Had it of been easier to find a good Psychiatrist, I would probably still have a job. The anxiety and depression got the best of me a few months ago, and I couldn't cope with things like long hours, increased workload, and a negative boss. It affected my work performance and I was strongly persuaded to pack up my things. (Which by the way, I learned that if you give into these tactics, you don't get unemployment) These are things that most people can cope with, but for people with bipolar, it's pretty hard. I've been off for about four months now, and in all honestly, my time has been spent either moping around or jumping from one little project to the next. I'm not homeless yet because I have a supportive husband who has picked up the slack. You are probably thinking, so what's successful about that? It isn't, but even the best of us find outselves here from time to time. I've moped for about 4 months, and I'm ready to put myself out there again and find another job.
I knew this was coming. I knew I was going to have a breakdown, and I even told my Psychiatrist about it. I was like a ticking time bomb. She really didn't care, and told me that I do this to myself, as she handed me the same old script. I called around to other Psychiatrists in my area, but nobody was taking new patients. I talked to my husband, but he didn't know what to do either. Eventually I landed myself in a meeting with the top dogs of the company, and walked out crying like a baby. I know, how successful is that? I felt better when I got onto my favorite bipolar chatroom- http://www.bipolarworld.net/Community/webchat.html - and asked if anyone else had a meltdown at work. I got quite a bit of support there, and heard some job loss stories, some that made me chuckel. It's good to know that you are not alone.
Still, it's quite a shame that it had to come to this. I truely believe that this could of went another way. Had I been thinking clearly, I might have asked to go part time. I might have asked for a family medical leave. I might have been able to do something to keep my job.
Just this week, I got some relief in the most unlikely place- a walk in clinic. The doctor prescribed me a very small dose of Xanax 0.25 mg that she suggested I take before going places I would otherwise avoid- like a job interview. This has been controlling my social anxiety, and I've only taken 2 this week. She warned me about the potential risks of addiction, and she asked me to come back in two weeks to discuss a more long range treatment plan such as adding Buspar or and SSRI.
There are still some questions I have:
1. How do you get affordable Psychiatric care when you don't have insurance?
2. What is the best treatment for disabling social anxiety that comes and goes?
3. How do you find a good Psychiatrist who is actually taking new clients?
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
I do read all of your posts and comments
Just wanted to let everyone know that I do read all of your posts and commements. Getting feedback is the number one thing that keeps me writing.
Thank You!
Thank You!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Bipolar- It helps to learn skills that most people don't have
If you have bipolar disorder, or for that matter any disability, it helps to learn skills that most people don't have. You will make mistakes at work, and you will do things to upset people- it is just part of the disorder. Maybe for you, your Achilles' heel is missing too much work, maybe it is lack of emotional stability- but we all have problems at work. If we want to keep our job, and maybe even move up the ladder, we need to work a little harder than everyone else. We need to make ourselves irreplaceable.
I hate the term, "In this economy," but lets face it, it's a little rough out there right now. There are plently of minimum wage jobs out there, but they don't pay the rent, let alone our medications. We need to figure out a way to survive, which is why so many people with bipolar disorder resort to a life of semi-poverty and collect a small disability check. I am hopeful that there is a better way.
I have had quite a few ups and downs in my career, in all honestly, these past few months have been a bit of a downswing; I got laid off. I have no plans on giving up. There will be another job for me around the corner.
Whether you have a job, or are looking for a job, the most important thing you can do for yourself is to sharpen up your skills. Spend a few hours every week learning a new skill. Most "normal" people neglect to do this and this is how we can compete and stay marketable.
Good luck to all of you bipolars, and keep your chin up. Life is filled with ups and downs. We can do this!
I hate the term, "In this economy," but lets face it, it's a little rough out there right now. There are plently of minimum wage jobs out there, but they don't pay the rent, let alone our medications. We need to figure out a way to survive, which is why so many people with bipolar disorder resort to a life of semi-poverty and collect a small disability check. I am hopeful that there is a better way.
I have had quite a few ups and downs in my career, in all honestly, these past few months have been a bit of a downswing; I got laid off. I have no plans on giving up. There will be another job for me around the corner.
Whether you have a job, or are looking for a job, the most important thing you can do for yourself is to sharpen up your skills. Spend a few hours every week learning a new skill. Most "normal" people neglect to do this and this is how we can compete and stay marketable.
