About Paulissa Kipp, Author of the Recovering From Mental Illness Blog

I am Paulissa Kipp, creative braveheart, author, photographer, intuitive sage, artist, seeker of light, singer of songs and connection creator - one truth at a time. Law student and fierce advocate for the often overlooked.

Amidst this strength is something that most people don't see - not because I hide it - but rather because it lurks in the shadows. I am affected by mental illness - PTSD, Panic Disorder and Bipolar II are my traveling partners. While I fly like the Phoenix, I am also aware that the Phoenix needs to rest in order to rise from the ashes.

I Am Strong, But...

When one has overcome adversity and is viewed as strong, finding an understanding support system can be a challenge. If I express that I feel vulnerable, it is rare that others comfort me. More often, I am told I will be okay because "you're so strong." Yes, I AM strong but I have days in which every breath is a Breathing Lesson and days in which every sense is like a Spidey Sense. At any given moment on any given day, I may be hanging by a thread.

The greatest lesson I've learned from mental illness is passionate self-care. If any blessing can be derived from petting the dragon of mental illness, it is learning what we need to care for ourselves - our strengths, limitations, boundaries and what we need for peace.

The Recovering From Mental Illness blog is a place to discuss mental health as it relates to our identity; how we relate to one other and the world at large; a safe place to discuss stigma, empowerment, healing and lessons we've learned along the way as well as a place to stage Phoenix uprisings.

You can also connect with Paulissa Kipp on Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Pinterest and her website, Paulissakippisms.