Don't Let Bipolar Disorder Limit You

In order not to let bipolar disorder limit you, you need to remember one very important thing right off the bat - you are NOT your disorder!

Remember that you are a person first and a person with bipolar disorder second. It might help you if you think of it in this way: Bipolar disorder is something that you HAVE, not something that you ARE. I always say I have bipolar disorder, and not I am bipolar. That helps me to keep it two different things.

You are a very special person, aside from the fact that you have bipolar disorder - in fact, despite the fact that you have bipolar. Most people with bipolar are emore intelligent and more creative than those who don't have it. They "color outside the lines," so to speak. Learn to accept, even cherish, your differences, and your bipolar won't limit you.

If you are stable with your disorder, there should be nothing you can't do that someone without the disorder can do. You just have to be wary. In other words, if you know that big crowds of people are a trigger for you, avoid big crowds of people. But don't let it keep you from going out or going to places you still want to go. Just go to places that have a smaller amount of people. For example, if you enjoy shopping, go to a department store instead of the crowded mall.

Don't let bipolar limit your dreams, either. If you dream of going to college, do it. Again, be wary. If you know that stress is a trigger for you, just keep your stress levels to a minimum, but don't let it stop you from going to school. In fact, in this case your bipolar disorder can work to your advantage, as accommodations can be made for you.

As long as you are doing what it takes to stay stable, there are many things you can do. The main thing is your attitude - if you have the attitude that you are not going to let your bipolar disorder limit you, then it won't. Then you can do anything you want.

Just be aware of your triggers, and avoid them. And always be wary of signs and symptoms to a bipolar episode, so you can catch them as soon as they begin and can get treatment for them, so you don't go into a full-blown episode.

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

Wishing you peace and stability,

Remember God loves you and so do I,
Michele