A big one for me was coming to terms with a MI dx. It really isn't different than finding out I have some severe allergy, degenerative arthritis or some other physical ailment that derails me sometimes but that I could adapt to. I wouldn't feel like like any of those things were my fault; neither is BP. I wouldn't be ashamed of having any of those ailments (and I actually have the degenerative arthritis) and I should not be ashamed of BP. With the arthritis, I have unexpected flares out of the blue sometimes and have to cancel plans; I try to make the best of it and enjoy doing things when I have it under control, which is most of the time. I don't dwell on it and feel sorry for myself. But I did do all of these things, and to some degree still do, when it comes to BP. I need to get past that. I have gotten much better at it but still could improve my attitude about it.

How you feel about it can be as important as what you do about it.