Each time I publish a post on bphope, I look forward to the influx of comments it will generate. More often than not, they are hopeful, helpful, kind, and encouraging. And what stands out the most to me is the number of experiences we all seem to share. Those of us with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder tend to have three things in common:
Of course, we all have different experiences with bipolar disorder, but the comments left on articles here show me that we share more commonalities than differences.
What I want to say to all of you with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder (and I need to practice this, as it is often difficult to speak kindly to myself) is that you are incredible.
You have been through so much and continue to get out of bed each day. And on the days you feel you cannot get out of bed, you keep going anyway. You help others who are hurting, sometimes even to the detriment of your own feelings. You are kind and compassionate and funny and intelligent. The episodes you have do not make you any less of these things. In most cases, the episodes make you even more kind and compassionate, funny and intelligent.
Please continue to be a beacon of light and hope for those who are suffering. Please continue to use your experiences to add more love and understanding to the world. Please be kind to yourself, as kind as you are to others.
Never give up, and never fear that you are alone. Our experiences with bipolar disorder connect us and we will be a part of this tribe for the rest of our lives.
Why not make the best of it by connecting with others and building each other up? You may be surprised to learn that sometimes you are the only voice of hope that someone else has.
• • • • •
It’s important for the management of our wellness and stability that we have a comfortable and trust-based relationship with both our psychiatrist and therapist. If that connection is not solid, it is less likely we can be as honest and forthcoming as needed, or we may even hesitate to reach out in times of an emergency. Mental health professionals need to be responsive to our concerns and act as an ally in our recovery. If newly diagnosed, speak to your primary care physician about referring you to a psychiatrist who has specific knowledge about bipolar disorder.
Living with this diagnosis, it can sometimes feel like nobody has any real idea what it’s like. And while everyone’s journey with bipolar is different and personal, sharing our life stories in a support group setting can connect us all. From that interaction, we don’t feel as alone, and we can gain valuable wellness tips to add to the toolbox. Given physical distancing challenges, many in-person groups are now meeting online, via video conferencing. There are many groups across the country with various focuses and are available by looking online or asking a mental health professional. Don’t be afraid to try several until you find just the right fit. Within the bphope.com support network, there’s a supportive community, along with information for people with bipolar, for loved ones, and, for parents.
If you found the right peer group, but you’re still looking for more specific information or support, check out these national websites: the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI); Bipolar Depression Support Alliance (DBSA); International Society of Bipolar Disorders (ISBD); Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF); and National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). You can access resources for local support groups, current research, and mental health education.
If you are looking for help immediately, call 911. If you’d like to have a number on hand or to talk to someone, you may call the national suiclde prevention line at 1-800-273-8255. You can also visit suiclde.org (a non-profit that assists more than 3 million people throughout the world each year) to find the hotline for your state. On that website, you’ll be able to find specific hotlines for military veterans, for the LGBTQ youth community and also for help in different languages.
Originally posted July 11, 2017.
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What’s this about “A feeling of disconnect from the mainstream culture”? I don’t think I’ve heard this talked about. It resonates with me. I often don’t seem to understand other people’s values and motivations. I also have some difficulty reading other people’s emotions. And I’ve been told that other people have difficulty understanding what’s going on for me. I’d like to hear more about this.
Thankyou for the articles which help as a Mum of a beautiful Bipolar son who struggles daily.
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The 3 things you listed are so accurate for me. It’s really nice to know someone gets it because trying to explain this illness to the family and friends who not affected are is really just impossible. Life is always a challenge but having someone who understands is a breath of fresh air. Thank you
Thanks for your words and of course you understand. This was very encouraging as being diagnosed only 3 years ago but I don’t remember being any other way. Medication is tweaked constantly but I can manage mostly but the lows get hard…up is the best but I do get annoying but at 59 I just don’t care….I am me
Terrific article, April. You managed to hit several nails squarely on the head, including the one labeled “be kinder to yourself,” something many of us struggle with. I hope your new year is filled with opportunities to be kind to yourself and others.
Thanks so much for these comments which are such a balm to my soul. I constantly chastise myself for not getting off my duff and doing something, asking God what His will is for me. But then I come to the realization that I am doing a pretty good job of coping, having to constantly watch my words and actions to just be “normal.” People say that they would never know I have the disorder had I not reminded them of it, but when I stop to think about it I realize I’m exhausted from the effort. I appreciate your giving me a pat on the back.