holidays – Mirrored Madness: The Monster In Me

The Father, the Son, & the Easter Bunny

I used to believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and Tom Cruise, too”
– Barbara Bretton

It’s Easter, and that’ll be the theme of the day. Whether it be the Resurrection of Jesus or the story of Peter Cottontail, Easter, in some form or another, will be on the forefront of most people’s day.

I won’t pretend to know much about Easter, especially on how an egg-laying bunny got involved in the whole mess. I’m sure there’s a reason, but I had never truly sought out any real answer before now. Some things are just better left to mystery.

But, hey, if you can incorporate an egg-laying bunny into the same celebrations surrounding the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and still have something meaningful in the end, then I want to know more (I mean to offend no one, but I can only go so far.).

Below are just a few facts about Easter:

Easter is the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Christian religion.
Eggs have been seen as ancient symbol of fertility, while springtime is considered to bring new life and rebirth.
Americans spend $1.9 billion on Easter candy. That’s the second biggest candy holiday after Halloween.
70% of Easter candy purchased is chocolate.
76% of Americans think the ears of a chocolate bunny should be the first to be eaten.
Egg dyes were once made from natural items such as onion peels, tree bark, flower petals, and juices.
There’s much debate about the practice of dyeing chicks. Many hatcheries no longer participate, but others say that it isn’t dangerous to the chick’s health because the dye only lasts until the chicks shed their fluff and grow their feathers.
The first story of a rabbit (later named the “Easter Bunny”) hiding eggs in a garden was published in 1680.
Easter takes place on a Sunday, after the 40-day period called Lent. Lent is referred to as a time of fasting, but participants focus more on giving up one significant indulgence.
Holy Week is the celebrated during the week leading up to Easter. It begins on Palm Sunday, continues to Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and then finally, Easter Sunday.
“The White House Easter Egg Roll” event has been celebrated by the President of the United States and their families since 1878.

I wasn’t surprised to see some of the above as facts, but more shocked on the predominancy of chocolate over Jesus. Upon performing simple “research”, the facts on the “Easter Bunny” part of the holiday seemed to be more significantly covered than that of the Christian aspects.

Like I said, I don’t know much about the holiday, but am still curious about Peter Cottontail and where he fits into all of this. I still don’t understand the connections completely.

Hell, I don’t understand at all.

According to one Christian source, though, “In the end, the Easter bunny has nothing to do with Jesus directly. There is nothing in the Bible or Christian tradition that links the two together.”

I’ll just have to accept that, or else go crazy.

I do like the concept of resurrection, though. A rebirth, and not one simply applicable to Jesus Christ. Maybe it’s the writer/reader in me, but the concept of resurrection can be a crucial element to any story, biblical or not. Crucial or convenient. Either way, it’s a word worth its weight.

Everyone has had their own moments of personal doubt. In turn, people seek out personal growth on that elusive life-changing level known as “resurrection”.

I’ve never been so lucky as to have had a real personal rebirth, but if Jesus can do it, so can I.

New Year, Which Me? Resolutions for the Unstable

You hear it at the beginning of every year. “New year, new me.” It hardly ever seems to work out that way but it’s a nice thought. If you are one of the lucky ones, though, then good for you. I say that with no condescension. Honest. But for approximately 5.7 million Americans it may not be so black and white.

New year, new me. For me, part of that expression has always been just the opposite. The expression “New year, SAME me” is a little more on the spot. And “SAME me” is not someone I have always been proud of.

To break it down even further, “SAME me” is not always the “same” me. Sounds complicated, right?

Let me try and clarify.

Those who do not suffer from bipolar disorder may not understand exactly what I mean by that, but I’m sure anyone with the disease can relate.

The extreme highs and lows accompanied by the bouts of mania and the depression all play a role in what kind of “person” I, we, come across as.

So, dramatic? Maybe. Inaccurate? Not entirely.

I wish I had the complete ability of control and awareness when in the moment, but it’s usually not until later when I realize how my behavior caused me to look and come across as.

I was once told by a family member that they didn’t reach out to me more often because they never knew how I was going to “react”. I wasn’t angry after hearing this, surprisingly. Not at all. I was embarrassed. It put a spotlight on something I wish would’ve remained hidden in darkness.

I know enough to know (even if a little too late at times) that I am not always the way this particular family member was referring to when making that comment, one that was perfectly honest and harmless.

Despite it being innocent enough, the comment offered me more perspective than I ever had on the matter. Once again, I became aware of my behavior and attitude just a little too late.

Awareness.

Being aware. Being aware and staying in control of one’s faculties at the same time. I’ve always described bipolar disorder as knowing completely and fully the difference between right and wrong yet having no control over how you react no matter the situation.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, nine out of ten people with mental illnesses say that stigma and discrimination have a negative effect on their lives. With that being said, this fear and shame makes it harder for one to be in control of the “person” who is coming across.

Unfortunately, those with bipolar disorder will undoubtedly encounter someone who will judge or determine their character based off of their interaction with them. Or off just their diagnosis alone.

An APA report shows that a majority of Americans believe that mental health is just as important as any other health concern. According to the report, 87% of Americans said having a mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. 86% of Americans said people with mental health conditions can get better.

Which is great to see in 2022. Yet the stigma still exists and also plays, I believe, a subconscious role into how one with a mental illness reacts in any social situation.

So, new year, new me? I don’t know. New year, SAME me? I sure hope not. But here’s to putting my first foot forward every day, 2022. That’s my resolution.

Just remember: one day at a time. Even if it is only the first.

Bipolar Disorder & the Holidays

The holidays can be a tricky time of year for someone with bipolar disorder. “Doom, gloom, and dread” often take the place of “peace, love, and joy”, creating a brand new can of worms that no one looks forward to. Not only are you not the life of the party, you might very well be its death knell.

Why are the holidays so hard for people who suffer from bipolar disorder? Doctors and research point to a variety of factors.

Buying into the build-up: It may be the “most wonderful time of the year”, but you couldn’t feel more alone and depressed.
Cycling with the seasons: Many bipolar people tend to feel more down and depressed in the winter months due to the time change.
Schedule changes: People with bipolar disorder like and depend on their routine.
Substance use/abuse: The temptation to drink or use drugs may come up during the holidays for a variety of reasons.
Too much, too fast: Shopping here, stopping there…It can take its toll on anybody, of course, but it can be a trigger for someone with bipolar disorder.
Overspending: This can already be a bad idea for someone with bipolar disorder. But with a reason it can be a disaster.
Missing medication: As busy and hectic as the holidays get it’s easy to miss a dose of medication without even realizing it.
Social anxiety: Not all family gatherings are pleasant and they can be even less so when anxiety is rearing its ugly head.

To tell a person suffering from bipolar disorder there are ways around these factors is similar to telling a circle to be a square: it’s a waste of time. However, there are some coping strategies that can be used to help avoid certain triggers.

Be open and honest: Let your friends and family know you may just not be up to all the festivities this year.
Keep a schedule: Make a schedule and stick to it.
Just say “no”: Avoid the illicit use of any drugs and/or alcohol.
Stick to a budget: Avoid overspending by creating and sticking to a budget.
Shop online: Avoid the stores and any other unnecessary social situations.
Avoid excessive stimulation: Stay away from things that could be a trigger of any sort for you.
Prepare: It’s hard to do, but try and remain aware of what is on the schedule.

Most importantly, remember that it’s okay to be selfish when it comes to your health and self-care. Even during the holidays.