Natasha Tracy

@natasha-tracy

I'm an expert in #bipolar who also lives with the illness. I have been researching bipolar for 21 years and have written more than 2000 mental health articles. I speak internationally and have written two books.

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Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· 17d

Disability pride is complicated for me. I believe disabled people deserve dignity, access, visibility, and pride—but I still wish I weren’t disabled. Both things can be true. What does disability pride mean to you? #disabilitypridemonth #disabilitypride

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Apr 16

Sixteen years ago, I thought my story should end. It didn’t. I have lived, written, fought, healed, and kept going. If you’re in a dark place right now, please remember: this moment is not your whole life. Your story can continue too. #survivingbipolar #NationalSemicolonDay

Green graphic with dark green text reading, “It’s National Semi-Colon Day,” above a large semicolon. Below, the text says, “I attempted suicide 16 years ago. I have lived a lot since. You can too.” At the bottom are the handle @natasha-tracy.bsky.social and the hashtag #survivingbipolar.

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Feb 23

"Lazy" is a word of negative judgment that we use to punish ourselves. But we are not lazy; we're exhausted. Fighting a battle against your brain is more tiring than most people can comprehend. Stop beating yourself up for things that aren't your fault. #bipolarsky #survivingbipolar #depression

Same dark background and portrait on the right. Large white text on the left reads: “You aren’t lazy. You’re exhausted, disabled, in pain, or underresourced.” Bottom-left text reads “@natasha-tracy.bsky.social” and “#survivingbipolar.” A semi-transparent arrow icon appears near the bottom-right.

Dark, moody background with a close-up portrait of a tired-looking person in a gray shirt on the right. Large white text on the left reads: “Anyone would be tired in your position. Stop beating yourself up for things that aren’t your fault.” Bottom-left text reads “@natasha-tracy.bsky.social” and “#survivingbipolar.” A semi-transparent arrow icon appears near the bottom-right.

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Feb 10

Overwhelm isn’t laziness. It’s overload—especially with bipolar. I made a Bipolar Overwhelm Toolbox graphic you can save for the freeze moments. One tiny step counts. Full post: l.natashatracy.com/bipolar-over... When overwhelm hits, do you freeze, avoid, or spiral? #survivingbnipolar #bipolarsky

Blue infographic titled “My Bipolar Overwhelm Toolbox: Tiny Steps That Work,” listing seven tips with icons: 1) Shrink the task (break it into tiny steps), 2) Do one step only (just the next move), 3) Pre-stage it (set up ahead of time), 4) Visualize the first move (picture step one), 5) Stack wins (build tiny successes), 6) Borrow support (ask someone to sit with you), and 7) Call in my care team (if it’s constant or meds-related). Bottom text reads @natasha-tracy.bsky.social and #survivingbipolar.

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Jan 29

You didn’t fail because a treatment didn’t work. That’s information, not a personal flaw. If it isn’t helping, it’s allowed to change—you deserve care that fits. What do you wish someone had told you the first time a treatment failed? #bipolarsky

Graphic in navy blue and cream. Top text: “YOU DON’T FAIL TREATMENTS.” Center shows an icon of three medicine bottles with medical cross symbols. Bottom text: “TREATMENTS FAIL YOU.” At the bottom is the handle “@NATASHA-TRACY.BSKY.SOCIAL.”

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Jan 27

It’s my birthday. I’ve made it 48 years on this planet—most of them living with a brain illness that tries to kill me. That’s no small thing. Today, I just want to say thank you to everyone who’s helped me keep going, and made life worth living. You’re the reason 47 turned into 48. #thankyou

A beige background with scattered confetti. Cutout-style graphics include a disco ball at top left, a blue smiley-face button at top right, a cupcake with a lit candle on the right, a large outlined star at bottom left, and a cat wearing sunglasses and a party hat at bottom right. In the center, colorful blocks spell out “IT’S MY BIRTHDAY.”

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Jan 17

Noodle isn't ready for the new year to be in full swing. Me neither. #caturday

A black-and-white cat curled into a tight sleeping ball on a soft, white blanket, whiskers tucked in, with a blurred living room in the background.

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Dec 20

Disturb the kitties at your own risk. #caturday

Two black-and-white tuxedo cats lying side by side on a beige blanket, one facing the camera while the other rests with paws stretched out; the background is softly blurred.

Close-up of two black-and-white tuxedo cats cuddling on a soft beige blanket, their faces pressed together and front paws overlapping in the foreground.

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Dec 3

Most disabled people once lived in non-disabled bodies. Many non-disabled people will join us one day. We’re not ashamed and we don’t need euphemisms to make others comfortable. Say “disabled.” Mean it as a description, not a judgment. #InternationalDayOfPersonsWithDisabilities #disability

Off-white square graphic with bold dark-purple text centered on the image: “On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, remember, we are just like you. Most of us used to be you. Some of you will become us. Get used to that.” The bottom shows the same row of rainbow-colored silhouettes of standing people and wheelchair users on a paint-splash background.

