Happy Day in Bipolarville

Today is a happy day in Bipolarville. Actually, any day I'm not in a bipolar episode is a happy day in Bipolarville.

My husband and I were talking today about how we each have our bipolar disorders under control, and it's been a long time since either of us had an episode. Thank God for that.

But we don't take it for granted, either. We work it like we would a regular job. We do the things we have to do to stay stable. And we realize that we have to do these things every day for the rest of our lives.

Do we get resentful? I mean, after all, having to do something every day for the rest of your life can be a chore sometimes, can't it? But we feel that the trade-off is worth it. Stability is worth the price we pay.

And getting resentful wouldn't bring with it any useful purpose whatsoever. It would make things worse, in fact. Any negative feeling can build, especially if it is "stuffed," and lead to a boil-over into a bipolar episode. And nothing is worth that.

So we keep our peace. And our stability. Is it work? Yes, it is work. But, like I said, it is worth the work.

Some days are easier than other days. Each of us still has a "bad bipolar day" once in awhile, but we help each other through it. That's what a supporter is for, and we are that for each other.

I feel bad for people who don't have a good support system. I talked to a woman the other day who said that she had absolutely no one for support, no one she could turn to for help. That is really sad, because some days this dragon can really get to you, and it's worse if you have no one you can lean on and share those feelings with.

If you're like this woman, at least write those feelings down in a journal or keep a mood chart or diary. Don't let negative feelings build up or "stuff" them down - they will only boil up to the surface at some later date in the future, and come back to haunt you in the form of a bipolar episode.

You need to get rid of negative feelings, however you can, even if you don't have a supporter, friend, therapist, or a clergy person you can talk to. Don't hold things deep inside. At least write about them.

And remember, when times are tough, that "This too shall pass." Even the worst of times get better. Think to yourself that you've gotten through worse times than this, you can get through this, too. You can do it! You know you can! Try to come up with some positive affirmations that you can say to yourself to keep yourself as positive as possible.

No, it's not always a happy day in Bipolarville, but I'm sure grateful when it is.

BTW, check out my new bipolar book at: www.brokenroseministries.com.

Wishing you peace and stability,

Remember God loves you and so do I,
Michele