Good luck to all of you bipolars, and keep your chin up. Life is filled with ups and downs. We can do this!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Bipolar- Learn to Let Go
Those of us who are bipolar tend to be a little hard on ourselves. Not only do we have trouble with mood, but also with judgement. So, when we make a life changing decsion, we run through it in our mind a thousand times. Learn to let go. If you've made a decision, if you've quit a job or ended a relationship, don't dwell on it. Life is full of trial and error. Some decisions are good, others are bad, but how will we learn if we don't allow ourselves some room for mistakes.
Life is also full of second chances. Unless you commited a perminent act, such as murder, you can almost always go back and try again. More often than not though, going back is a mistake. I've stormed out of jobs, and regretted it. I've broken engagements with men I thought I loved. I've gone back, often years later to try to patch these relationships and try again. In a clear light and with stable mood, I saw that I had moved on, that those relationships were not right for me anymore. So, let go of regrets.
Our intense moods give us a bit of an advantage over stable people. We see things in full color, especially when we are depressed. If something looks good when we are depressed, then you betcha it's going to look fantastic when we are feeling fine. So give yourself a little credit. Forgive yourself. You are exactly where you are in life for a reason. You're life might be a bit of a bipolar roller coaster ride, but nobody can say that you didn't live it to the fullest.
Life is also full of second chances. Unless you commited a perminent act, such as murder, you can almost always go back and try again. More often than not though, going back is a mistake. I've stormed out of jobs, and regretted it. I've broken engagements with men I thought I loved. I've gone back, often years later to try to patch these relationships and try again. In a clear light and with stable mood, I saw that I had moved on, that those relationships were not right for me anymore. So, let go of regrets.
Our intense moods give us a bit of an advantage over stable people. We see things in full color, especially when we are depressed. If something looks good when we are depressed, then you betcha it's going to look fantastic when we are feeling fine. So give yourself a little credit. Forgive yourself. You are exactly where you are in life for a reason. You're life might be a bit of a bipolar roller coaster ride, but nobody can say that you didn't live it to the fullest.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Bipolar- I Prefer to Be Sad Alone
When I'm really sad, I prefer to be alone. More than anything else, I don't want anyone to look at me or touch me. I don't want anyone to hear the sadness in my voice. I need to be alone until I'm ready to cope.
Sadness can sometimes turn into depression, but not always. We all have our own ways of dealing with sadness. Some people reach out to others and want to talk out their problems. Others, like me, prefer to lick their wounds alone.
If your living with someone who has bipolar, it's important to talk about what to expect and discuss the best way to deal with bipolar symptoms before they happen. It doesn't have to be a guessing game.
It's hard to watch someone suffer with sadness, grief, or depression. A normal human reaction is to want to reach out and help. Another normal reaction is to long to slip away, and hope when you come back the mood has passed. Often what you want to do, isn't what the bipolar person needs to get better. Having the talk can do wonders for a relationship.
Loving someone with bipolar isn't always easy, but sometimes it is.
Sadness can sometimes turn into depression, but not always. We all have our own ways of dealing with sadness. Some people reach out to others and want to talk out their problems. Others, like me, prefer to lick their wounds alone.
If your living with someone who has bipolar, it's important to talk about what to expect and discuss the best way to deal with bipolar symptoms before they happen. It doesn't have to be a guessing game.
It's hard to watch someone suffer with sadness, grief, or depression. A normal human reaction is to want to reach out and help. Another normal reaction is to long to slip away, and hope when you come back the mood has passed. Often what you want to do, isn't what the bipolar person needs to get better. Having the talk can do wonders for a relationship.
Loving someone with bipolar isn't always easy, but sometimes it is.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Friends and Family Can Hurt You The Most
It's funny how friends and family can hurt you the most. I'm lucky to have two people in my life, my husband and my mom, who I can completly trust. Until today, I thought I there were three. My closest female friend leaked out my deepest secrets to all our shared friends and acquaintances, not by accident, but only to be cruel-to punish me for a dissagreement I considered to be minor.
For whatever reason, I have trouble with close friendships, especially relationships with women. When people first meet me, they usually love me. Close friendships are different; I have serial best friendships. For whatever reason, friendships with women are more difficult for me than friendships with men.
There are only a few things I consider unforgivable - outright cruelty towards me or my loved ones and sleeping with my man come to mind. Often time the former occurs after the latter.
When family betrays you, it is difficult, but not impossible to swallow your pride, be the bigger person, and forgive. When friends do it, it is somehow harder. Maybe because you chose that person to be in your life, whereas with family others chose for you.
