Having Fun—An Overlooked, But Essential Part of Bipolar Management

Finding fun activities that make you smile— whether that be dancing, gardening, or simply reading a book— can help you manage the dis-ease of bipolar disorder.

I knew that finding enjoyable activities was essential for me to be able to manage my bipolar disorder. I now make time every day and week for an escape from the responsibilities of the real world to indulge in a little bit of fun. The more positive, fun outlets I participate in, the easier it is for me to live with this illness. That has been the key for me in managing the dis-ease of bipolar disorder.

According to Deepak Chopra the word “disease” means “dis-ease” or one not being at ease with oneself. I know that was the case with me. I didn’t like the person I had become but had no idea how to become someone I not only liked but loved.

When something isn’t working right in our lives first the universe gives us a whisper, then a nudge, then a push, then a shove. Then we’ll get hit with a brick and if we still don’t listen an earthquake will come along and totally disrupt our lives. Well, I waited for the earthquake. I got hit with a brick when I was diagnosed with depression after being in tears every day for many, many months. For four long years I was in denial. I took anti-depressants but never sought therapy.

My earthquake happened 4 years later when I was hospitalized for the first time. Living with depression was not easy but getting a diagnosis of bipolar disorder was life changing. I could no longer live in denial that I was just sad and had to find a way to be happy again.  Something much, much bigger was going on. The way I saw it was that I had two choices; I could roll over and play dead and continue to live in denial; or I could start what was to be a long, long road to recovery. I chose the latter. This illness would not defeat me. The most important factor in my recovery was that I needed to be a role model for my children. I needed to teach them that life was meant to be fun, not something to be endured. This is what kept me going during my darkest hours. I began the process of my journey back to myself.

Living with depression was not easy but getting a diagnosis of bipolar disorder was life changing.

Looking within involved reading a lot of self-help books. The first one that made an impact on me was “When I Say No I Feel Guilty” by Manuel J. Smith. Ah ha! I had been a people pleaser up to that point in my life, trying to keep everyone else happy but I had no idea what made Lynn Rae happy. With this revelation I began to go deep inside and search for clues to my own happiness. In my mind, I went back to my teenage years when I was having the time of my life and tried to remember the things I enjoyed doing then. As these memories surfaced they would bring a smile to my face while I relived happier times.

My favorite pastime as a teenager was going dancing with my girlfriends.

Slowly, I began to find ways to participate in these activities again. My favorite pastime as a teenager was going dancing with my girlfriends. However, I was in my late 30’s and divorced by this point. I had no idea how to be a single woman in today’s world. I was lucky enough to find dances for single men and women over 30 to attend. On that very first evening that I went dancing I felt like I was 17 again. I had no idea that adults could have so much fun! Even though I was still battling the highs and lows of bipolar disorder I continued to find fun activities that brought a smile to my face, even if just for a few minutes. As well as taking medication, I knew that finding enjoyable activities was essential for me to be able to manage my bipolar disorder. I now make time every day and week for an escape from the responsibilities of the real world to indulge in a little bit of fun. The more positive, fun outlets I participate in, the easier it is for me to live with this illness. That has been the key for me in managing the “dis-ease” of bipolar disorder.

Lynn Rae
Keynote Speaker & Writer
www.myjourneybacktomyself.ca