I always try to have perspective when I’m well. I remind myself that this is what NORMAL feels like. I get up- see people- work – get on with my day and go to bed normally. I sleep! It’s all a miracle and I don’t plan on wasting it.
I’m entering some new work areas and I’m a bit PETRIFIED about the changes I have to make. I like to read Donald Trump books when things are tough. Right now I’m reading – NEVER GIVE UP!
Bipolar disorder can be managed. I am proof- this is what I say to myself on the tough days.
Julie
I’ve found that it helps to have things planned when you have depression problems. You may not WANT to plan things, but making the effort can make a huge difference. If you’re lonely, check out meetin.org or Craigslist groups.
I talk about these sites all of the time because I’ve met SO many friends off the internet. There is also a great group called USA Fit (usafit.com) that helps people walk or run marathons. Don’t worry! You can just do the group without doing the marathon, but I did a ten mile walk once! This is a great way to stay healthy and meet lots of new people. The registration will be in 2009, but you can get connected to your city group now.
Depression is isolating- but just doing one thing that makes you get outside the house can cut your depression symptoms in half in one day. No kidding. My motto is: I want to go to bed feeling better than when I got up.
That motto really helps on the tough days. This is why I wrote the book Get it Done When You’re Depressed. I wanted to help others get out and end that depression!
Julie
A great question from Marie’s comments on mania…
Marie just left a comment on my mania post below. It was very insightful and helpful.
And… she asked this question- it REALLY made me think.
I would like to have one really good healthy day in which I did not question myself! How about you?
At first, my answer was- oh yes! Just one day this week! Then I had another thought- it’s rather esoteric.
This illness stinks. It has been terrible for me this week and it may be terrible today- luckily I woke up pretty stable- but overall, I am a different person because of this illness.
I have to manage bipolar disorder 24 hours a day in order to stay stable. I watch what I say, do and really try to counteract what I think when I’m sick. This makes me a better friend, partner, daughter, student, teacher, etc.
We have to be more aware when we have bipolar disorder – which means we can be more aware of the people around us. Most people aren’t like this. They are just living life (lucky!) – but we have to examine our lives continually in order to stay well. We might as well make the most of it.
Julie
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