A sample of my articles are below. For my TIPS page, click here.
Braid Waves
This excerpt was cut from Crazy, my memoir about being diagnosed with bipolar 1 during an extreme manic episode, the psych ward and healthcare system, and my recovery. As per Virginia Woolf, “In expressing it I explained it and then laid it to rest.” To…
Read moreBipolar Warning Signs
I’m often asked if there were any warning signs of my mental illness before my bipolar 1 diagnosis at age 40, when I experienced my first manic episode and hospitalization. Prior to mania, I had a history of seasonal depression and occasional depressive episodes, which…
Read moreMania info and support
The first step to support someone with bipolar disorder is to learn as much as you can. I hope this collection of my mania articles and posts helps. Viewed best in a web browser. Social media posts: March 20, 2023: Spring Mania We made it…
Read moreHypo/Mania Prep
Every year around this time I come out of my hibernation cocoon. I clean the house, photograph the tulips, and feel better than I’ve felt for months. For six months, since the bitter winter and shorter days began. I work to prevent depression through winter,…
Read moreOn Writing
November is my cruellest month, but I distract myself with NaNoWriMo aka National Novel Writing Month. It inspires me to write, and also to share what I’ve learned after decades of honing this craft. I hope you find the following useful. My Approach • Set…
Read moreSelf Care Box
When we’re stressed, it’s very difficult to think of how to feel better in the moment. A self care box that you put together with your favourite items (when you’re NOT stressed) helps immensely because it is filled with things that bring you joy AND…
Read moreReviews for Crazy
Reviews are incredibly valuable to authors. They provide feedback for our work and generate buzz to attract new readers. Thank you to those who have reviewed Crazy, Memoir of a Mom Gone Mad. Quotes from some of the reviews are displayed below. To rate or…
Read morePerks for VIPs
Today marks six months since my book launch. To celebrate, I created a newsletter. This is for VIPs (aka email subscribers), who have access to bonus content, sneak previews, and book giveaways! To subscribe, submit your email address in the field at the bottom of…
Read more‘Crazy’ Prologue
During my first manic episode, in 2017, I became obsessed with garbage. I saw beauty and purpose where no one else did. This picture shows the start of the compost pile I would later use to create a garbage dinner for my family, shortly before…
Read moreCrazy Memoir Playlist
These are the songs that made me feel something during my roller coaster of mania and depression, throughout the three year time period of my book. Click the Play button to listen on Spotify or scroll below for my songlist. Lose Yourself – Eminem Closer…
Read moreCorporate Talks
Bell Let’s Talk Day: Aecon’s Mental Health Committee invited me to discuss mental health, my personal experience living with bipolar disorder, and what we can do to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental illness. Scroll through my slides below. Contact me if you’d like my personal…
Read moreTogether Towards Change
Honoured to be featured in the Together Towards Change newsletter, representing the Time to Change Hubs and Champions Group working to end discrimination against people with mental health problems. Click on the images below to read each page, or download the pdf here. Click here…
Read moreEat, Pray, Love, Nurse, Betray
This non-fiction excerpt was cut from my book, but it stayed on my mind. I’m sharing it, like most of my memoir, as per Virginia Woolf “In expressing it I explained it and then laid it to rest.” To learn more about my memoir, visit…
Read moreMy parenting blog
In a former life I created a blog called CRUNCH compass. The name pops up in my posts now and then. It was a fun creative outlet and, in hindsight, an excellent way to hone my writing skills. The tagline was “helping to navigate you…
Read moreTop Books 2021
These are the best books I read this year. Some were rereads and some were new, but they were all ones I couldn’t stop thinking or talking about. Of course I had to include my book, it was the one I thought and talked about…
Read moreBook Club Questions
Thank you for choosing Crazy for your book club. If you would like me to virtually attend, contact me with the details. I would love to be there. Here are some questions to consider for your book club discussion. Click the ‘Download’ button at the…
Read moreReducing stigma
I was recently asked the excellent question: what can I do to help you feel less stigma? I replied with the first thing that came to mind, but the question stayed with me. It deserved more than an off-the-cuff answer. It deserved reflection. After my…
