Just because one things goes ‘wrong’ it doesn’t mean that all things are going wrong!
Bipolar is a tricky task master- it says- oh, something just caused you some trouble? That’s because it has always caused you trouble and it will always cause you trouble in the future. Things will always go wrong for you!
In truth, all and I mean all situations are separate experiences. What lead to the moment and what comes after the moment are separate as well. Don’t judge one moment in time against all of your life.
We can get through anything- especially the little things that bipolar disorder tells us are so important.
Most events are not that important. They come and go. Things go wrong and we move on. What matters is that we don’t connect these events to other events to create a stream of WRONGNESS!
It’s just one event at at time. Julie
This is a note to myself….. as well as readers. 😉
Hi Julie
I came across your web site through another and am so impressed with your positive approach to bi-p.
At the moment (today) I am going through a tough phase with my depression; crying, feeling very suicidal and hopeless.
I am inspired by your determination and hope that I can get myself back on track and beat my illness.
Thank you
Mike
Hi Mike. Thank you! You really made my day. I too have been crying over things for quite a few days. Life just keeps coming at me. What is up with that! 🙂 I think you would love my book Get it Done When You’re Depressed- I have it on my desk right now. I get so lost in depression, but I know I can go on no matter what my brain is telling me. That is the illness- the real me is always on track! The real you knows what to do- it just has to get around the bipolar. You can do it. I believe that 100%. julie
Julie…..how you do this daily is so helpful to every reader ! Thanks !
This year has been by far this worse for me..4 hospital stays ! Being taken off of klonopin with a 2 day lowering then BAM ! I was convinced I was losing my mind ! I came close to cutting a vein in my neck due to severe suicidal thoughts. I was in such pain, I no longer wanted to live.Those feelings have lifted a little but the nervousness hasn’t. In january I was hypomanic. I get aggravated easily. My left arm jerks and shakes no matter what I am feeling and typing is difficult due to this. This is all so embarassing ! I already have social anxiety, I need no more anxiety ! I am working with a doctor on my bipolar issues and meds. julie, you and this site have been what has kept me going ! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU !!!
Hi Anita,
THANK YOU for such a supportive letter. I have a friend with bipolar one who has similar symptoms to you and she called me from work the other day and said, ” I feel like digging my way out of this office with my hands through the floor! Oh yes, aggressive hypomanic energy! Actually, I have a newsletter coming out on this exact topic soon. You are a success story. Everything and I mean everything you describe is bipolar disorder. When you find the right meds and the right treatment plan- you will get better. I promise. julie
Does your book come in an e format?
Hi Michael, I answered your question on a blog post. Julie
My sister has been “ill” since she was 17. At almost 50, we are still unsure if it’s REALLY BiPolar. One doctor diagnosis her and another changes the diagnosis. By the sounds of your “Acceptance” Newsletter, it describes my sister perfectly. I think we need to “accept” the illness and deal with it as you say. I bought the Health Cards last year and since I live 7 states away from her and we haven’t accepted the illness, she hasn’t started the cards yet. I will visit her next month. I think we should work on the cards. Thank you for the push!
There are time when everything seems to go wrong, problems with my car, house, my medication needs adjustments. It is during these times that I want to withdraw from my activities, when my spouse sees this she knows that something is going on and strongly encourages me to keep my schedules and to increase the number of visits to my doctors.
Hi Julie,
This post of yours (“A Thought for the Day”) is a thought I need to keep in mind every day. It is so valuable – thank you for reminding us all of it.
I tend to get into many “bipolar conversations” where I feel bad due to my bp residual symptoms and lash out at anyone and everything – even myself – venting, complaining, criticizing, worrying, self-deprecating, etc. etc. All of a sudden all of the problems – imagined or real – that I have experienced in recent history come flooding back during those times. To help me/calm me down, my husband faces me, looks me straight in the eyes and takes my face in his hands if he can, and says gently but firmly, “This is not a crisis.” He reminds me that it is bipolar disorder talking and that my life/our lives are good. He also reassures me that we can talk about any specific issues or concerns I have – he is not ignoring my feelings or any real problems – But I need to be in the right (read: healthier) “head space” first.
We have been using this coping strategy since before we read your books, but your books have reinforced the existence of this phenomenon, the “bp conversation,” and have underscored the fact that we really can stop them. It is so hard and it hurts sometimes – I can’t say I always have a good remainder of the day after one of those conversations – but I am getting better at stopping the conversation and turning my day around afterwards.
Hi,
Wow, I wish we all had a supportive partner just like your husband! He sounds amazing. I’m glad my books have helped. I am using the tips a lot myself today. Thanks for your kind comments !julie