Author: Lori Bernstein

I am a mental health advocate with lived experience. I have schizoiaffective disorder, bipolar type and social anxiety. I have gone from being reclusive to public speaking.

The results are in

I had Raider's DNA tested through @embarkvet .  He is: 32.5% Poodle (Small) 14.9% Cocker Spaniel 11.8% German Shepherd Dog 9.2% Chow Chow 6.0% Pekingese 25.6% Supermutt * *What’s in that Supermutt? There may be small amounts of DNA from these distant ancestors: Boxer Golden Retriever Samoyed Shih Tzu You can see more here: EMBK.ME/RAIDER2 (I … Continue reading The results are in

There is no need to fear me

  Yes, I have a mental illness. A scary kind that starts with schiz.... But, I am not and never have been violent.  I am more likely to be the victim of a crime than the perpetrator. I am enough of a suicide risk, by that label alone, that I can not purchase life insurance.  … Continue reading There is no need to fear me

The Gift

I go to a support group for people with mood disorders.  Moods are part of schizoaffective disorder. The moderator likes to refer to our illness as a 'gift'. Like we have special powers. He believes he is more creative, has deeper feelings, and I don't know what else. He even said he would not take … Continue reading The Gift

Dealing with Anxiety

I am suffering with constant anxiety. My stomach feels queasy and I am having trouble with shallow breathing. I just started a new job and I think that is the issue. i am hoping once I settle in, it will stop. My therapist suggested more exercise and mindfulness. My pdoc said to push through it, … Continue reading Dealing with Anxiety

DNA testing

I have been interested in the different DNA tests available, like ancestry or 23andMe. (I am not endorsing any products). At one time, I worked at a company that did DNA work.  I even met Francis Collins, one of the leaders of the human genome project, who was a consultant. I was interested, but I … Continue reading DNA testing

I have a dog

I have been lookng for a dog that matches with my family and I finally found one.  He is a poodle/shih tzu mix. His previous owner was moving to an apartment that does not accept dogs. He has made himself at home and seems to be adjusting well. It will be good for me to … Continue reading I have a dog

Working Towards a Breakthrough

In my last post I talked about my childhood and how could my parents have thought that was an okay environment. They thought they were superior to others, even. I know everyone has flaws and maybe combined they had very poor judgement and blind spots.  They weren't intentionally so hurtful. I do want to find … Continue reading Working Towards a Breakthrough