What Really Matters with Bipolar Disorder

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about what's really important in my life, especially in relation to my bipolar disorder. And what I've come up with is that it's the little things, the simple things that count the most.

For example, in relation to my bipolar, I don't think about how far I have yet to go, I think instead of how far I have already come with it. There was a time when I couldn't even get out of bed, I was so depressed. Now, I go around speaking about my mental illness for the National Alliance on Mental Illness's In Our Own Voice program, giving people hope that recovery is a possibility for them.

Chaos and drama used to be the norm for me. Especially in manic episodes. Now, simplicity is my way of life. And with simplicity comes peace. I live a very peaceful life now. And because of that, I am able to be stable with my bipolar disorder.

I used to be so stressed all the time! It seemed like my life was one catastrophe after another. I couldn't handle anything, and I went from episode to episode. Now that life is so much simpler, I haven't had an episode in years, and stability is my reward.

Whenever I have a bad day (and yes, I still have bad days here and there), all I have to do is remember how far I've come and I feel better. Things will never be that bad again. I've fought hard to get to where I am now, and I would hate to have to go though all that all over again, so I cherish my stability and do whatever I have to do to maintain it.

If you are struggling right now, then try to keep in mind how far you have already come. Think back to your worst days, and remind yourself that you never have to go back there again. You've come so far! Don't worry about how far you have yet to go - it will come in time. Just keep doing what you have to do one day at a time, and the time will add up for you.

Try to stay positive. Look ahead, and not behind. Try to believe that the worst is over for you, and the best is yet to come. Stability (recovery) IS a possibility for you, as it was for me, and I was one of the most severe cases of bipolar disorder the doctors had ever seen! If I could do it, so can you!

Don't give up hope. Hope can get you through some of the toughest places. Keep your mind on the simple things in life, and not the drama. It's the simple things that will bring you peace and, ultimately, the serenity that you seek.

If your current medication is not working for you, work with your doctor or psychiatrist to find the right medication that will bring you the balance that you need. It's out there! It took me 2 years to find my "sanity cocktail," but it's kept me stable now for many years, so it was worth it.

If you're having trouble finding peace and balance in your life, try working with a therapist to get at those troublesome issues associated with your bipolar disorder that may be keeping you from being stable and finding that peace and balance.

And search within yourself for the courage to keep going in the face of one of the hardest disorders to overcome. You have that courage! You just may have to look a little harder for it. But each day that you get out of bed is an accomplishment, as many people with the disorder are unable to.

Each day that you make it through is a defeat against the disorder that would try to rob you of the stability that is to be yours in the long run. Fight it! And stability will be yours!

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