Happiness and Bipolar Disorder

Is it possible to be happy and still have bipolar disorder? Yes, I believe it is. I don't ean the giddy exhilerating happiness of a manic episode, just the normal happiness that living a good life can bring.

If you do all the things you do to manage your disorder properly so that you are stable with your bipolar, then stability alone can bring you happiness. Just to not be going in and out of episodes makes me happy.

Spending time with family and friends can bring you happiness. Especially if there was a time when this was ot possible, or was strained due to your bipolar disorder.

Happiness is a state of mind. The more positive you are, the happier you will be. If you're the "look for the silver lining" kind of person, you should be happy just in general, it shouldn't take much to make you happy. There's much to be said for looking on the bright side of things, especially when you have bipolar.

The things that make me happiest are the simple things. I used to struggle just to get out of bed, I was so depressed. It makes me happy now that I can do that without effort, and actually enjoy my days. They are filled with productivity and accomplishments now, where I used to spend much of my time sleeping.

We live on a horse farm out in the country, and I enjoy the simple pleasure of just sitting outside and watching the horses run. It's quiet and peaceful here, and it brings me happiness. I no longer have chaos and turmoil in my life, and that makes me happy, too.

To do things that make you feel good will bring you happiness as well. Even if it's as simple as reading a good book. Or as ambitious as taking a college course. And everything in between, like: watching TV or a good video, listening to soothing music (or any kind of music that you like), taking a long walk, exercising, visiting with a friend or family member, going out to lunch or dinner, going shopping, volunteering, taking a bubble bath, writing a letter or email, cruising the Internet, or any number of things - as long as they make you feel good, they will make you happy.

Thinking back to how far you have come in your recovery should make you happy. To think how much more stable you are than you once were should make you proud of how much you have accomplished for where you are today compared to where you once were. Think of all the things you cana do today that once were practically impossible for you to do. Then be happy that you can do those things today.

Yes, happiness is definitely possible, even though you have bipolar disorder. Don't let your bipolar interfere with your happiness. Be happy in spite of it!

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