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Crazy for Life

Escapades of a bipolar princess.

Psychosis
My Psychotic Reality Feels Real to Me

Victoria Maxwell on February 18, 2023

A Personal Perspective: I was talking to my therapist at 2 am. "I have a baby in my stomach. I need to get it out." But I wasn't pregnant. I was, however, psychotic.

A Personal Perspective: I was talking to my therapist at 2 am. "I have a baby in my stomach. I need to get it out." But I wasn't pregnant. I was, however, psychotic.

Depression
Fighting for My Life

Victoria Maxwell on December 29, 2022

A Personal Perspective: “Did you know 'therapist' is actually 'the rapist' if you break it up?” There, that would get this psychotherapist going. But nothing.

A Personal Perspective: “Did you know 'therapist' is actually 'the rapist' if you break it up?” There, that would get this psychotherapist going. But nothing.

Psychosis
This Is My Brain on Psychosis

Victoria Maxwell on December 10, 2022

A Personal Perspective: Something was happening to me. In my belly. Something foreign. I needed to get it out or find out what it was, at least.

A Personal Perspective: Something was happening to me. In my belly. Something foreign. I needed to get it out or find out what it was, at least.

Humor
Why I Use the Word "Crazy"

Victoria Maxwell on October 1, 2022

A Personal Perspective: Yes, I'm an advocate for mental health and I use the word "crazy." So what?

A Personal Perspective: Yes, I'm an advocate for mental health and I use the word "crazy." So what?

Psychopharmacology
Mental Illness and the Process of Acceptance

Victoria Maxwell on September 30, 2022

A Personal Perspective: My acceptance started when people were willing to discuss what prevented me from believing I had a mental illness or needed medication.

A Personal Perspective: My acceptance started when people were willing to discuss what prevented me from believing I had a mental illness or needed medication.

Anxiety
Reassurance Doesn’t Decrease Anxiety or Indecision

Victoria Maxwell on June 24, 2022

I have a great therapist. Andie. Hard-Ass Andie, that’s what I call her. All my previous therapists had a nurturing style. But Andie doesn’t. Thank God.

I have a great therapist. Andie. Hard-Ass Andie, that’s what I call her. All my previous therapists had a nurturing style. But Andie doesn’t. Thank God.

Psychosis
Mumbai's Train Station and I'm One Step Closer to Peace

Victoria Maxwell on March 31, 2022

A Personal Perspective: I can't let this depression and ticker-tape of doomsday thinking sidetrack me. I’m in India, to see a teacher, to find peace.

A Personal Perspective: I can't let this depression and ticker-tape of doomsday thinking sidetrack me. I’m in India, to see a teacher, to find peace.

Anxiety
Do This When Anxiety Feels Overwhelming

Victoria Maxwell on March 28, 2022

Whenever I wake up with "morning anxiety"—and its ticker tape of doomsday thinking that accompanies it—here's what I do.

Whenever I wake up with "morning anxiety"—and its ticker tape of doomsday thinking that accompanies it—here's what I do.

Fear
Fear, Dread, and Depression Melt If You Do This

Victoria Maxwell on December 31, 2021

A Personal Perspective: The paradox is the more willing I am to feel and be gently curious about my unpleasant feelings, the more like they will settle and calm a bit.

A Personal Perspective: The paradox is the more willing I am to feel and be gently curious about my unpleasant feelings, the more like they will settle and calm a bit.

Anxiety
This Exercise Can Help Reduce Unpleasant Feelings

Victoria Maxwell on December 15, 2021

In the present moment, there's a chance to find some peace—even if only momentarily. The more you practice this technique, the more often and easily you can discover some calm.

In the present moment, there's a chance to find some peace—even if only momentarily. The more you practice this technique, the more often and easily you can discover some calm.

Bipolar Disorder
This Is Why Your Mood Might Be Out of Whack

Victoria Maxwell on September 27, 2021

My life goes better when there’s some structure in it. My real low points occurred when there wasn’t enough. If you can relate, and have bipolar disorder, you're not alone.

My life goes better when there’s some structure in it. My real low points occurred when there wasn’t enough. If you can relate, and have bipolar disorder, you're not alone.

Depression
Seeking a Spiritual Solution to My Depression

Victoria Maxwell on August 30, 2021

Depression by nature creates a dangerous cradle of meaninglessness. In my quest to recapture that fleeting but pivotal peak experience, I sought the guidance of a guru.

Depression by nature creates a dangerous cradle of meaninglessness. In my quest to recapture that fleeting but pivotal peak experience, I sought the guidance of a guru.