Tag: Mental Illness

  • Abuse Culture Tips: Questions and Thoughts to Keep in Mind

    Updated version of an article originally published on Medium. When it comes to abuse, there’s much confusion surrounding what to do, who to blame, etc. In polyamory, this can be further complicated by the amount of people involved and how they are involved. But never fear; there are some things to keep in mind no…

  • The Polya Bystander: I Just Want to Be Left Alone

    Updated version of the article first appearing on Postmodern Woman. If there’s one thing that helps keep polya people from experiencing discrimination like other minorities, it’s that there’s often some sense of privacy. For many people, they can practice their non-monogamy in relative peace. They can simply spend less time with any possible family that…

  • Mental Illness and Dating for Polyamorous Folk Part 3

    So far we’ve talked about how mental illness can interfere with dating, dating as a numbers game, and ways you can shift those numbers in your favor. Today we’re finally going to look at tips and tricks for keeping mental illness from fucking with you too much while you are meeting people/dating. Pick Your Venue…

  • Mental Illness and Dating for Polyamorous Folk, Part II

    Last week we talked about the first rule of dating: dating is a numbers game. The problems for people with mental illness (and many other people as well) are: 1) Mental illness can lower the number of people who are attracted to you 2) Mental illness can make it hard to meet people, making it…

  • Mental Illness and Dating for Polyamorous Folk

    Hadn’t meant this to be a two parter, but overdid it last week and paying for it. Other posts this week may be very short or delayed depending on long my recovery takes. I like spending time on Quora. It’s an interesting site with a lot of good information, and I’ve wrangled myself a spot…

  • Polyamory and Psychotic Disorders, Part 3

    Continuing our review of the psychotic disorders and the way symptoms of psychotic disorders impact polyamory. Disorganized thinking (speech): communication is the key to any healthy relationship. And when someone can’t speak their thoughts it’s hard to communicate about relationship needs, problems, or just get clear consent. Some people find ways around this. For instance,…

  • Polyamory and Psychotic Disorders, Part 2

    We’re going to do something a bit different this time. We’re going to look at the main symptoms of psychotic disorders and see how they each impact polyamorous relationships. This is pretty involved, so Polyamory and Psychotic Disorders is going to end up as a 3 parter. Today we’ll be focusing on delusions and hallucinations.…

  • Polyamory, Schizophrenia, and other psychotic disorders (Part 1)

    This post and others discussing specific mental disorders will reference the Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Psychiatry and Psychology, Edition Five (DSM-V). Apologies to my international readers, I’m just not familiar enough with the ICD to use it as a reference. Please note: everyone’s experience of mental illness is different. This is general information meant…

  • Your Polycule Isn’t Your Relationship Counselor

    There is a reason marriage counseling is a thing. Sometimes you and your partner(s) need help understanding each other and working through problems. Mental illness can increase the (actual or perceived) lack of understanding as well as clashes of personality and/or communications styles. Many people will turn to friends or family to help them sort…

  • Poly Advice for the Mentally Ill: “You Control Your Emotions”

    Standard Poly Advice: “You Control Your Emotions” (or sometimes “You can’t control your emotions, but you can always control your actions.) Bullshit. You don’t have to be mentally ill to lost control of yourself–either your emotions or your actions. You can be high on pain meds, you can so stressed or exhausted you aren’t thinking…