Dayna’s Journey + Story

Inspiring mental health storyteller.

Learning to shine bright | be brave + thrive despite mental health challenges.

Blog Archives

A Year of Passionate Progress | November 21, 2022

November marks 14-years since I left the inpatient psychiatric unit for the last time after a difficult bipolar diagnosis and mental health battle that began in 2006. It is a significantly meaningful anniversary that reminds me to pause and consider what I am doing to continue thriving. Continue reading >

Tried. Tested. True. | January 9, 2022

At the beginning of 2022, my happiness practices were really tested. I am so excited to share this story of how those practices served me well this week as I experienced a challenging start to the New Year. Continue reading >

Mad or Manic Holidaze | December 15, 2021

Growing up my mom absolutely loved the holidays. It was truly a magical time, most years. Other years, my mom was more like the Grinch. She would steal the holiday spirit right out of the room. Continue reading >

Lucky 13 | November 23, 2021

13-years after my last psychiatric unit discharge and days before Thanksgiving I discuss what makes a successful life and if recovery or remission of bipolar disorder is possible. Continue reading >

Document Joy | October 17, 2021

Another way to feed your happiness and the positivity in your life is to document joy. That smiling girl in the photograph is the real, true me. The depressed, broken, dark, and miserable being is the sickness. Continue reading >

Anticipate the Good | September 18, 2021

Visualization is an important part of anticipation. It takes us out of our current mindset and transports us to a better feeling state of mind. Continue reading >

Mastering Misery | September 5, 2021

I remember that night and the following day as one of the most difficult times of my life. Continue reading >

Shine Bright | August 28, 2021

My life has radically shifted by applying these practices. I have less frequent suicidal thoughts. I have more energy to get out of bed in the morning. I am more calm. I have more joy. I am more confident and feel more in control of my days. Instead of reacting to the world around me, I am creating the world I want to live in! Continue reading >

Personal Growth | August 20, 2021

I dug deep and got brave to accept my first professional risk since returning to work after my hospitalization two and a half years earlier. Continue reading >

Nervous Nellie | August 13, 2021

When you’re rebuilding, you have to start somewhere. Continue reading >

One More Time | August 6, 2021

I wept at the loss of my mind for a second time. Continue reading >

Suicide Note | July 31, 2021

I believe people have to save themselves. But, we can guide them to the resources they need. It’s like throwing someone who falls overboard into the ocean and life preserver. Just give them something to hold on to. Sometimes they still drown. But you did everything you can to help. Continue reading >

Darkness Descends | July 31, 2021

I would feel and see shakes and tremors in my body constantly. I was afraid of the dark. Afraid to be alone. There was constant anxiety. I was uncomfortable in my own skin almost continually. Continue reading >

Mania Manifests | July 23, 2021

Very late one night, a loud knock on the door abruptly woke me from my sleep. This incident combined with the adrenaline of our successful relocation in pursuit of our dreams was the beginning of the pattern of insomnia that changed my entire life.  Continue reading >

What Does Bipolar Feel Like? | July 18, 2021

My mental health challenges have been like suddenly falling into the angry, raging rapids of a fast moving river at night in 20 degree weather while wearing a snowsuit, boots, and bottom layer long johns. Almost impossible to survive. Continue reading >