Perhaps my expectations of people are too high. I don't try to hurt people, especially the people I love, so I get surprised. I get hurt. I think heartache makes me a better and kinder person. When someone hurts me, I try harder to be good to others.
A psychology teacher once told us that people form close relationships with people who are as healthy, or as sick, as they are themselves. I'd like to think that I'm getting healthier every day, and that losing these friends is part of growing. At the same time, it makes me reluctant to have friendships and terrified to trust.
How about you? Are relationships difficult for you? If so, what makes it so hard and how do you get past the barriers?
For whatever reason, I have trouble with close friendships, especially relationships with women. When people first meet me, they usually love me. Close friendships are different; I have serial best friendships. For whatever reason, friendships with women are more difficult for me than friendships with men.
There are only a few things I consider unforgivable - outright cruelty towards me or my loved ones and sleeping with my man come to mind. Often time the former occurs after the latter.
When family betrays you, it is difficult, but not impossible to swallow your pride, be the bigger person, and forgive. When friends do it, it is somehow harder. Maybe because you chose that person to be in your life, whereas with family others chose for you.
Perhaps my expectations of people are too high. I don't try to hurt people, especially the people I love, so I get surprised. I get hurt. I think heartache makes me a better and kinder person. When someone hurts me, I try harder to be good to others.
A psychology teacher once told us that people form close relationships with people who are as healthy, or as sick, as they are themselves. I'd like to think that I'm getting healthier every day, and that losing these friends is part of growing. At the same time, it makes me reluctant to have friendships and terrified to trust.
How about you? Are relationships difficult for you? If so, what makes it so hard and how do you get past the barriers?
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Adding Your Shrink to Facebook
Is your shrink your friend on facebook? Mine is. I received a friend request from her about a month ago, "Tina is new to facebook. Tina wants to be your friend". I think she is new and imported her entire email list. I can't think of any other reason she would want to be my facebook friend. Tina is now my facebook friend, with the right privacy settings of course.
Tina is a textbook learned shrink and would probably not approve of my facebook page nor this blog. In many ways, she has fixed me. I am one of her few bipolar success stories. After 10 years of trying to fix me, I can tell she is tired of trying. She has become too attached, like my mother, and only wants the best for me. In some ways, I am still broken. In most ways, I am fixed.
Going back to Facebook... I probably use it too freely. Not more freely than my friends, but still freely. I post where I'm going; I post where I've been. I post job changes, new classes I'm taking, my interests,my passions, and my dreams. Sometimes, when I have a bad day, I post about that too.
If you followed me on facebook, you would think of me as nothing more than a normal girl. I have friends, I get tagged, and people write on my wall. If you are my shrink, however, my facebook page could alarm you. I've been known to be tagged with a drink in my hand. I've been known to be tagged looking a little too happy or a little too sad. I fear that if my facebook page were completly open for my shrink to see, I would be seeing her a lot more often.
Tina is a textbook learned shrink and would probably not approve of my facebook page nor this blog. In many ways, she has fixed me. I am one of her few bipolar success stories. After 10 years of trying to fix me, I can tell she is tired of trying. She has become too attached, like my mother, and only wants the best for me. In some ways, I am still broken. In most ways, I am fixed.
Going back to Facebook... I probably use it too freely. Not more freely than my friends, but still freely. I post where I'm going; I post where I've been. I post job changes, new classes I'm taking, my interests,my passions, and my dreams. Sometimes, when I have a bad day, I post about that too.
If you followed me on facebook, you would think of me as nothing more than a normal girl. I have friends, I get tagged, and people write on my wall. If you are my shrink, however, my facebook page could alarm you. I've been known to be tagged with a drink in my hand. I've been known to be tagged looking a little too happy or a little too sad. I fear that if my facebook page were completly open for my shrink to see, I would be seeing her a lot more often.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Bipolar Disorder- Vitamins, Herbs, and Supplements
Someone recently wrote to me suggesting the amino acid L=Tryptophan for Bipolar sleep cycle disturbances. Considering that it is 2:30am and I am still wide awake, I'm open for any suggestions. My days and nights are constantly backwards, and people don't like people who don't follow social norms. My work schedule is quite flexable, but my boss recently suggested that I get used to daylight.
I have tried Melatonin, to no avail. It's said that Melatonin will help you fall asleep at night. It doesn't work for me. I tried a 3mg tab, then I tried 2 3mg tabs. After the second night of no sleep, I took a Depakote I had laying around and was out for 12 hours.
