[LiteraryLark]

It's three months shy of the three years since my hospitalization and bipolar diagnosis. Today I met with my psychiatrist and she showed me this chart of my mood swings since 2012. The graph showed that my mood swings are dropping in severity of symptoms, and that in the future I may reach a point of little to no mood swings.

I told my psychiatrist that when I feel symptoms I feel alone and far from normal, but she reminded me that since my hospitalization I've gone back to college and I am passing my classes, I have held a steady job, can make goals and achieve them, and even though I make mistakes it only means I am human. I am normal, and my bipolar is part of who I am--it is not a disability.

I love your comment. I struggle to feel "normal", but my Doctor reminded me yesterday that it has been 4 years since I've been in hospital. I just can relate. That is what I am trying to say without much success. Thank you very much for sharing this.

[RenjiCat]

That's awesome!!! I'm so glad you're doing well! I've been hospitalized 3 times due to my Bipolar and I'm facing a possible 4th (let me just say that IF I decide to go back it will be my 3rd stay in less than 6 months... so I'm really trying not to go back).

I hope this doesn't sound too odd but you've just become somewhat a role model for me.... you prove that it is possible to get better. Thank you!

[coleychi]

That's awesome! That's really cool that your pdoc keeps a chart so you can see your progress-- I wish mine did that! It must be so comforting and reassuring to know that things are getting better and that you're in a better place than you were 3 years ago-- congrats

I'm a college student too and I'm SO jealous of your ability to make mistakes and see it as being human. I wish I could think that way. And I'm working so hard in therapy to develop that mindset. Hopefully it'll come. But huge congrats on your progress... that's so awesome! And encouraging to hear your success... and that things can get better

You're doing great Well done!

Originally Posted by coleychi

That's awesome! That's really cool that your pdoc keeps a chart so you can see your progress-- I wish mine did that! It must be so comforting and reassuring to know that things are getting better and that you're in a better place than you were 3 years ago-- congrats

You can chart your own progress. I have a mood diary that I fill out every day so I can see when my mood is starting to drop and if there are any causes for it. Im pretty sure there are apps now days for this kind of thing, but Im not that technologically advanced yet.

[LadyShadow]

Amazing job! Well done! Its been 7 years since my last hospitalization, and before that I was in and out like a revolving door. I have done a lot. Went to school, got a job, (and lost it) and am very stable. Just wish I can hold a job now.

glad you're doing well

good to hear

[Andysmom]

It's been three years for me too thanks for the reminder that that is an accomplishment!

[coleychi]

Originally Posted by Supanova

You're doing great Well done!
You can chart your own progress. I have a mood diary that I fill out every day so I can see when my mood is starting to drop and if there are any causes for it. Im pretty sure there are apps now days for this kind of thing, but Im not that technologically advanced yet.

that's a really good idea! leave it to me to not even think about taking things into my own hands. how do you record your mood in your mood diary? and what do you record? would love to know your system so i can try something similar. i really want to believe that i'm making process.

My mood diary is similar to this one -


I find it so helpful, I also write down any life events and if they have affected my anxiety or mood. It also helps me keep up with how much I am sleeping because this can affect my mood too.

Thank you for the mood diary. It is something I need to start tracking again and this system lays it out so clearly. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!