My next column for Bp Magazine focuses on dreaming big within the confines of bipolar disorder. It’s not a fun topic. I want to say- Dream big and anything is possible! But I don’t think that’s true. I believe those of us with bipolar disorder have to be honest with what the illness lets us do. Then we can set goals and reach dreams in a realistic way. This DOESN’T mean you can’t do great and amazing things.
It means that bipolar disorder needs to be a part of the process.
How this illness reacts to my actions determines what I can do in my life. I’ve tried to live differently. I haven’t always respected what bipolar disorder will do if I make decisions without thinking of bipolar disorder at the same time. My recent move to France for a year was built on a bipolar disorder plan. Nothing is left to chance. I have still been ill for months, but I’m here!
I’m using my photography to keep myself focused when the mood swings are raging. A few days ago when I was on the bus, I saw a French flag peeping out from a side street. I said to myself, “Be bold Julie! The next time you’re on the bus, go down that street and see what pictures you might find!” Here is the result. I got off the bus at a different stop!
Julie
How can I deal with my anxiety about flying? I’d like to travel but b/c of the bipolar, I get nervous changing routine
I use my Health Cards Treatment System to deal with my travel anxiety. Also, if you visit http://www.BpHope.com, you can see my videos and blogs on travel and bipolar disorder. Here is a link to get you started: http://www.bphope.com/blog/bipolar-disorder-and-travel-the-europe-diaries/
Learning the signs of anxiety helps- for example, when you have flown in the past, what symptoms did you experience? Write all of them down in a list. Look at each one and ask yourself if you were able to move forward despite having the symptoms. Next, look at the symptoms and identify which ones were purely from the anxiety and which ones were actually triggered by something you can change. You can then change the triggers and avoid them the next time you fly. Finally, and this is just a brief explanation of what I do, determine if you are ready to simply live through the tough times in order to get where you want to go. I don’t fly without anxiety- it’s a lot better than it used to be, but I still have a ton of anxiety when I travel. As you may know, I just moved to France for the year. Preparing for the airline travel was a bit part of the trip. I made it through. I had a plan in place before I left. I expected anxiety and when it showed up, I was ready for it. You can do the same. Julie
I applaud your courage in making this big move, despite bipolar.
I am a poor traveler and we have had to tailor our lives to that. Since we are retired, it could be a bit restricting and honestly I do feel kind of guilty about it since my husband loves to travel.
But we have come up with something that works. We go to places and stay for a long time. I am a nester and so once I am settled and know I don’t have to travel again for awhile, I am okay (well as okay as I ever get).
So in the winter we rent a condo in the south for three months. I like it there and feel safe and happy and it is familiar.
In the summer we have a trailer on the lake where we spend a lot of time. I like it there too.
Both places need very little upkeep, a bonus.