Executive Function Issues

We all have times when we feel that our brains are disorganized, that we can't quite "pull it together" to accomplish some task we set ourselves to.  If you are bipolar, and especially if you are a child with bipolar disorder, the whole executive functioning part of your brain that controls planning and execution, time management, and organization is impaired to a great degree.  We witness this with our 14 year old bipolar daughter on a regular basis.  She has ADHD as well, which is defined by similar problems in this area, but the bipolar effect wreaks havoc on accomplishing anything in a timely manner according to stated guidelines by a teacher.  I hate the school year when we have to practically hold her hand through every assignment.  CABF has some great information on this problem if you want to read more.   I have no idea how she is going to handle high school and college at this point.  I think we will be an integral part of her success in school.

A Beautiful New Resource for Families Living With Bipolar: Bipolar Angels

Over the weekend, I was introduced to Angela Boyce who has founded a wonderful organization called Bipolar Angels. She created the organization to help families living with conditions such as Bipolar, Autism, ADHD and others to get the specialized equipment they need but aren't able to afford.

What an amazing resource! In the next little while, we'll be having Angela here on the White Elephants blog to tell us more about Bipolar Angels and the work she's doing.

Please check out her Website and pass the resource along to others who may be seeking for the information.

Well...it's Official: White Elephants is now available!!

I can't believe it but it's true. My memoir about life with my mom is now available!

After taking a break from playing with my littlest kiddos, I found an email from my publishers at Eagle Wings Press (an imprint of Silver Boomer Books) that read "We're ready to order White Elephants!"

This has been a long, difficult journey that has taken me many years to tell the right way. It's not going to be an easy read for many folks but I think it's a story that needs to be told for many reasons, most of which being that when we see someone suffering...when we know that person isn't able to function on her own...we need to get her help or, at the very least, direct her to seek it out.

Bipolar isn't a disorder that goes away on its own. It gets worse over time without the right treatment. My mom's story, hopefully, will show others how critical it is to get that person help as soon as possible. You may be, literally, saving a life and/or making it better.

Join esperanza magazine's new HOPE forum!

For those of you who may not be aware of this wonderful publication, esperanza is a Canadian magazine helping folks find resources for dealing with anxiety and depression. They now have an online community to help sufferers and their families connect!

Once you get on the site, you can create your own profile then be able to participate (or start up) discussions, create and join groups, participate in live chats, and even share your poetry (if you're a poet) in the Poet's Corner.

It's wonderful to see resources like this pop up. They give everyone a chance to reach out, and be reached out to, at your own comfort level.

If you are a member, why not give us the scoop on what it's like? I plan to join up over the weekend. Maybe I'll see you over there. =)

From Bell: Help Their 'Let's Talk' Campaign

I subscribe to the BP Canada newsletter and magazine, both of which have helped my family so much in understanding bipolar and the people and their families living with it. Today BP Canada and Esperanza magazines are joining together with Bell for their 'Let's Talk' campaign to raise awareness for bipolar, depression and mental illness.

Here is some information on how you can participate:

Today, February 9th, is the first annual Bell Let’s Talk Day to raise awareness about mental health across Canada.



For every text message sent and every long distance call made by Bell customers on this day, Bell will donate 5 cents in support of programs dedicated to mental health.


Please help spread the word!


Bell Let’s Talk is an annual campaign dedicated to encouraging a national conversation about mental health in Canada, in order to reduce or eliminate the stigma attached to mental illness. Often invisible, mental illness is one of the most pervasive health issues in the country with far-reaching consequences for every Canadian. One in five people will experience a mental illness at some point and most will be reluctant to talk to a co-worker, friend or family member about their struggle, let alone seek treatment.


For more information go to: http://letstalk.bell.ca/

Brain Awareness Week (BAW): How Can YOU Help?

Before we get into today's post, I'd like to take the opportunity to say, 'WELCOME!' to all of our new followers! It's wonderful to see people joining together to share their stories about raising, living with or merely caring about someone in their lives living with bipolar and other mood disorders. Thank you for being here and I hope more people find us. =)

Okay on with today's post...

Have you heard about Brain Awareness Week? I hadn't either until my oldest daughter, Jaimie, was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Because SPD is a disorder that interferes with how the brain and the rest of the nervous system function, I felt it beneficial to learn all I could about it as well as do my part to support needed brain research. The Dana Foundation, who began Brain Awareness Week, is an institute offering the latest information about the brain and brain research. And I have found this site absolutely wonderful in helping me understand other conditions that affect the brain including Alzheimer's, bipolar, and other neurological conditions.

This year, Brain Awareness Week is March 12 - 18 and there are many things you can do from signing up your group or organization to help spread the word to simply putting the BAW button on your blog or Website. As someone whose life has been touched with many brain affected conditions (Alzheimer's, bipolar, SPD, brain injury, depression), the campaign is one close to my heart.

Why not check out the Dana Foundation, as well as the information about BAW, and see what you can do to help!