Bipolar Disorder and Peace of Mind

Hey, y'all --

I was just thinking about my bipolar disorder, and all the wreckage it has caused in my life. The peace I have now was fought hard for. But I'm here to tell you that you CAN have peace and bipolar disorder at the same time.

Many people, especially when first diagnosed, are under the misconception that you will just go from episode to episode, but that's not true. Bipolar disorder can be managed to the point that you have peace in your life (i.e., relief from episodes).

You just have to do certain things to maintain your stability.

Definitely avoid stress and anxiety, which can come from many places and destroy your peace of mind.

Avoid toxic people, places, and things - anything that will take away your peace.

I know you care about other people, but sometimes if you take their problems on yourself (instead of just listening), you will lose your peace.

My medication is of prime importance to my stability. Even though it took awhile to get it right, my "sanity cocktail" works very well at keeping me stable, and helping me to keep my peace of mind.

Having a routine helps me a lot as well. I go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time every day. I eat at the same time every day. I have my regular appointments with my doctor, psychiatrist and therapist. It helps my peace of mind to know that some things are predictable.

And when something (or someone) does threaten my peace of mind, I pray until I get that peace of mind back. Because without peace, my bipolar disorder will take control of me, instead of the other way around.

You don't have to go from episode to episode, always worried when the next one will hit if you have peace. You can make the most of your normal periods which, with peace, should be fewer and farther between.

I live a very simple life. I know it would be too stressful for me to work outside the home again, so I love my job writing for www.bipolarcentral.com. This way, I can work from home, make some money, and keep my peace.

I don't have a lot of friends, but those I do have are close. When they have problems, I listen to them, and give advice if it's asked for, but I don't take their problems on myself. I know from experience that that only leads to more stress for me, and stress leads to episodes. I've found out it's ok to say "I don't know" when it comes to giving advice. It helps not to own other people's problems.

I have a wonderful supporter, my husband. He will notice even usually before me whether my peace has been interrupted, or if I'm showing symptoms of a bipolar episode. And he helps me get back on track.

When I have problems, I ask myself two questions:

1. Is there anything I can do about it?

2. Is there anything I can do about it RIGHT NOW?

Those help me to keep things in perspective. If there's nothing I can do about it right now, I have to let it go and not worry about it. It's just too stressful otherwise.

Never underestimate the power of prayer when it comes to having peace. When I start to feel overwhelmed, I pray, and ask God to help me. It helps to know that I'm not alone.

Yes, peace can coincide with bipolar disorder, but that peace has to come from within, and you have to work at it.

Wishing you peace and stability,

Remember God loves you and so do I,
Michele