Keep On Keeping On With Bipolar Disorder

I'll admit it, even though I've been stable for a long time, there are still times that I get discouraged. I mean, I accept that I have bipolar disorder, but I still don't like it.

And sometimes it gets tedious doing everything I have to do to stay stable. Don't get me wrong, I'm not about to stop taking my medications or change anything about the routine that keeps me stable, because I don't dare - there is no way I want to go into another bipolar episode.

It's just that every once in awhile I do get discouraged. Not every day is all peachy keen. But nobody ever said it would be, either. I was told that no matter how stable I get, there will still be ups and downs - it's just the nature of the beast.

So how do I encourage you when I know that you'll experience the same thing (may even be experiencing it now)? All I can say is just keep on keeping on. Just keep going, even though it's not always easy.

Even when times are tough, you just need to keep going. Do the things you need to do to stay stable, in spite of fluctuating moods. Keep taking your medications. Go to see your doctor, psychiatrist, and therapist. Go to your support group. Stick to your diet. Keep your regular sleep schedule. Stay productive.

Whtever it takes, protect your stability. Whatever the cost - it is just too precious to lose. Think about it this way - you can't trust your emotions. Emotions fluctuate along with your moods. But you can trust good thoughts. Try to stay positive about things.

For example, when your mood slips, and your thoughts stray toward the negative, turn it around and remind yourself how far you've come, how long you've been stable, how long since your last bipolar episode. Then congratulate yourself on your recovery so far! You've done real well considering how bad you used to be!

If you stick to the bright side of things, you can never go wrong. Even when you get discouraged, which may still happen sometimes.

Don't forget to check out my new book on bipolar disorder at: www.brokenroseministries.com

Wishing you peace and stability,

Remember God loves you and so do I,
Michele