[A Red Panda]

You know... I do think there are positives to everything. And I think that we could use a thread to make try to focus on those because a lot of people seem pretty sad and frustrated in here lately!

Favourite parts of bipolar:
- I like that my hypomanias actually let me experience having confidence.
- I like when I get uber-excited about new activities that I only ever choose to start when hypomanic
- I like that I am very understand and accepting of other people's mood fluctuations because I've got a wealth of experience!
- I like that my hypomanias taught me how to start acting like I'm happy --> the hypomanias taught me a lot of social skills actually.
- I love getting large cleaning projects tackled with a spectacular thoroughness
- I like that I can pretty much pin-point where I am based on my sleep vs energy states. No guess-work involved!

So... my challenge for all of you:
Try to make a list that has GOOD things. Even if you're in the middle of a horridly annoying depression, try to find the positives.

A lot of our threads have been bumming me out lately, so please.. if you can only thing of negative things... please don't post those thoughts. I can think of a lot of negatives too, but it's not the point of this thread.

[Trippin2.0]

Great idea L this board has been bumming me out too.

I like how my thoughts are clearer when hypo, how its suddenly easier to grasp things.

I like how because of all my experiences (coupled with my personality type) I'm much more empathetic and can reach out to others with a deeper level of understanding.

I like how my bp has taught me self-restraint, how it motivates me to be the best version of me possible.

I like how my bp has proven my strength, my will to survive, to succeed and my resillience time and time again.

I like how my depressive episodes teach me that all hope is never lost.

I like how my bipolar has shown me people's true colours, and weeded out the ones that weren't meant to stay in my life for longer than a reason or a season.

[Rise]

I love how creative I become during hypo-manic episodes
I love how hard I work during hypo-manic episodes
I love how much purpose I have during hypo-manic episodes
I love how my inner turmoil translates into the desire for the whole world to be happy
I love how determined and resilient I am and have had to be
I love how I can help other people because of my experiences
I love it when you see yourself in someone else and you both know it

[AnxietyGirl916]

I like how productive I am when hypo. My apartment is never cleaner. I have the best ideas and I get super creative. I don't get behind at work and I get along with everyone.

[A Red Panda]

Originally Posted by Trippin2.0

I like how my bp has taught me self-restraint, how it motivates me to be the best version of me possible.

I like how my bp has proven my strength, my will to survive, to succeed and my resillience time and time again.

I like how my depressive episodes teach me that all hope is never lost.

I like how my bipolar has shown me people's true colours, and weeded out the ones that weren't meant to stay in my life for longer than a reason or a season.

Totally! Self-restraint should be my middle name. Usually.

I have a lot of people call me "resilient" and I suppose it fits.

I like the idea how being depressed can teach us how hope is never lost - I don't typically tend to remember that, but it sooo does.

I also like how my messed up thoughts are ALWAYS much worse than reality and I can get through alllll of the stuff reality throws at me - even if I don't feel like I can.

I also really like how often my hypo energy can help lift other people's spirits. It's infectuous

[cashart10]

-I like how spiritually connected I become
-The incredible high that I feel and believing that I can conquer the world
-How I can sing any song, anywhere, and I can associate songs to every spoken word
-I like my creativity and how I am able to write so much more and so much better than when not manic.
-I love how infectious my energy is and even how I am able to speak a million words per minute.
-I love how much more sexual I become (and so does my husband )
-I love some of the delusions that I cling to (if they are safe) because I become so passionate about things and seem to understand the world in a way that only makes sense to me.
-When depressed or manic, I love how deeply I feel.

[polesapart]

I love that I've travelled to so many interesting places in the world, thanks to mania purchased holidays.
I love having memories of doing things that I would never do! I did that? Really, are you sure?
I'm grateful that I understand depression so intimately, that I am able to support people I love who are experiencing it.
I love how overly excited and enthusiastic I can become at the smallest things.
I love my hobbies that I would never have started without mania. I am a pole dancing addict!
I love that I am unique, quirky and anything but ordinary.

[BipolaRNurse]

I love the depths and breadths and heights that I can reach with my writing when I'm hypomanic.

I love the ability to feel everything so intensely and experience life in all its dimensions: the vivid colors and enticing aromas of the world, the deep spiritual connectedness to all of nature and the universe, the achingly beautiful parts of life that people without BP will never get to see.

I love my sense of humor, the ability to entertain without being self-conscious, and the joy of bringing laughter to my family, co-workers, and friends. I am quirky and erratic and smart and funny (when not depressed, that is) and I really like that about myself.

I love the freedom my diagnosis gave me to be my authentic self. No more trying to fit square pegs in round holes; no more fighting for a 'normal' existence that will never be mine anyway.

hmm, let's see:

i like my creativity.. their are times when someone can ask me for an idea or something, and i'd think of something no one else will- same goes for my poetry.. i like being able to write that

i like mania, though only to an extent- i like some of the things that it makes me feel

hmm what else

oh i like the fact that when i'm depressed or "low", that i know it won't last.. and i can look forward to more of a high

i like the fact i'm more understanding too, as someone else said- tend to see people's problems more gently if that makes sense

[Blue_Bird]

I love nearly everything about the hypomanic side of bipolar,

-how productive I am
-How motivated I am
-The confidence I have
-The creativity
-The lack for need of sleep (I can do a lot more)
-The happiness it gives me
-It nearly gets rid of my social anxiety momentarily

It's almost euphoric.

Bipolar disorder introduced me to new people, new music and opportunities to volunteer in support group leadership positions I would never have dreamed of. It was a huge part of my success in going back to school in my 40s, 3.87gpa, which I'd never achieved in my younger days. Creativity and empathy exist during all cycles. I like my depression poetry as much as my manic stories. I've learned a lot about myself through therapy, something I would not have gone through without a good reason to go.

[Blackberryrocks11]

I love what my dad describes in himself and me as irrepressible optimism.
The resiliency....
The infectiousness of good moods,
The ability to really laugh and enjoy life to the max
The creativity, the flowing of ideas, the heightened sensory awareness

*********

BP II: Onset of destructive aspect not until 38, which was when treatment begun.

Music in my head when I am manic. Love it.

I like being able to read non-verbal cues like a book.

And the unbridled extroversion to go up to and shake the hands of 50 strangers in a day

[A Red Panda]

I really like the effect that being in an up has on my students. I get loads of ideas of fun things to do with them that are educational, and they don't even realize just how hard I'm making them word because I've disguised it in something fun!

[jesonpiano]

OK - I'm very curious about something here. Those who have posted your hypo states; how has medication affected the items on your list of favorites if it has had an affect.
-jes