The Spinning Mind
On Being Different in an Unforgiving World
A personal blog exploring mental health topics for anyone with curiosity, compassion, and hope
Jan Swan
On Anxiety and Panic Disorder
The most common psychological condition is anxiety. But common is not simple. Anxiety helped our ancestors survive. It’s the wellspring for so many mental health conditions that we may not realize its power and persistence in our lives. In this series, I cover primary (fear) vs secondary (anxiety) emotions, anxiety vs panic attacks, phobias, and research on the mind-brain-body connection.
On Neurodivergence and Otherness
My sons are neuroatypical. I’m neurotypical. What I love about our conversations is how we’re learning to communicate better, through deepening understanding and greater compassion. In this series I explore autism and the history of the neurodiversity movement, ADHD, our sensory system, synesthesia, living with stigma in the LGBTQ+ community, and identity formation.
On Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a complex mood disorder that disrupts lives and causes too much suffering. It’s also fairly common, affecting 3% of the U.S. population. It’s time this serious mental illness comes out from the shadows. In my series, I’ll speak from the heart, but will also discuss the evolving world of science and treatment which keeps updating under- standing with the goals of improving the lives of those affected.
Narcissism and the Rest of Us
Narcissism is getting a lot of attention these days, but the narcissist’s impact on those of us close to them is poorly understood. It’s especially troubling because the very traits that define narcissism are the ones that prevent them from seeking help. In my series, I write more for the rest of us, to understand narcissism as a first step to living among them.
I haven’t selected my next topic yet, but I’m open to suggestions. Please share your ideas: [email protected]
Hi, I’m Jan Swan, a retired writer and mother of two adult sons with mental health conditions, which can at times overwhelm our family. That’s why I’m writing this blog. To better understand mental disorders and to connect with people like me—who find themselves frequently at sea when coping with their own or a loved one’s struggles,
My blog mixes personal stories, research, and information from web searches. I write and use pictures and charts so you can skip around to find what interests you.
I’m interested in how our mind-brain-body connection affects us. Since Freud, we’ve been learning about how our mind works. Recent research finds evidence for just how important our genetics and brain chemistry are to our mental health–and to promising, highly targeted treatments in the future.
I’m not a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, social worker, psychoneurologist, or mental health researcher. I’m an amateur reporter on a learning journey I’d like to share with you.
Jan Swan is a pseudonym to protect my family’s privacy, so I can be candid about our experiences.
“You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” ― Jon Kabat-Zinn “One positive thing I can think of is creativity—this is big in ADHD people. It’s enhanced my art. Another is hyperfocus when we’re in the zone. We get super focused on a task and become efficient and good workers. That’s special.” —Etan Swan
In a culture of mental health stigma, prejudice, and misinformation, I hope to help de-mystify and de-stigmatize mental illness and “difference.” We can make more progress as a society by seeing ourselves as unique individuals deserving of understanding, compassion, and support, when needed. My blog is not political, but it’s hard to be reconciled with how our society fails the most vulnerable among us. We need to do better. It starts with understanding. That’s what my blog is about, deepening understanding, urging treatment, and hopefully building a case for greater humanity.
Since there are numerous credible websites for information about mental illness—from what it is to how you recognize it to what you do about it—my blog doesn’t offer “next steps” or connect you to additional resources or services. For that, I offer some of my go-to favorites. These organizations offer support groups, educational resources, and advocacy for people affected by mental health disorders or issues. Many also provide online or in-person support, information on managing symptoms, and resources for families, along with efforts to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Here’s my short list (other sources listed at the end of each blog post):
Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA)
Brain and Behavior Research Foundation
Cleveland Clinic Mental Healthcare
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
Harvard Health Publishing on Mental Health
International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
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