And then there is that memory thing. I heard on the radio that fish oil is great for that. Fish oil is recommended for all sorts of things from weight loss to depression, so how can I go wrong? I think I will buy some tomorrow.
Which brings me to Vitamin B, I am a big fan of that. Maybe it's the placebo affect, but when I'm wiped out and have no energy a super dose of Vitamin B seems to recharge me.
I could probably use a script for Xanax, but when I asked for it once my doctor jumped down my throat, lecturing me about how addictive it is. Not sure how a script for one or two pills a month would put me over the deep end, but ok. That got me searching for a substitute and I found Kava. Apparently Kava has been removed from the shelves of GNC because if you take enough you die. A quick "Google" search and I discovered that only 1 hour from my home is a Kava bar which serves this liquid, mud like substance in coconut shells. Kava tastes so horrid that you must down it like a tequella shot, and chase it with some fruity candy. After a few shells, I felt pretty darn relaxed.
Everything except the Kava has been recommended to me by my doctor. Bipolar symptoms include: mania, elevated mood, and irritable mood; increased libido; decreased need for sleep; rapid speech; racing thoughts; increased activity and agitation; occasional delusions. Alternating with periods of depression and other symptoms such as excessive guilt; absence of pleasure; or thoughts of death. Do you have a herb for all that? My gosh, I hope so because somtimes this thing kicks my butt.
I'd suggest you stay away from the St. John's Wort. I tried it for a few weeks. Although at first it improved my mood dramatically, when bipolar mood goes up, it must come down. The St. John's Wort hangover is not fun.
Are there vitamins, herbs, and supplements that can combat every symptom of bipolar? I would be more than interested to hear from you, and learn what you have tried.
I have tried Melatonin, to no avail. It's said that Melatonin will help you fall asleep at night. It doesn't work for me. I tried a 3mg tab, then I tried 2 3mg tabs. After the second night of no sleep, I took a Depakote I had laying around and was out for 12 hours.
And then there is that memory thing. I heard on the radio that fish oil is great for that. Fish oil is recommended for all sorts of things from weight loss to depression, so how can I go wrong? I think I will buy some tomorrow.
Which brings me to Vitamin B, I am a big fan of that. Maybe it's the placebo affect, but when I'm wiped out and have no energy a super dose of Vitamin B seems to recharge me.
I could probably use a script for Xanax, but when I asked for it once my doctor jumped down my throat, lecturing me about how addictive it is. Not sure how a script for one or two pills a month would put me over the deep end, but ok. That got me searching for a substitute and I found Kava. Apparently Kava has been removed from the shelves of GNC because if you take enough you die. A quick "Google" search and I discovered that only 1 hour from my home is a Kava bar which serves this liquid, mud like substance in coconut shells. Kava tastes so horrid that you must down it like a tequella shot, and chase it with some fruity candy. After a few shells, I felt pretty darn relaxed.
Everything except the Kava has been recommended to me by my doctor. Bipolar symptoms include: mania, elevated mood, and irritable mood; increased libido; decreased need for sleep; rapid speech; racing thoughts; increased activity and agitation; occasional delusions. Alternating with periods of depression and other symptoms such as excessive guilt; absence of pleasure; or thoughts of death. Do you have a herb for all that? My gosh, I hope so because somtimes this thing kicks my butt.
I'd suggest you stay away from the St. John's Wort. I tried it for a few weeks. Although at first it improved my mood dramatically, when bipolar mood goes up, it must come down. The St. John's Wort hangover is not fun.
Are there vitamins, herbs, and supplements that can combat every symptom of bipolar? I would be more than interested to hear from you, and learn what you have tried.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Bipolar? It helps to be organized
Some days my brain doesn't work like it should. It's hard for me to think, my mind races, I can't focus on much. Still, there are certain tasks that I'm expected to complete every day, some as simple as putting on clean clothes, some as complicated as solving other peoples' problems at work. When I have too many of these days, people start to notice. I've found that being organized not only helps me cope, but also keeps the attention off me and makes me look more sane.
On days when I feel well, I take extra measures to get myself organized and make sure things are in order. Paper makes me crazy- stacks of paper, sticky notes, scraps of paper- first I get rid of the paper. Whenever possible, I scan large documents onto my computer, and toss the hard copy. Usually those sticky notes and scraps of paper are "to do" items, so I write them in my planner. Throw away some paper, it will make you feel better.
