[Moogieotter]

Good Morning Team,

I have been at psych central for about a week, and I really like it. Lots of good sharing and bonding going on via the internet.

One of the things I have learned over the past 18 months and really throughout some of the CBTs I have done over the last 16 years is that it helps to always look on the bright side. Sounds pretty easy and always makes me think of The Meaning of Life movie where the guys who are being crucified are singing it, but I ponder how to do it in almost any situation. I have tried to make it a habit. It started slow and took years of practice, but has been a godsend.

So among all the challenges that Bipolar brings many of us here, I often think of how people in the past suffered. From criminalization to institutionalization to discrimination, society has come a long way. Medical science has also progressed a great deal from nothing just a few decades ago to multi-millions of dollars going into the latest generations of AAPs and other meds. Doctors also have a much greater understanding of the disease even in the last 10 years.

Sure many mysteries remain, and they do not yet have a magic genetic wand they can wave over a pregnant woman's tummy to make it go away forever or some sci-fi solution like that, but we are in way better shape than in the past.

That's great. The past was worse for bipolar people. What about the present? I think a great deal about this also. Even in western society, with all the great new treatments and progress that I refer to above, we still have millions who never get diagnosed, access to any treatment, or any insight into the disease. For so many, there's no internet access to any kind of forum, no loved ones to have them committed, and their fate is homelessness, prison, or suicide. I can barely even begin to fathom the sufferings of bipolar people outside of modern society in under developed areas and the pain they must endure. Kind of depressing I know, but it makes me so grateful for what I do have.

I thought about posting in Success Stories, but I fear it might fuel complacency in my head or ignite the ole "You no longer need meds" sparks and flames. Even though I have come a long way, I still have to maintain maximum diligence in my treatment and mindfulness.

I see many of the more stable people here at PC echoing the same message to newcomers and veteran sufferers. It takes a comprehensive approach. Boy do I dislike giving advice, but for me, I searched for a long time for a medication solution. I worked my way around the wheel of multiple combinations of AAPs, Mood Stabilizers, SSRIs hoping some magic combination of chemicals would make all the troubles go away. I finally figured out that for me it takes a comprehensive approach of meds, therapy, mindfulness, nutrition, exercise, routine, and positive relationships.

Anyway, I am very much enjoying the community we have here. I am in a place to give back, and for that I am truly blessed. I know it is the nature of the illness to come back around and come to a point where I am desperate and hurting and the connections I build here will help me along should I relapse.

For those of you still struggling, especially on the depressed side of the world, looking on the bright side has helped me tremendously. Thanks for letting me share and best of luck in all things.

moogs

[ozzy1313]

Thanks for sharing- this is a great place and has helped me a lot

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have really been using PC a lot lately for support and venting and am really grateful for it and the other people on here.

[Trippin2.0]

Thanks so much for sharing.


Personally, I would be dead right now if I didn't know how to look on the bright side, identify the silver lining, or laugh at my pain.


So what if my humor is somewhat twisted or dark?

Joy is the thread that binds me. So I do my best to find it and embrace it, because even in miniscule amounts, I find it most beneficial.

[Mountainbard]

Well said, Moogieotter!

[Standup2me]

Moogs, those are powerful words.

About the "...dislike giving advice...", ignore those words, we all are
here for support and advice
So, advice is welcomed

[Crazy Hitch]

Thanks for the inspiring post. We can all do with a pick me up at times.

WOW MoogieOtter!!!! Sometimes your wisdom is startling. (insert laughter here) Thank you for sharing this with me. I especially liked, "Even though I have come a long way, I still have to maintain maximum diligence in my treatment and mindfulness." You have a very powerful message. I hope that people who need to will be able to hear it. I am very grateful to have met you and hope to continue our conversations. You are a very important part of PsychCentral and I hope you stick around. I am new here too. I cannot wait until August 7th. There just might be quite the party. Even if we are the only two who attend