You Need to Take Care of Your Bipolar Self

There are times when I wish I just did not have bipolar disorder at all, but most of the time I am realistic and realize that I have this mental illness and have to live with it for the rest of my life.

Knowing this, I do whatever I have to do to manage my disorder and live a relatively normal, stable, happy, and successful life.

That means that I do what my doctor, psychiatrist, and therapist tell me to do. I also listen to my supporter, my husband, as he seems, usually, to have a better perspective on me and my behavior than I do. Especially when it comes to exhibiting bipolar symptoms.

But I also have to take care of my bipolar self. That means that I have to take care of that inner part of me that depends on only me.

I know myself best. When I am trending down to the depressed end, I may not always know what put me there, but I can usually figure out how to get myself out from there.

First of all, I need an attitude change. I can't just give in to the depression, or it will worsen. So I have to make myself get positive.

I think about all the other times that I've been here before, and I think to myself, "I've been here before and got through it, I'll get through this as well."

Or I'll think, "Hey, things could be worse. Things could be a LOT worse than this. This isn't so bad at all." Believe it or not, that actually does cheer me up sometimes.

And thinking about others helps me. I work writing for a bipolar website, and I will try to work when I'm feeling sorry for myself, because in listening to these other people's stories, I find that mine is not so bad in comparison.

There is always someone who is worse off than you are. And self-pity is NOT a luxury that someone with bipolar disorder can afford. It can take you right into a bipolar depressive episode, and you don't want to go there, not if you can help it. So put away the self-pity.

Try to do something you enjoy. Something that will make you feel better.

Watch a funny movie. Read an amusing book (I read books by Janet Evanovich - she cracks me up!). Get with some friends, or at least one friend, and do something that gets you out of the house (and out of your own head). Go bowling. Go to the library. Go to the park. Go to the public pool (if it's warm enough). Go to a museum or art gallery. Spend some time with your family.

Whatever you choose to do, make sure that it is enjoyable, and soon you will find that cover of darkness and depression lifting from you!

Remember to check out my new bipolar book at: www.brokenroseministries.com

Wishing you peace and stability,

Remember God loves you and so do I,
Michele