[manicplanet]

Hey, I posted this in the wrong forum so I copied and pasted it here:

I started a blog this morning, desperately looking for any kind of support because I am having a tough time; I read my manic journals last night for the first time. I remember initially these types of message boards provided a special type of comfort during days of early diagnosis. I have only provided the intro to my blog, as not to trigger anyone. Also, I can't provide a link to the blog until I reach a certain number of posts. Probably for the best. Anyways, here is the introduction:

"I was diagnosed with manic depression, more commonly known as Bipolar Disorder, in December 2008. Like some people who have been diagnosed, I have spent time in psychiatric institutions due to “manic episodes”. During my period of “mania” between November and December 2010, I kept a series of journals. It’s taken me three years since the last entry in these journals to be able to read them, as I do not remember most of what it is that I wrote. Nothing has been edited. I have categorized and highlighted certain aspects that I find interesting. There are three journals, which also include detailed experiences in the psychiatric institutions. I do not wish to trigger anyone. If you wish, you may contact me as I am very open to discussing this topic. The reason I have decided to share excerpts from these writings is not to “save anyone” or to claim that I know everything there is to know about manic depression, or life in general for that matter. It is simply being shared in order to gain a better understanding of it. I’m also not claiming to agree or disagree with any ideas that are being presented, this is just simply what was written at the time. I ask that you do not judge. Please open up your heart while reading these quotes, as they are a very personal aspect of my life."

Do you think I did the right thing by reading the journals? What should I do now? I feel very lost at the moment. Thanks for listening.

[BipolaRNurse]

Keeping a journal of some sort (with me it's a blog, too) is very beneficial because they help uncover parts of ourselves that we may not have even known about before. Particularly during mania, when we don't always recall what happened and there are discrepancies between what we thought we felt and what actually came out in the writing.

It's also valuable because you can learn so much from going back over things you wrote during an episode. For instance, I can pinpoint exactly where my last manic spell began, so the next time I start thinking those same kinds of thoughts, I'll know that another episode may be on its way and I can act on it before it gets out of control.

When you reach the required number of posts in order to post a link to your blog, I hope you will. I read lots of BP blogs in addition to my own, and I'm sure others do as well. And welcome to PC!!

[manicplanet]

Thank you so much. I was doubting myself for a bit there. I just made a new post. Feeling better. Time to sleep.