[Sadie15]

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So, I was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder at the Utah State Hospital 6 months ago. They always thought I had it until I went into full blown mania about 2-3 months ago. Its so hard to live day to day with bipolar disorder a long with other diagnoses I have. It seems like I am doing well then I fall back into a serious depression then to a manic phase. I have the constant up and down and not sleeping for months witht tons of energy. I just want a stable life and to feel stable and that I can actually go back to college and pass my courses this time.. I want to be a social worker someday but Im scared because of the bipolar I wont be able to. Just wondering if any of you out there can offer some words of encouragment for me because right now Im really doubting myself and my ability to live a normal, successful life and i really desire. thank you

[Espurr1989]

I don't know if I can really answer your question, but I can say I relate to your situation. I got diagnosed after starting a grad program to become a mental health counselor. I'm lucky in that I don't have too many problems finishing classwork, but I have really been doubting myself as to whether I'll be able to spend 45 mins with clients all week without debilitating anxiety when I've barely been able to get through a week working at the movie theater I've been at since I was sixteen without breaking down and crying for some reason or another. Those clients are going to need someone stable, not someone who has the same issues they do. I'm facing an internship in a few semesters and I don't know if there will be a minimum amount of hours/clients I have to work. I've been debating with myself over just quitting, but I wouldn't be able to get by without the loan money and I have no backup plan.Right now I just take it one day at a time. I'm still learning about this disorder and how it affects me. I feel like I'm putting in the bare minimum on everything, but it feels like a lot for me and I know I could really mess things up if I'm not careful.

Here's to learning how to survive together!

Originally Posted by Sadie15

possible trigger warning
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**
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*
So, I was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder at the Utah State Hospital 6 months ago. They always thought I had it until I went into full blown mania about 2-3 months ago. Its so hard to live day to day with bipolar disorder a long with other diagnoses I have. It seems like I am doing well then I fall back into a serious depression then to a manic phase. I have the constant up and down and not sleeping for months witht tons of energy. I just want a stable life and to feel stable and that I can actually go back to college and pass my courses this time.. I want to be a social worker someday but Im scared because of the bipolar I wont be able to. Just wondering if any of you out there can offer some words of encouragment for me because right now Im really doubting myself and my ability to live a normal, successful life and i really desire. thank you

bipolar makes things more difficult, yes.

but you can still live a successfull life.

understand that you just need more time and people need to be more patient, and you'll be fine.

[Trippin2.0]

Well besides the standard find the right treatment plan, acquire the necessary coping skills and live healthy in order to stabilize... I will say this.


Perspective.


Redefine what you perceive to be normal, its a subjective term anyway. So tweak it to your needs and your will.


I say this, because as long as you are going to be a fish beating yourself up for not being able to climb a tree, you will never be happy and you will also probably resent all the squirrels just for being born squirrels.


Perception plays a huge roll in how we navigate this rollercoaster.


Me, I have managed to redefine my normal, but I still struggle with accepting that my reality is not what I had planned, and yes,when I'm struggling I absolutely hate it and wish I was a damn squirrel.

But at least those moments are now fleeting and far between as opposed to all encompassing as it were in the past.

[Woolly Bugger]

In a way, you are lucky to have found out so young. This way, you can get your meds straightened out and coping strategies developed early in your career. I didn't find out until I was about 40, after the illness had wreaked havoc on my life and my career. So look at the bright side of things. You'll be fine.

[dizzielizzie86]

Normal and successful are completely subjective and entirely dependent on your personal circumstance.

I've been with my husband since 2002 and he was diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder three months into our relationship. We've been married since 2004, we have 4 daughters (one of which also has bipolar disorder), and he's held the same job for nearly 7 years. There are bumps through life that you overcome and end up stronger than before they happened.

Perspective and short term goals are a good start. Fulfilling short term goals tends to be easier and satisfying. And the short terms culminate into a long term. And having as positive as you can manage perspective is helpful. The only person allowed to designate your life as normal is you. What's normal for one is abnormal for another. What's successful for one is unsuccessful for another. You will find that balance with time and a bit of patience.

I wish you luck.

Welcome to the disorder!

[lovejoy91]

I always use positive affirmations to keep me going. I'm happy and content with life despite being diagnosed 7 months ago. I'm not a victim of my circumstances.

[~Christina]

I think Trippin nailed it as always, Stellar advice.

Welcome to PC, I hope you find all the support and advice helpful

[blue_eyed_panda]

Originally Posted by Trippin2.0

I say this, because as long as you are going to be a fish beating yourself up for not being able to climb a tree, you will never be happy and you will also probably resent all the squirrels just for being born squirrels.

I love your paraphrase of Einstein's quote

I'm still figuring this out too. Normal is subjective. I think we can still get most or all that we want out of life, it might just be a harder/longer journey than it is for people with out mental illness.

[BipolaRNurse]

Originally Posted by Trippin2.0

Well besides the standard find the right treatment plan, acquire the necessary coping skills and live healthy in order to stabilize... I will say this.


Perspective.


Redefine what you perceive to be normal, its a subjective term anyway. So tweak it to your needs and your will.


I say this, because as long as you are going to be a fish beating yourself up for not being able to climb a tree, you will never be happy and you will also probably resent all the squirrels just for being born squirrels.


Perception plays a huge roll in how we navigate this rollercoaster.


Me, I have managed to redefine my normal, but I still struggle with accepting that my reality is not what I had planned, and yes,when I'm struggling I absolutely hate it and wish I was a damn squirrel.

But at least those moments are now fleeting and far between as opposed to all encompassing as it were in the past.

THIS. ^^

Take it easy on yourself. This illness is not your fault. Find people who will help support you and drink deep of their wisdom. And like Trippin' said, redefine "normal" so you can normalize your experience as a person with bipolar disorder. We've all been there!

to you.

[Toodles333]

I find not hitting the self destruct button the hardest. I guess that's the impulsive side of the illness, and the bad bit of the brain getting one over on the good bit of the brain.