Little things that don't bother anyone else, things that wouldn't bother me on a day when I was feeling well- those things can literally imobilize me. Something as small as not having a pen and paper on my desk can ruin my entire day; some days I am unable to solve a problem that small. I have a lot of black clothes in my closet because some days I can't focus enough to match clothes.
You would think that on a day that I can't locate a pen and paper or color cordinate clothes that I should just give up and do nothing. Today is one of those days for me, but I did get some things accomplished. I wrote this blog article, even though I wasn't sure if I could. I did some routine tasks at work, tasks that on most days I would find boring. There were some more complicated things I was asked to do today, and they are on my list for Monday.
On days like today, I would rather stay home and in bed; I really would. I do fear that someone will notice that I'm "off", and sometimes they do. But, I do as much as I can at work and for my family, and so far that has been enough for everyone.
On days when I feel well, I take extra measures to get myself organized and make sure things are in order. Paper makes me crazy- stacks of paper, sticky notes, scraps of paper- first I get rid of the paper. Whenever possible, I scan large documents onto my computer, and toss the hard copy. Usually those sticky notes and scraps of paper are "to do" items, so I write them in my planner. Throw away some paper, it will make you feel better.
Little things that don't bother anyone else, things that wouldn't bother me on a day when I was feeling well- those things can literally imobilize me. Something as small as not having a pen and paper on my desk can ruin my entire day; some days I am unable to solve a problem that small. I have a lot of black clothes in my closet because some days I can't focus enough to match clothes.
You would think that on a day that I can't locate a pen and paper or color cordinate clothes that I should just give up and do nothing. Today is one of those days for me, but I did get some things accomplished. I wrote this blog article, even though I wasn't sure if I could. I did some routine tasks at work, tasks that on most days I would find boring. There were some more complicated things I was asked to do today, and they are on my list for Monday.
On days like today, I would rather stay home and in bed; I really would. I do fear that someone will notice that I'm "off", and sometimes they do. But, I do as much as I can at work and for my family, and so far that has been enough for everyone.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Kindness, As a Treatment for Mental Illness
If you have cancer, heart disease, or just about any "real" medical problem, people treat you with kindness, and that kindness helps you get well. Friends and family will sit by your bedside and hold your hand as you recover. Even a stroke or a brain injury that causes significant long term mental impairment is tolerated. Not so when you are sick with a mental illness, such as bipolar disorder, instead people can be rather cruel. "Snap out of it!" people will say, "It's all in your head." That isn't kind, and it doesn't help.
There is no need to reward me for my bad behavior. If I'm off my rocker today, then by all means, let me know. But, if you want me to get better, a little kindness in your voice goes a long way. It is easy to forget that each of us has the ability to make a difference in the lives of others. Sometimes a smile, a compliment, or some words of encouragement can make a significant difference.
It's easy, even for professionals that are paid to help us, to feel disdain towards us when treatments fail and symptoms return. Rest assured that we do not want to be sick. Gently remind us of the current reality if we have lost site. Your words, and your tone of voice are important.
Not everyone with bipolar disorder will be successful, but I think everyone has the potential to get better. Getting better is a choice, made not only by the person with bipolar, but by their support system as well. How much are you willing to do?
There is no need to reward me for my bad behavior. If I'm off my rocker today, then by all means, let me know. But, if you want me to get better, a little kindness in your voice goes a long way. It is easy to forget that each of us has the ability to make a difference in the lives of others. Sometimes a smile, a compliment, or some words of encouragement can make a significant difference.
It's easy, even for professionals that are paid to help us, to feel disdain towards us when treatments fail and symptoms return. Rest assured that we do not want to be sick. Gently remind us of the current reality if we have lost site. Your words, and your tone of voice are important.
Not everyone with bipolar disorder will be successful, but I think everyone has the potential to get better. Getting better is a choice, made not only by the person with bipolar, but by their support system as well. How much are you willing to do?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Bipolar Disorder, Trusting Your Emotions
Considering that Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder, how do we learn to trust our emotions? All to often, we are too happy or too sad. We are accused or being melodramatic or hypersensitive or "just off". And maybe we are all of those things. We live in an unforgiving world, a world where our social mistakes can have huge consequences. How do we learn to differentiate between acceptable emotions and those brought on by our mood disorder?
I've learned to read people's faces, their body language, the subtle signs. When people smile, I assume it's safe to smile back. When they laugh, I assume it's ok to laugh. I use extreme caution when displaying emotion, especially at work. I'm never the first person to bring up a problem. What if I'm imagining it. Maybe I'm overreacting. I'm never the first person to laugh at a joke. What if the joke is not all that funny. I keep so much inside.
