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Coping With Bipolar Disorder-Advice From One Bipolar to Another.

Bipolar disorder is defined as being a brain disorder which causes unusual mood shifts and energy levels. Also known as Manic Depression, Bipolar Disorder is a life long illness that has been known to interfere with daily activities and living. People have suffered years of Bipolar symptoms before being properly diagnosed with this disorder. This disorder can affect anyone of any age, and if you have a family member who is Bipolar, you are at a higher risk for Bipolar disorder. With medication and counseling, Bipolar disorder can be managed, and sufferers are able to live out normal lives. This does not mean that one will not experience manic or depressive moments, but they will be few and far between. The moments will also not last as long as they would without medication and counseling. (source: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index.shtml)

Getting a Bipolar diagnosis can make one feel like they are a crazy person. You now have this label of being Bipolar, and it is what you will be known as for the rest of your life. It can be rather discomforting for the sufferer. Society has never really been welcoming to those with mental illness. In my yahoo article, "Living Optimistically With Bipolar Disorder, (http://news.yahoo.com/first-person-living-optimistically-bipolar-disorder-193800431.html)," I talked about my journey towards diagnosis, and I stated "I may have Bipolar, but, Bipolar does not have me." What people do not know, I been battling mental illness for over 25 years. I have had almost a dozen diagnoses in my lifetime, and I've overcome all of them, except Bipolar and Anxiety disorders. Bipolar is going to be a journey for me. I know that I may not be able to overcome this one, but, I know I can manage it, and I have managed it. For a good 2 years, I have had less manic and depressive symptoms. When life gets stressful, I do slip into a depressive episode, but, it does not last long. I keep repeating to myself that I am dealing with a bipolar episode, and that I will get through this. I will fight back.

There are a few things that have helped me when it comes to Bipolar Disorder:
One, I make sure I take my medicine as prescribed. For Bipolars, this is essential. Missing one dosage can completely throw you off, and if you rapid cycle like me, you run the risk of rapid cycling. Take your medicine everyday, as prescribed, and at the same time each day.
Another thing that helps me is, I have an amazing support system around me. I have family, friends, and an amazing boyfriend. Without these people, it would be a lonely struggle. When I have a day where I feel as if nobody loves me, I tell myself, I have a ton of people in my life that love me, and I need them just as much as they need me.
Lastly, one thing that helps me out, more than anything else, is my faith in God. Recently, I did cycle into a depressive state, and I just could not break out of it. I was washing dishes, listening to music, and praying to God that he helps me through this. Even in my loneliest times, I remember that God is on my side. He would not put me in situations that I am unable to face. He knows my strength, and He knows I can get through it. In some way, I thank God for giving me these troubles, because He is showing me that I am strong, and that I WILL get through this. Just because God gives us difficult situations, it does not mean that He does not love us. He wants to prove to us that we ARE strong, and that we can overcome even the toughest obstacles. I was able to break free from my depressive state, and now I am back to being my regular self.

Being Bipolar is not easy, and we have to deal with the stigma everyday. Even with jobs, when you go for a employment physical, you have to disclose that you have Bipolar disorder. You get asked if you will be able to handle the job, you say yes, but, then you feel as if you have a target on your back. I've had experiences where I've had extra pairs of eyes on me. I was constantly being checked on. I understand the reasoning behind keeping an eye on me, but, as long as I am being treated, there is nothing to worry about. I am taking my medicine as prescribed.
I do not want to discourage fellow Bipolars from applying for a job, but, be aware that during employment physicals, you will be asked about your medical history, and those files go to your supervisor. Under federal law, they cannot terminate your employment because of your mental illness. If that happens to you, hire a lawyer, and sue the pants off of them. We are protected.

It is possible to live a normal life, while battling Bipolar. Just remind yourself that Bipolar does not have you, as long as you take your medicine, go to counseling, and surround yourself with understanding people. We are all in this together, and we are all strong fighters. Don't let this disorder get the better of you. If you fall into mania or depression, remind yourself that you will get through this. Let your voice of reason overpower your disorder. Do not let the disorder overpower you.

(photo courtesy of: http://healthcarediary.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Bipolar-Disorder.jpg)

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