There are some days when managing bipolar disorder feels hopeless, but I’ve found major positives are in store for you — if you stay persistent.
It’s the nature of self-help to write about how we can fix what is wrong in our lives. Sometimes, though, we forget that people also want to hear about the positives.
Here is a list of benefits that I have in my life as a result of managing my bipolar disorder. Please add yours in the comments section.
1. Recognizing My Symptoms Before a Mood Swing Begins
Learning about my symptoms and writing them down taught me to recognize them before a mood swing went too far.
You see, I used to have years of depression. A combination of medications and the ideas I write about in my books, such as Get It Done When You’re Depressed, has allowed me to live life without long-term depression.
RELATED: 10 Habits of Highly Successful People With Bipolar Disorder
So please keep trying. If my books are not right for you or a loved one, there are many other options in book and video form on this website alone. I was 48 years old when my depression finally lifted; I hope it doesn’t take that long for you. I got started late — but kept going — and one day, I was a lot better.
2. Understanding That Bipolar Is Episodic
This is a huge positive. It means that when a person finds a treatment and a management plan that work, the periods between episodes can become longer and longer. Bipolar isn’t like many mental health conditions that are all day, every day without relief. We have a beginning, middle, and end to our mood swings. Work with this concept when you’re feeling low and remind yourself that the mood swings will end.
3. Taking Action Now to See Results Later
If you start making adjustments now to better manage your bipolar disorder, I promise you that it’ll produce great results in the future.
This is a mental health condition that greatly responds to changes in sleep, working on positive relationships, and finding a healthcare professional who really knows what they are doing.
Yes, it’s challenging to find support and understanding, and making changes can be difficult. But I find it to be an enormous positive that bipolar does respond when we make an effort to get better.
4. Remembering That the Best Treatment Is Getting Regular Sleep
How many mental health conditions have a treatment that is free and open to everyone? Our bodies and brains are strong. No matter how bad it has been in the past, making changes to your sleep schedule now will show results in the future.
Learn about circadian rhythm sleep therapy and remind yourself that sleep is your friend. It’s nature’s free medicine!
5. Finding Happiness — And So Can You
It often feels fleeting, and it’s hard work, but believe me, happiness is in my life every day. It wasn’t like that in the past. This is a result of working on managing my bipolar.
Happiness starts with us figuring out what we want and then learning how to get it — while still being in charge of our bipolar.
Nope. It’s not easy. But it is possible.
UPDATED: Originally posted November 1, 2018