But sometimes I just have to be me and let those emotions fly. I know it's safe to cry in front of my husband. I know I can call my mom if I need to talk. I wish I could trust my emotions, but I'm not there yet. I use extreme emotional restraint, especially at work. I'm somewhat cautious around friends and relatives. I'm starting to take more chances when I blog. I have a few good friends who help keep me in check. It takes real effort not to fall off the deep end, or to fly off the deep end.
I see the world in a really amazing way. I understand emotions in a way that most people can't. This makes me a wonderful listener and a wonderful friend. I can empathize better than Ophra. I know how you feel by the look on your face, and all to often I can feel your pain. I think this gift is something most people with bipolar disorder share. But it is as much of a curse as it is a gift because it makes us different.
Are we hypersensitive, or do we just see the world as it really is? Whatever the answer may be, in order to be bipolar and successful, we must sometimes pretend to see the world as the other 99 percent see it.
I've learned to read people's faces, their body language, the subtle signs. When people smile, I assume it's safe to smile back. When they laugh, I assume it's ok to laugh. I use extreme caution when displaying emotion, especially at work. I'm never the first person to bring up a problem. What if I'm imagining it. Maybe I'm overreacting. I'm never the first person to laugh at a joke. What if the joke is not all that funny. I keep so much inside.
But sometimes I just have to be me and let those emotions fly. I know it's safe to cry in front of my husband. I know I can call my mom if I need to talk. I wish I could trust my emotions, but I'm not there yet. I use extreme emotional restraint, especially at work. I'm somewhat cautious around friends and relatives. I'm starting to take more chances when I blog. I have a few good friends who help keep me in check. It takes real effort not to fall off the deep end, or to fly off the deep end.
I see the world in a really amazing way. I understand emotions in a way that most people can't. This makes me a wonderful listener and a wonderful friend. I can empathize better than Ophra. I know how you feel by the look on your face, and all to often I can feel your pain. I think this gift is something most people with bipolar disorder share. But it is as much of a curse as it is a gift because it makes us different.
Are we hypersensitive, or do we just see the world as it really is? Whatever the answer may be, in order to be bipolar and successful, we must sometimes pretend to see the world as the other 99 percent see it.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Bipolar Depression, Recovery
You know when you can sing again, when you can feel sunshine on your face again, when the color comes back into your life- the depression is starting to break. What a relief it is to be able to feel again.
When your compassion returns, when you can write again, when you can tie your hiking boots- these are all signs that you are out of the woods. When you can remember what you did yesterday and the fog leaves your mind, when you can hold your chin up high again- it sinks in, you're getting better.
When you don't have to fake a smile and you finally put some effort into making others smile as well, when it doesn't annoy you to hear laughter, when every muscle in your body doesn't hurt- you are well on your road to recovering from bipolar depression.
You could always take this opportunity to jump head first into a "normal" life, but let's face it, your life will never be normal. Remember who you are. You now have the energy to make yourself strong again, so do things that will keep you strong. Eat well, exercise, rebuild your support system, strengthen your safety net, rethink your budget. Start a blog that reminds you how to smile, and share that blog with me, sometimes I forget how to smile too.
Resist the urge to get cocky. Be careful not to embrace mania. Faithfully take your medications, if that's what helps. Think about what helped to break your depression? Remember it. Add it to your bag of tricks. For most of us, the Bipolar journey is ongoing.
When your compassion returns, when you can write again, when you can tie your hiking boots- these are all signs that you are out of the woods. When you can remember what you did yesterday and the fog leaves your mind, when you can hold your chin up high again- it sinks in, you're getting better.
When you don't have to fake a smile and you finally put some effort into making others smile as well, when it doesn't annoy you to hear laughter, when every muscle in your body doesn't hurt- you are well on your road to recovering from bipolar depression.
You could always take this opportunity to jump head first into a "normal" life, but let's face it, your life will never be normal. Remember who you are. You now have the energy to make yourself strong again, so do things that will keep you strong. Eat well, exercise, rebuild your support system, strengthen your safety net, rethink your budget. Start a blog that reminds you how to smile, and share that blog with me, sometimes I forget how to smile too.
Resist the urge to get cocky. Be careful not to embrace mania. Faithfully take your medications, if that's what helps. Think about what helped to break your depression? Remember it. Add it to your bag of tricks. For most of us, the Bipolar journey is ongoing.
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