HealthyPlace.com Gave Me a Blog?

Well, I've gone and done it. Yes, it's been done and I'm gone. Well, not gone really. Still on my couch actually. But I have gone and gotten a blogging contract with HealthyPlace.com, "America's Mental Health Channel".

The people at HealthyPlace approached me a couple of weeks ago about doing it, and after some serious consideration, and bouts of vanity, I decided to move forward with it.

In all honesty, I wasn't familiar with this site before they approached me and I tend to regard such approaches and sites as suspicious. I have been approached by various people over the years for various things but for one reason or another, I decided not to do it. I do not, in any way, wish to have my point of view compromised by sponsors. Money runs the world, and around here, that means big-pharma. I'm not naive enough to think they don't play a role, but I won't have them shaping my voice. My voice is mine, period.

But the people at HealthyPlace have been fine with that. They have a "no naughty words" policy, which I think is kind of silly, but certainly isn't a problem. And yes, they are funded by advertisers, and those advertisers are pharmaceutical companies. Here's what HealthyPlace has to say about that:

HealthyPlace is not owned or directed by companies that sell any products or medications. None of the articles are written or influenced by companies advertising on our website. All advertisements and sponsorships are clearly identified and labeled. (you can read our editorial and advertising policies) As a company and general policy of our website, we do not make any claims relating to the benefit or performance of a specific medical treatment, commercial product or service. We strongly believe that the individual and their healthcare provider should work in concert to determine what the best treatment is for that person's particular situation.

All of which I find quite acceptable and endorse. 

And I must say, the people at HealthyPlace have been tremendously kind and generous in getting me started with them. Every interaction has been a pleasure. I hope to have a long a positive relationship with them and their readers.

So, am I leaving?

Of course not, silly. There are still things that aren't going to be appropriate for that site that I'll post here, and I have the luxury of being a lot more random in this arena. I've put a lot of work into this place and I have no intention of leaving just when it's getting good.

I do hope you'll drop by HealthyPlace and check them out, if you haven't already done so. They do offer many mental health resources, including discussion groups. Their audience is somewhat more "adult" (think 30+) in their demographics than you get elsewhere, which I, for one, find refreshing. And they picked me out of the blogosphere, and that's saying something right there isn't it?

My new blog is called "Breaking Bipolar". It will include two articles a week plus two audio clips a month and one video. Yes, that's right, you get to see me, and hear me. My picture's up. Let me know how you like the hair.

My first article talks about the price of being bipolar in public. It talks a little about my decision to come out of the crazy closet. Or out of the closet crazy. Or crazed. Or something. I have a lot to say on this as I've been thinking about anonymity vs. non-anonymity for a long time now. I've gradually become less anonymous over the years and now I have a name and a face. It's really rather shocking. It's a subject I'll be revisiting there, here, somewhere, for sure.

There is also a short about Natasha article, if you're interested.

Not all the features are working just yet but a video should soon appear as well.

I hope you'll all support me in this new venue. I love writing here and see writing there as an extension of that, but really, I need your help to find an audience. A writer without readers is sort of like one hand clapping. Which I guess means it's pointless or transcendent, depending on your point of view.

Any feedback on any of my writing is welcome, here, there, and everywhere.

And by the way, every one of you who ever left a comment saying that I touched you, or that you could really identify with my writing, are what helped make this happen. Every one of you helped keep me writing and as long as I'm touching people I intend to continue. I am one voice speaking for many. Thank-you for all of your support.

Now go read my new article ;)