[Petunia111]

I can hardly believe how messed up I have been all of my life. What did I do to deserve this horrible disease, being bipolar.

If I could be normal and not have to take pills, I could have had a real life and been productive.

Like the movie says, I could have been a contender.

I hate taking these pills and all they do is numb my brain. Maybe I will have a stroke and drop dead.

[venusss]

well... you can be still worthy, even with label in the end.

and after all... **** being homo capitalist. I just want to be. I want to matter, to make a positive imprint... And I hope I am doing that.

[wing]

We didn't do a dang things to deserve this, and we all have lost time and opportunities because of our MI. Nothing to be done about it but pick up the pieces and go on.

[Cyran0]

Well said wingin'it

[sugahorse1]

Hi there,
Sure, some days we battle along, but then we have our good days too. I think everyone has their own battles, and ours happens to be with MI. I think we are 'Lucky" that we can have meds that make this a lot easier for us to live with.

I also appreciate how my circumstances have made me more introspective. And empathetic - I really want to reach out and help others in a similar position to me. It has really softened my exterior.

Sure, I do battle depression and drive people insane during hypomania - but that's what makes me unique.

[venusss]

but at the end of the day... I'd still rather be bipolar here in the western world, than "normal" somewhere in Libya or Gaza strip, or wherever.

This way...I still do have chance to have life... one's mind oddity can be overcome, or even used to advantages... objective obstacles are much harder.

[Umbral_Seraph]

Some days it's difficult to cope with the knowledge that I have so much potential held back because of my mental illnesses.

[Vita]

A conception of not having used ones potentials sounds familiar. But, looking at it, I have come pretty far.
Appearently, I am not normal, but content and happy as most. Sometimes more. My impression is that most people fill their toll with worries, but some have to exaggerate them to get enough.

I think the western demand for normality, and tendency to exclude, makes life more difficult for us.

[venusss]

Originally Posted by Vita

A conception of not having used ones potentials sounds familiar. But, looking at it, I have come pretty far.
Appearently, I am not normal, but content and happy as most. Sometimes more. My impression is that most people fill their toll with worries, but some have to exaggerate them to get enough.

I think the western demand for normality, and tendency to exclude, makes life more difficult for us.

I agree.

and pursuit of "normal" can be pretty harmful in the end, because it is such vague concept. It contradicts inner peace often.

Originally Posted by Umbral_Seraph

Some days it's difficult to cope with the knowledge that I have so much potential held back because of my mental illnesses.

This hit the nail right on the head for me....

[Moose72]

I just can't get anything done. I keep pufferfish- that's successful- and I think I'm a good mom- and I have been good about going to pdoc/t appointments and takng meds... I'm a good person to others. Those count for more than a huge job and huge house - but I still feel like a failure without them.

Originally Posted by Moose72

I just can't get anything done. I keep pufferfish- that's successful- and I think I'm a good mom- and I have been good about going to pdoc/t appointments and takng meds... I'm a good person to others. Those count for more than a huge job and huge house - but I still feel like a failure without them.

You're right - I don't even think sbout those things.

in my family being successful (as defined by your career) is very important and my mom loved talking about where her daughter worked. I see the disappointment in her when I tell her I don't think i can work so much anymore if I want to be mentally stable.

I know there's a thread somewhere about "what did I do right today"
We should do something like that here.