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Nov 15

Two little duochrome troublemakers, fast asleep like they didn’t spend all morning causing chaos. If you’re looking for a moment of calm today, borrow this one. #caturday #happycaturday

Two black-and-white cats curled tightly together, both sleeping with their faces touching. Their fur blends where the black and white patches meet, and soft light falls across their closed eyes and ears, creating a peaceful, cozy scene.

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Nov 10

Treatment-resistant doesn’t mean hopeless. I wrote what I wish I’d had: validation, a simple 72-hour plan, and the key questions to ask next. What helped you after a “no”? Read: l.natashatracy.com/failed-treat... #TMS #TRD #DepressionCare #Psychiatry #CopingSkills #MentalHealthWriting #Bipolarsky

Square graphic of a transparent X-ray figure with head in hands, pink/red brain highlighted. Top text: “Failed Treatment Is Not a Verdict.” Overlay on brain: “I’m a failure.” Bottom tag: “@atasha-tracy.bsky.social.”

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Oct 25

Caturday is for giant yawns and unapologetic naps. What refuels your batteries?

Close-up of a black-and-white cat mid-yawn on a bed, pink mouth and tiny fangs fully visible, one paw stretched toward the camera. Soft daylight and a blurred living-room background create a cozy, lazy-morning feel.

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Oct 15

In my 20s, I did 150 skydives. And while I no longer skydive, it is a punctuation mark in my life. Right now, I'm going through something difficult and this is my new mantra: I'm a skydiver; I can do anything. What has proven to you that you can do anything? #mantra #bipolar

Selfie of a smiling woman skydiving above bright white clouds with a blue sky and sun flare; parachute lines visible. A teal banner reads, “I’M A SKYDIVER; I CAN DO ANYTHING.” Bottom tag: “@Natasha_Tracy_writer.”

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Oct 12

AI strikes again. Thanks, Google.

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Oct 4

Figaro is stately and gorgeous. Oh, and he knows it. 🐈‍⬛ Happy #Caturday, all.

A black and white cat is perched neatly on the lower shelf of a dark-colored bookcase. The cat has a mostly black back and head with a white muzzle, chest, and front legs, giving it a tuxedo-like appearance. It’s looking directly at the camera with an alert expression. Above the cat are several books, and to the right sits a reflective metallic sphere, which shows a distorted reflection of the surrounding room. Sunlight is streaming in from the left, softly illuminating the cat’s face and fur.

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Sep 9

I’ve attempted suicide. People with bipolar face some of the highest risks—up to half will attempt, and around 12% die by suicide. Silence kills, but open conversation can save lives. 💛 Ask me anything. #suicideprevention #talkaboutit #youarenotalone #bipolar #bipolarsky #ama

Yellow background with a yellow ribbon on the left. Bold black text reads:
"I Have Attempted Suicide. Ask Me Anything."
At the bottom: "@Natasha_Tracy_writer" with a curved arrow pointing right.

Yellow background with a yellow ribbon on the left. Bold black text reads:
"It's National Suicide Prevention Week."
Smaller text below:
"I believe the best way to prevent suicide is to openly talk about it."
At the bottom: "@Natasha_Tracy_writer" with a curved arrow pointing right.

Yellow background with a yellow ribbon on the left. Bold black text reads:
"Up to half of all people with bipolar have attempted suicide."
Smaller text below:
"Around 12% of people with bipolar will die of suicide."
At the bottom: "@Natasha_Tracy_writer" with a curved arrow pointing right.

Yellow background with a yellow ribbon on the left. Bold black text reads:
"If you have attempted suicide . . ."
Smaller text below:
"You are not crazy or broken. Suicide attempts tend to be symptoms of an illness, nothing more."
At the bottom: "@Natasha_Tracy_writer" with a curved arrow pointing right.

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Sep 4

What “chemical imbalance” misses—and how to stop the self-hatred spiral. Clear science, practical tools, and three archive reads. Read + share: l.natashatracy.com/aug-newsletter #bipolarsky #bipolar #mentalhealth

Takeaways card titled “What the chemical imbalance theory gets wrong (and right).” Bullets: Bipolar is biological but not a “chemical balance”; multiple systems interact; spreading the myth causes harm. CTA bar.

“Why self-hatred feels inevitable in bipolar.” Bullets: Depression warps self-view and memory; stigma and perfectionism fuel shame; post-episode regret keeps the loop going. CTA bar.

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Aug 30

Kitties have looks that can kill. It's just part of their charm. 😼 Happy #Caturday, all!

A black-and-white cat sits perched on the corner of a textured dark ottoman. The cat has bright green eyes, a white face with black patches framing it, and a distinctive black spot on its nose. Its body is mostly white with a black back. Behind the cat, books and a blurred tabletop are visible in the background.

