pain during intercourse discuss it with your doctor. This could be due to a benign issue or it could be a sign of endometriosis. ⁠

Experiencing complications with painful bowel move

Experiencing complications with painful bowel movements, chronic bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and food sensitivity is another often overlooked endometriosis symptom. Due to the inflammatory nature of endo, it can lead to various gastrointestinal issues. These issues are often misdiagnosed and treated as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). But, this rarely resolves the issue because the underlying cause is not being addressed. Relief of symptoms may be achieved with dietary modifications. But, endometriosis still needs to be properly diagnosed and treated in conjunction with lifestyle modifications. ⁠

Contrary to what you may have heard, endometriosis

Contrary to what you may have heard, endometriosis is more than a "period disease." Painful periods are only one symptom of endometriosis; there are so many others. ⁠
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Aside from painful periods, I struggled with ovulation pain that caused sharp, stabbing, radiating leg pain that would last until my period started. In addition, I had painful urination, throbbing vaginal pain and rectal pain, painful bowel movements, painful intercourse, lower back pain, and IBS-like symptoms. ⁠
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These are just a few of the COMMON endo symptoms; this isn't counting the uncommon co-morbidities caused by endometriosis, such as allergies, eczema, psoriasis, autoimmune disease, thyroid disease, heart disease, and other complications. ⁠
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So, endometriosis isn't just about painful periods; it impacts the whole body. ⁠

Do you know what endometriosis is? Swipe through t

Do you know what endometriosis is? Swipe through the cards to find out what it is and how it's diagnosed. ⁠
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#endometriosis #endometriosispain #endometriosiswarrior #endometriosissupport #endometriosisfighter #endometriosisisreal #endometriosisjourney #thisisendometriosis #endometriosissurvivor #endometriosisawareness #endometriosissymptoms #endometriosisawarenessmonth #invisibleillness #chronicillness

Today is the first day of endometriosis awareness

Today is the first day of endometriosis awareness month, and I wanted to kick it off by sharing my endo story. ⁠
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Starting at age 12, I began struggling with debilitating periods. I had sharp, piercing cramps, very heavy bleeding, nausea, vomiting, the works. I couldn't work or go to school because the pain and symptoms were so bad. When I was 18, I sought help for my period pain but wasn't taken seriously and made to feel that I was dramatic. Instead of helping me, they put me on the pill to manage my symptoms. No one talked with me about endometriosis or listened to me when I shared my family history of endometriosis. ⁠
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Flash forward to my late 20s and early 30s, I came off the pill to pursue starting a family. Once again, I struggled with debilitating periods. And my symptoms intensified over time to the point that I began to experience pain every day. But I still couldn't get any help. It wasn't until two years ago when I had two large cysts on both my ovaries, that I was taken seriously and received surgery to remove the cysts and check for endometriosis. ⁠
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I was finally diagnosed with endometriosis on October 2nd, 2019, and it was an emotional experience because I thought I was crazy for so long, but I wasn't. ⁠
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There are so many stories similar to mine. As a matter of fact, over 190 million women and girls have endometriosis. And unfortunately, it's one of the most painful diseases and the most difficult to diagnose and treat. ⁠

Sometimes I feel like the people that have called

Sometimes I feel like the people that have called me dramatic and attention-seeking are right. Because I have endometriosis, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and anxiety, this makes me self-conscious. I feel like a problem person or a special case. Like maybe I've made it all up and taken it a step too far because is it possible to have multiple conditions?⁠
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But here's the reality. It's common to have more than one illness or condition. So you see many disorders increase your risk of developing other conditions. For example, endometriosis increases the risk of allergies, autoimmune disorders, and heart disease. And bipolar disorder increases the risk of having ADHD, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. ⁠
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So, if you're like me and you have multiple invisible illnesses, you're not strange, weird, dramatic, or attention-seeking. You're a normal human that deserves to get answers and create a lifestyle that supports your conditions to help you manage them effectively. Don't think of yourself as less because you're not. I'm also going to try and take my own advice.

What's your view of depression? How you perceive d

What's your view of depression? How you perceive depression determines how you relate to people that struggle with depression. If you think depression is just a person crying and hiding in bed, you have a small one-dimensional view of what depression is. ⁠
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As a person that has dealt with and still deals with depression, I can tell you that it's so much more than that. I've spent so much time faking at being happy and having it all together when I was secretly falling apart on the inside. And no one knew I was struggling. Indeed depression comes in so many shapes and sizes. ⁠
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I share more about my experience with depression and what's worked to help me manage my symptoms in this week's blog post. Click the link in bio to learn more. ⁠

I’ve proven to myself time and again that I can

I’ve proven to myself time and again that I can flourish. I may go through heavy seasons and challenging times, but they’re just part of the experience of having an invisible illness. There will be high pain days, depressive episodes, and health struggles. But the only way out of these situations is to go through them.⁠
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I believe that we often focus on the highs and lows of life. We either get lost in the pit during the tough times or float around in the palace during the good times. But these moments or so few and far between. We spend the majority of our life going through. The bridge between the pit and the palace is long, and that’s where character, integrity, grit, and humility are built. ⁠
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The more mature I become, the more I want to learn about what happens in the going through because that’s what we’re doing each day. ⁠

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