The Fight for Bipolar Stability is Worth It

I just got back from speaking at a day treatment center for people with mental illness. I do it for the In Our Own Voice program from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). I love doing these presentations, because they give me as much hope as they give the people listening to me.

If there's one thing I'm about, it's recovery. I cherish it like I would cherish a diamond.

When I talk for IOOV, I go back to my "dark days" up to what's happening now in my life and what I'm looking forward to in my future. It's a story with a happy ending, although at one point it was as far from that as earth is from mars. I was a "throwaway." They wanted to lock me up forever. I could just never get better, going from bipolar episode to bipolar episode, including several (5) suicide attempts and many years of substance abuse.

But I was lucky. My life is a miracle from God, because it's a miracle I survived it!

I like telling my story, because it gives people hope for recovery. And if I can help even one person, then it's worth it.

I know a lot of people don't talk about their bipolar disorder. They either try to pretend it's not there, or they acknowledge it, but don't tell other people they have it.

Now, I'm not saying to go broadcasting that you have bipolar disorder (it can backfire on you in some cases, like with stigma), but use your discretion. If you're talking to someone who tells you that they have bipolar disorder, you have a precious gift to give them. The story of your recovery. To them it will be like living water.

I also like doing these presentations because I'm putting a face on mental illness. I love it when I see the looks on people's faces, when they had been visiting with me before the presentation and then go in to it, only to find out that I'm the speaker! Some of them are pretty surprised, and have told me so.

In fact, I had one person say, "But you're so...normal!" That's how recovery is for me. I live almost as normal a life as anyone who doesn't have the disorder. Yes, I do have to make concessions, like taking medication every day, but otherwise my life is a normal, happy one.

I love it when people tell me they would never know I have bipolar disorder if I hadn't told them. That's what stability is. And stability, as hard as it is to fight for, is worth every minute if you can come out on the other side to recovery.

Now, I'm not downplaying the seriousness of the disorder. And in no way am I saying that it's easy to attain stability - I'm just saying that it's worth the effort.

Then you, too, can be talking to someone one day and sharing about your recovery from this incurable mental illness, and give them hope that they may not have had before. Now, THAT is worth it for sure. If you can help one person with bipolar disorder, then it's worth the sharing.

Wishing you peace and stability,

Remember God loves you and so do I,
Michele