Normal for Bipolar Disorder

What IS normal for bipolar disorder? I get asked that so often. I usually try to get away with the usual "well, normal is different for each person," but undoubtedly some people just won't accept that simple an explanation.

Although it is true that normal IS different for each person with bipolar disorder, there are some things that can be similar - the main point being, first of all, that there CAN be a normal for someone with bipolar in the first place! Alot of people don't believe that, you know.

Alot of people with bipolar disorder believe themselves to be ABnormal, different, less than, not good enough, flawed, broken, damaged, or even worse. It is in the trying to deal wth these feelings that drives them to seek to be normal in the first place.

The fact is that although we have a broken brain, WE are not broken! We don't need to seek to be normall because we are already normal, for us. Just as somebody else is normal, for them. Remember, everybody is different! Not just everybody with bipolar disorder, but everybody in general. And "normal" can vary in so many ways.

If you want to define normal as "fitting in," well, except for episodic periods, we DO fit in! And we don't have that many episodic periods, when you look at the big picture.

If you want to define normal as not having problems, well, I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed there, as everyone has problems. They just may be different than yours. But to hope for a problem-free existence as a normal life is just not realistic. Not for you, not for anyone.

If you want to define normal as being balanced, with no mood swings, well, that can be accomplished with time and medication. Recovery IS possible for those of us with bipolar disorder. And recovery is as close to "normal" as we can get. Recovery, or stability, is the result of good management of our disorder, and can be achieved.

If you're not there yet, don't give up hope. Recovery IS possible. So is normal! I live about as normal a life as anybody I know, even those who don't have bipolar disorder, so I know it can be achieved. Just don't give up hope! You just may need more time.

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