Brien Blatt — neurodivergent writer, mental health advocate, and SEO specialist. Ghostwriting, AI editing, and technical SEO for health and tech.https://brienblatt.com/https://brienblatt.com/blog/advocating-for-mental-health/https://brienblatt.com/blog/advocating-for-mental-health/What is an Advocate for Mental Health? How to Advocate for Mental Health. Why Be a Mental Health Advocate? How to Find a Mental Health Advocate, and more.Sun, 25 Apr 2021 17:37:02 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/after-2-years-im-back-on-medication/https://brienblatt.com/blog/after-2-years-im-back-on-medication/After taking a 2-year break from psychiatrists, therapists, and medication due to a bad experience with Seroquel, my symptoms worsened. This is the story of getting back on track - the ER visit, finding a primary care doctor, and finally seeing a psychiatrist who prescribed Lamictal.Sat, 08 Aug 2015 04:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/all-about-my-racing-thoughts/https://brienblatt.com/blog/all-about-my-racing-thoughts/Define racing thoughts? Ever had a "flight of ideas" - thoughts that just won't stop, and overwhelm you? Read and HEAR examples of racing thoughts here.Thu, 06 Aug 2015 15:21:27 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/an-unbelievably-cold-person/https://brienblatt.com/blog/an-unbelievably-cold-person/A deeply personal story about anger, friendship, and dealing with toxic family dynamics when a friend with cancer is told by her grandmother that she should die sooner rather than later.Sat, 03 Feb 2018 23:31:56 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/anxiety-and-paranoia/https://brienblatt.com/blog/anxiety-and-paranoia/Anxiety is a normal part of life, but there's a point when it becomes something more. This post explores the difference between normal anxiety and anxiety disorders, including paranoia.Tue, 01 Sep 2015 11:16:24 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/back-after-a-long-break/https://brienblatt.com/blog/back-after-a-long-break/A quick update: I'm back after a long break. The site's been rebuilt, some of my older mental health writing is returning from the archive, and more is coming soon.Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/bad-experience-with-seroquel-and-a-suicide-attempt/https://brienblatt.com/blog/bad-experience-with-seroquel-and-a-suicide-attempt/A personal account of a suicide attempt while taking Seroquel, including the negative side effects, the overdose experience, hospitalization, and long-term consequences.Sat, 08 Aug 2015 04:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/bipolar-disorder-a-personal-experience/https://brienblatt.com/blog/bipolar-disorder-a-personal-experience/Brien Blatt details some of his personal experience with his Bipolar Disorder and how it has impacted has life. Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depressive disorder, affects mood, energy, and activity levels.Wed, 12 Aug 2015 17:26:28 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/coping-skills-for-racing-thoughts/https://brienblatt.com/blog/coping-skills-for-racing-thoughts/Dealing with racing thoughts can be a challenging and daunting task, but I'd like to share some of the tips I have gained over the years so that it can be managed effectively.Mon, 05 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/coping-skills/https://brienblatt.com/blog/coping-skills/Coping skills for mental illness, anxiety, depression, stress, and life in general. A rundown of coping skills that I've learned to deal with my mental/emotional issues.Thu, 06 Aug 2015 04:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/delusions-hallucinations-and-paranoia/https://brienblatt.com/blog/delusions-hallucinations-and-paranoia/A personal account of experiencing psychosis associated with bipolar disorder, including delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia from childhood through adulthood.Sat, 22 Aug 2015 04:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/days-i-get-blamed-for-having-cancer/https://brienblatt.com/blog/days-i-get-blamed-for-having-cancer/People often blame mental illness on a person rather than treating it like a physical illness. This post explores the stigma and misconceptions around mental health.Mon, 16 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/depression-is-like/https://brienblatt.com/blog/depression-is-like/What is severe depression like? Based on personal experiences - the physical weight, emotional drain, and the reality that it's not something you can just 'toughen up' and snap out of.Thu, 06 Aug 2015 04:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/hallucinations-tonight/https://brienblatt.com/blog/hallucinations-tonight/A personal account of experiencing multiple hallucinations within 20 minutes - seeing an Egyptian-style cat, a ghostly girl, and a van transforming into a clown. The reality and fear of psychotic episodes.Fri, 04 Sep 2015 06:51:46 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/how-mental-health-stigma-affects-your-life/https://brienblatt.com/blog/how-mental-health-stigma-affects-your-life/How mental health stigma affects your life. How does stigma make you feel? Does gender play a role? How can we challenge it?Sun, 07 Oct 2018 18:02:47 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/i-may-have-schizoaffective-disorder/https://brienblatt.com/blog/i-may-have-schizoaffective-disorder/I've posted about this on social media to some extent, but I'm sure not everyone follows me to know what's going on with my mental health diagnosis journey.Fri, 11 Sep 2015 07:25:12 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/how-to-help-someone-who-has-mental-illness/https://brienblatt.com/blog/how-to-help-someone-who-has-mental-illness/How do you help someone with a mental health problem? What if they don't want help? Or are stubborn about seeking treatment? What if they don't believe they have mental illness?Sun, 07 Oct 2018 18:09:21 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/introduction-to-seo-basics/https://brienblatt.com/blog/introduction-to-seo-basics/SEO doesn't have to be complicated. Here's a practical introduction to search engine optimization that cuts through the jargon and focuses on what actually matters.Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/is-suicide-selfish/https://brienblatt.com/blog/is-suicide-selfish/A discussion on whether suicide is a selfish act, considering both the perspective of the person experiencing suicidal thoughts and the impact on loved ones.Tue, 18 Aug 2015 04:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/long-time-no-update-heres-whats-new/https://brienblatt.com/blog/long-time-no-update-heres-whats-new/A long-overdue update about what's been happening lately - dealing with stress, remodeling projects, bipolar disorder symptoms, and medication side effects.Tue, 12 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/mental-health-awareness/https://brienblatt.com/blog/mental-health-awareness/Mental Health Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day are important times to recognize that nearly half of mental health illness occurs before age 14, and one in five U.S. adults experience mental health problems each year.Tue, 09 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/more-about-my-stay-in-a-mental-hospital/https://brienblatt.com/blog/more-about-my-stay-in-a-mental-hospital/A personal account of being hospitalized in a mental institution, including the initial feelings, experiences with psychiatrists, group therapy, and the journey toward accepting a bipolar disorder diagnosis.Thu, 06 Aug 2015 04:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/mental-illness-and-the-stigma-attached-to-it/https://brienblatt.com/blog/mental-illness-and-the-stigma-attached-to-it/A rant about the stigma attached to Bipolar Disorder and other mental illnesses, addressing misconceptions about danger, craziness, and the need for compassion.Tue, 11 Aug 2015 04:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/prescription-drugs-natural-supplements/https://brienblatt.com/blog/prescription-drugs-natural-supplements/Many people with mental illness take prescription drugs, but there's also the option of natural supplements. This post explores the dilemma between prescription medications and natural alternatives for anxiety relief.Wed, 03 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/risperidone-causing-lack-of-sleep/https://brienblatt.com/blog/risperidone-causing-lack-of-sleep/A short post about experiencing lack of sleep as a side effect of Risperidone medication, written both for personal reference and to help others who may have the same issue.Wed, 02 Sep 2015 10:41:51 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/say-no-to-suicide-getting-help-with-your-problems-and-concerns/https://brienblatt.com/blog/say-no-to-suicide-getting-help-with-your-problems-and-concerns/If you're feeling suicidal or struggling with overwhelming problems, please read this. Your life has value and there are people who want to help you through difficult times.Thu, 06 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/rough-time-lately/https://brienblatt.com/blog/rough-time-lately/Dealing with stress over finances, remodeling projects, and bipolar disorder symptoms including hallucinations, depression, and rapid mood cycling while managing medication and therapy.Tue, 08 Sep 2015 10:01:48 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/serotonin-syndrome/https://brienblatt.com/blog/serotonin-syndrome/Recently, I’ve been going through a medication adjustment which involved anti-depressants, and I ended up with having to deal with Serotonin syndrome.Fri, 31 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/stress-money-and-a-stupid-idea/https://brienblatt.com/blog/stress-money-and-a-stupid-idea/A personal reflection on stress, financial pressures, and mental health challenges - a warning that this post discusses difficult topics openly.Wed, 07 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/suicidal-thoughts/https://brienblatt.com/blog/suicidal-thoughts/I've had suicidal thoughts throughout my whole my life and still do to this day. A personal account of suicidal thoughts in the context of bipolar disorder.Thu, 06 Aug 2015 04:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/the-effects-of-media-on-mental-health/https://brienblatt.com/blog/the-effects-of-media-on-mental-health/Ever wondered if the media has long last-lasting effects on your mental health? Bad news is impossible to avoid; it's all over -- television, social media.Thu, 18 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/the-freeze-response-by-joy/https://brienblatt.com/blog/the-freeze-response-by-joy/This article was generously submitted by a guest writer about the freeze response and how it affects people in stressful situations.Thu, 14 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/tips-for-maintaining-your-quality-of-life-with-multiple-sclerosis/https://brienblatt.com/blog/tips-for-maintaining-your-quality-of-life-with-multiple-sclerosis/Living with Multiple Sclerosis presents unique challenges. This guest article provides practical tips for maintaining quality of life while managing the condition.Mon, 19 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/therapist-i-may-like-for-once/https://brienblatt.com/blog/therapist-i-may-like-for-once/After not having a therapist for a couple of years and having bad experiences, I finally met a new therapist. Surprisingly, I may actually like her - she has a sense of humor, doesn't force me to do anything, and I felt comfortable.Fri, 21 Aug 2015 16:37:03 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/ultra-rapid-cycling/https://brienblatt.com/blog/ultra-rapid-cycling/Experiencing ridiculously rapid cycling with Bipolar disorder lately - mood swings happening at an accelerated rate, making it difficult to maintain stability.Fri, 28 Aug 2015 13:07:48 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/ups-backup-power-why-it-matters/https://brienblatt.com/blog/ups-backup-power-why-it-matters/Power outages can happen anytime. A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) protects your equipment and gives you time to shut down safely. Here's why it's worth the investment.Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/what-is-bipolar-disorder/https://brienblatt.com/blog/what-is-bipolar-disorder/What is Bipolar disorder? Well, I have it; let me give you a summary. A brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.Sun, 09 Aug 2015 04:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/what-is-cloudflare-and-why-use-it/https://brienblatt.com/blog/what-is-cloudflare-and-why-use-it/Cloudflare is more than just a CDN. It's a comprehensive platform that can dramatically improve your site's performance, security, and reliability. Here's why it matters.Sat, 20 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMThttps://brienblatt.com/blog/world-suicide-prevention-day/https://brienblatt.com/blog/world-suicide-prevention-day/World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on September 10th each year to raise awareness about suicide prevention and provide support for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.Thu, 10 Sep 2015 11:33:43 GMT