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Aug 25

#Bipolar isn’t a "chemical imbalance." That myth oversimplifies & fuels stigma. Science shows real biological markers—from brain scans to genetics—that prove it’s a complex, medical illness. I wrote abt what the research really says → l.natashatracy.com/chemical-imb... #bipolarsky #survivingbipolar

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Aug 16

This is guest kitty, Jellybean, or Beanz. She is sneaky and found all over the house. Luckily, that is just part of her charm 😼

A calico cat with green eyes is resting on a wooden counter beside a red wall, looking relaxed with its paws tucked under its chest peeking around an aluminum appliance.

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Aug 14

Self-hatred with bipolar is more common than most people realize — and it’s not a character flaw. In my latest article, I share why bipolar can make you turn on yourself, and real ways to quiet that vicious voice. Read it here: l.natashatracy.com/self-hatred-... #BipolarDisorder #MentalHealth

A blurred, double-exposure image of a person with short blond hair, eyes closed, and hands covering part of their face, conveying emotional distress. Text on the left reads “Why it’s so easy to hate yourself with bipolar” in bold white and green, with the handle @natasha-tracy.bsky.social and the hashtag #survivingbipolar below.

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Aug 9

Figaro says have a sleepy Caturday! Happy Caturday, all!

A black-and-white cat is sleeping peacefully on a red surface, its head resting against a white pillow with gray wavy stripes. The cat’s eyes are closed, and one front paw is stretched out, touching the pillow.

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Aug 1

“You don’t look bipolar.” That’s because #bipolar doesn’t have a look. It lives behind smiles, silence, strength, and survival. You can’t see the struggle—but it’s there. Stop judging by appearances. Start listening. #Bipolarsky #InvisibleIllness #SurvivingBipolar #MentalHealthAwareness

A woman with long blonde hair, wearing a black hat and casual clothing, walks through a field of flowers toward the ocean. Text above her reads, “You Don’t Look Bipolar” in bold olive-green letters, with decorative arrows above and below. At the bottom, it says “@natasha-tracy.bsky.social."

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Jul 30

MYTH: People with bipolar can’t work. TRUTH: Many of us have careers, families, & full lives. #Bipolar doesn’t erase our potential, stigma does. Let’s talk about what living with bipolar really looks like. 🔁 Repost to help shift the narrative. #Bipolarsky #EndTheStigma #DisabilityIsNotInability

A graphic with a soft green and white background. The top half reads “MYTH: People with bipolar can’t work,” with a red line striking through the sentence. Below, it says “TRUTH: Most people with bipolar have careers, families, and meaningful lives.” The handle @natasha-tracy.bsky.social appears at the bottom.

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Jul 19

Humans are cute when they sleep. Cats are even better. #caturday

Tuxedo cat with face mostly hidden, eyes closed; curled up on a black and white pillow; blurred background

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Jul 15

AI-powered mental health apps are everywhere — but should we really trust them with our most personal thoughts? I dig into the research, risks, and red flags. Read before you download: 🔗 l.natashatracy.com/ai-app #MentalHealth #AIethics #DigitalTherapy #Privacy #AItools #MentalHealthSupport

Smiling woman with long curly hair holds up a smartphone toward the camera. The screen displays the question in bold red text: “Should you trust your mental health to an AI app?”

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Jul 11

I didn’t grow up disabled. I didn’t think I would be. Then bipolar disorder changed my life. Disability isn’t always visible. It isn’t always physical. And it’s not a weakness. Anyone can become disabled. It’s okay to be disabled. #Disability #Bipolar #MentalHealth #ItsOkayToBeDisabled

Silhouetted image of five people holding hands at sunset. From left to right: a person with a prosthetic leg, a standing person, a person in a wheelchair, another standing person, and a person with crutches. Below the image, bold text reads: "Anyone can become DISABLED. It's okay to be DISABLED." The BlueSky handle @natasha-tracy.bsky.social appears at the bottom.

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Jul 5

She's gorgeous and she knows it. Say "hi" to guest kitty, Bella. #caturday

Mottled black and white cat with yellow-amber eyes, perched on the arm of a couch looking up.

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Jun 29

I'm queer — bisexual. This means that I've been attracted to people who identify with different genders. I do not feel ashamed. When I was 17, things were different. But now, I don't come out. I don't stay in. It's just part of me. Happy #Pride, all. Everyone deserves love, happiness, & respect.

Sky background with pride flag color stripes and the word "Pride."

Natasha Tracy@natasha-tracy· Jun 24

Acupuncture, fish oil, NAC—do any of them really move the needle on bipolar symptoms? I combed through clinical trials so you can see what’s fact and what’s wishful thinking. Read the evidence here: l.natashatracy.com/cam-evidence #BipolarDisorder #MentalHealth #EvidenceBased #bipolarsky