Read moreJournals 101
Do you journal? I’ve been journalling since I was a kid, when it was called a diary. I was recently asked to elaborate on my technique, which made me realize that my journals are not one-size-fits-all. This post describes how journalling best helps me. Gratitude…
Read moreDon’t Call Me Crazy: a short story
This story was a birthday gift for my son, inspired by one of his mind-blowing questions. After he read it he said “This looks really pro. Like you’ve taken a course.” Thanks kid. DISCLAIMER: This story might seem to suggest that I am against medication,…
Read moreWhen Words Collide
When Words Collide is a literary festival that takes place in Calgary, Alberta, every August. I learned about it and attended in 2017, as an aspiring writer. This year I’m not only participating in the audience, but also as an author and speaker on four…
Read moreCrazy: Memoir of a Mom Gone Mad
When Charise Jewell decided to leave her career as a robotics engineer to pursue writing fiction, the 40-year old mother of three had no idea that she was embarking on a real life story beyond her wildest imagination. Without warning, and while preparing to celebrate…
Read moreTalking to kids about mental illness
This is a slide from my mental illness/health presentation for kids at local schools. You can click through and share any or all of the slides below. When we talk openly about mental illness it reassures people if they have any concerns, and helps to…
Read moreMania Explained
Most people I know have never experienced a manic episode. They are curious but respectful, so don’t ask for details about mine. They don’t want to upset me by dredging up painful memories. I appreciate their respect and concern, but I think that talking…
Read moreThe Betrayal: a short story about love
This short story will be published in a collection with other fiction and a few personal essays. More updates to come! It was the necklace that brought it all back. I’ve known about the two of them for years, more than a decade, and I’ve…
Read moreLosing the dream: pregnancy loss and how to cope
Article about how to work through the grief caused by a miscarriage or pregnancy loss. Published online by CRUNCH compass. https://chaell.wordpress.com/2013/10/18/losing-the-dream/
Read moreI need a vacay after the vacay.
The CRUNCH: I need a vacay after the vacay. CRUNCH deets: It seemed like a good idea when you booked. But after schlepping the diapers, car seat, and pack and play, surviving the plane ride with a finger-walker, figuring out how to beach nap it,…
Read moreBalancing Bipolar Disorder
I recently saw my psychiatrist for a check-up, something that happens every month or two depending on my mood. He’s been pleased with my progress and during the appointment he remarked “Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it.” This got me thinking – what am I…
Read moreThe Lonely One: chapter one
Below is the first bit of my first book. I’ll finish it one day. Chapter One Mom often started sentences with the phrase “I’m dying.” She’d be dying to use the bathroom, dying for an upcoming vacation, dying to have a cup of tea. Now…
Read moreSpiralling out: a photo essay of mania
On May 15, 2017 I was hospitalized and diagnosed as having Bipolar 1 mood disorder after experiencing an extreme manic episode. Music and art were very significant to me during this time and both held great meaning. Once the dust settled and I looked through…
Read moreDecluttering 101: help + a flowchart!
Spring cleaning is in the air and garage sales are just around the corner! For those who don’t know me, I am hyper-organized. Like… hyper. Over the years I’ve finessed my decluttering skills, so I thought I would share for those of you who have…
Read moreThe mealplan to end all mealplans
Surviving a too-busy schedule with the help of the only meal plan you’ll ever need. Written for CRUNCH compass. https://chaell.wordpress.com/2014/09/25/how-to-mealplan/
Read moreWorkplace Bullies
Article about how to cope in a toxic work environment if your boss is a bully. Written for Together Magazine. Discrimination In The Workplace (Together Magazine) © Charise Jewell, 2013
Read moreThe Great Lunch Fail: tips for picky eaters
Article about how to pack a school lunch your kids will actually eat. Published online by CRUNCH compass. https://chaell.wordpress.com/2013/10/04/the-great-lunch-fail/
Read moreThe great childcare debate: to nanny or not?
Article written for CRUNCH compass about the pros and cons of various childcare options (nanny/daycare/dayhome) and how to choose what’s best for your family. https://chaell.wordpress.com/2014/01/10/the-great-childcare-debate/
Read more© Charise Jewell, 2017-2024