Quote:
Originally Posted by Homeira
I recognize myself completely in what you write.However, I feel a little less like a wasted opportunity now, as I have grown to accept that I have an illness. I just try to be there for others, do some volunteer-work, take care of myself and my son. It is not my fault that I have an illness, and who knows, the uniqe experience I am getting as a bipolar-sufferer can be used to help others in some way. Both my mental stamina and my physical stamina has been low for years though, and it is really like having a physical handicap I think.
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I'm learning to accept my illness and doing so is definitely helping me move forward. In particular, it's enabled me to make lifestyle changes that favour self-care and accommodation of my swings.
I'm also a public speaker where I advocate on behalf of LGBT and Mental Illness ("End the Stigma", that kind of thing). I find this very helpful and often cathartic but you're right, some voluntary or social justice work also helps with self-esteem and value.
Like you though, I also feel like this can be a physical handicap at times, especially when I can't get motivated.