[THE16THDOCTOR]

I hate the term normal but idk how else to put it. So with bipolar and anxiety disorder my mind races, frequently nervous, overthinking, frustrated, etc. I always wonder what it'd be like to not have this. Do ppl living with out mental illness not have these thoughts? Example I've been having trouble sleeping so it's 1040 now and since I got up at 7 I've been fixated on this and only this. Tense and anxious and afraid I will never get to sleep tonight. It's insane lol I know this but do "normals" think like this ?

[Sillywabbit]

What is "Normal"? That's what my Tdoc always asks me when I ask that question. I woke up this morning super early too and was finding myself stressed about going back to sleep, but then I started deep breathing and played this game where I imagine all my thoughts in a cloud, and then one by one I push them out of the way until I have a white cloud and I focus on keeping it empty. I dunno, it may not make any sense at all but it works for me. Lol Just trying to help

[HALLIEBETH87]

Normal is a setting on a dryer!

[~Christina]

How did you feel before you were diagnosed Bipolar? "Most" people were living there life and doing fine until something happened to get you in a Pdocs office. So before Bipolar popped up how were feeling and living your life ?

[Jennyanydots]

I think first off, what defines "normal"? Many people experience a symptom or two of bipolar (e.g. anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic worry) but are not diagnosed with having bipolar. I also think that not all people who are diagnosed with bipolar experience the same symptoms. I think what differentiates between people with or without bipolar is how they handle or alleviate their symptoms. For me, when I start feeling anxious or my mind races, I try to re-focus my mind and energy on something else like working out, going for a walk, listening to music or talking with a friend. At night, when I lay in bed, my mind races the most so unfortunately, the only way for me to sleep is to take heavy meds So I guess just try different methods until you find one that works for you to ease the mind. I know this is easier said than done....

[jesusplay]

I was never normal but I was also never this weird.

[cool09]

Normal people have an easier time acting and playing the game of life than people who are bogged-down with emotional issues or disorders. The average person has off-the-wall thoughts, nervousness/anxiety, fear, anger, irrational jealousy, impulsiveness at times but they are stronger and better equipped to handle/control it, imo.

I have a friend who's just about the most emotionally healthy, stable person I know. She has insecurities, anxieties, fears and doubts, etc. The only difference is that feelings, thoughts or difficult life situations do not rock her all that much. She just stays steady and optimistic and carries on. Her life is not easier, but she is easier within it, if that makes sense. At least, that's how I see it. I don't really know anyone else like her though. Most people are wacko in one way or another.

[Mimielam]

for me normal is when emotions intensity, energy levels are about like the average person. knowing when I'm average is hard but I guess it's when I'm a real bowring person that sleep, 8 hours, take 3 meals, work full time, do my dull chores whitout asking myself any questions..hey normal..but thats better than being in a grouchy mood or a sad mood.

[Curious651]

I agree with mimielam, this is my normal. Sometimes really good, other times, not so good. Can only say how my normal is and my thinking works. Sometimes ocd like crazy, other time paranoid out the butt, then angry as heck, to freakin awesome and on top of everything. I believe everyone has various moods an intesities. Just may not be as intense.

[THE16THDOCTOR]

Originally Posted by licketysplit

I have a friend who's just about the most emotionally healthy, stable person I know. She has insecurities, anxieties, fears and doubts, etc. The only difference is that feelings, thoughts or difficult life situations do not rock her all that much. She just stays steady and optimistic and carries on. Her life is not easier, but she is easier within it, if that makes sense. At least, that's how I see it. I don't really know anyone else like her though. Most people are wacko in one way or another.

Thanks I like this. Put me at ease a bit.

[vonmoxie]

I've never met a "normal" person. A few good actors here and there, and a couple of ticking time bombs.. but normal? Never.

[Justugh]

like they said normal is a relative concept .......how u define it is only your way everyone else it is something else completely the best way anyone has ever put it was my little brother u think outside the box down the hallway turn left and go tho 3 doors i spent many many years trying to figure out what is different in the thinking patterns of ppl not like me it comes down to the variables we account for more of them and it alters the thinking for us .......we can think anyway where they can only think one way this is a curse and a blessing here is something to help u out (would not let me post the link yet as i am new ) but google this albert enstine bi polar they might call us sick or crazy but we are in some of the best company to have ever lived

[Crazy Hitch]

Yeah I pretty much disregard the notion that there are "normal" people.

We all have our flaws, warts and all, and we don't have insight as to what really happens behind closed doors or other people's minds.

Just because some people aren't diagnosed with bp doesn't mean their life is cushy and that they don't have their ups and downs because they do, just not as intensly as us.