I agree with sqrlb8 that the effects of bipolar disorder indeed cause a wide variety of challenges (mental illness colors ). The biggest challenge I've found with my children struggling with BP and other mental illnesses is that when they are experiencing psychotic episodes, they don't always recognize it within themselves. Sometimes they look at me in desperation pleading with me to "find" them and pull them out of wherever they are. We're working together to help them recognize it within themselves. I don't know if that's the answer, but that's what's working so far... helping them recognize within themselves and knowing they can reach outside themselves for help.

It is hard, and I am also sorry you're going through this... but you can do it. I feel very strongly that educating yourself about it and learning the actual chemical mechanisms that are going on can help individuals to realize that they are not their diagnoses. Just as someone with diabetes has problems regulating sugar in their blood, that does not define who they are as a person. Does that make sense?

You can do it, you can handle this. Only you can decide whether you want to stay inside yourself in confusion or reach out for the hands, hearts and/or technology that can help.

Take care~