[Sunshinesworld]

I've had depression since 10 or 11, bipolar since 19. I'm in my mid twenties now. Today, I feel normal. Whatever that is. I started St. Johns Wort last week by suggestion of doc because I've tried most antidepressants and antipsychotics to no avail. I'm taking 1200 mg a day in divided doses. Over the past wk, I've gradually been feeling better. But today I don't feel revved up, but not sleepy either. No anxiety, been having good sleep. Feel focused. Almost like a calm and content feeling. I hope it's not just today, but today has been good. Not euphoric, but good. When you've felt normal, however long ago that was, did you just feel level?

[Pookyl]

Content is a good word to describe how I am when I’m normal. It’s a nice way to feel even though it never lasts for long.

[Wander]

I’m hoping I’ve hit normal myself. It would be for the first time in my life (for more than a day or so), as I had a horrible childhood and mental illness constantly ever since. This is why I, like you, am struggling to know if what I am feeling now is ‘normal’ or the authentic ‘me’. I feel calm, content, react emotionally in an appropriate manner to situations, feel joy( not euphoric), can concentrate better, deal with the finer details of life better, find it easy chatting to strangers or people like the owners of the deli across the road - so many things have changed. It’s amazing. And wonderful. I do fear it disappearing, but no panic and a lot of hope.

I really hope this is your normal and that you get to enjoy life as you deserve. I wish you the best.

[Aviza]

My doc says normal isn't a word they like to use, stable is preferred. No major highs, no lows, sounds like you're doing well. To me feeling how I feel is normal.

[Guiness187055]

For me stability is a sense of well being. I don't get to high and I don't get to low. Things that would bother me in another state of mind no longer bother me. I am generally happy when stable. Which luckily I happen to be now.

[Merlin]

For me stable is having the energy and motivation to pursue my realistic goals, as opposed to the grandiose ones. I’m socializing regularly and taking care of myself. I will sometimes be very happy or excited in response to an event, but I’m generally just feeling satisfied and content.

[FriendlyJoe]

When me and my best friend are getting along the world feels great. I'm manic all the time but not super high or low just right in the middle. We get about 1 to 3 months before it all goes to **** and it's super manic time. We've been working on it and this week was rough but we made it through without going to the dark side. Only having 4 episodes a year is such an improvement.

[~Christina]

Being content

[sarahsweets]

"Normal" is a dirty word.

[MickeyCheeky]

Congratulations, Sunshinesworld! I'm really happy for you. I agree with all the others. "Normal" is not a word I like to use. From what you wrote, it sounds like you're feeling stable and content with your life. That should be the main goal, I believe. That means that your hard work is finally paying off! Be proud of yourself for that. I hope you'll continue feeling this way. Thank you so much for sharing this! I'm sure this thread will encourage and inspire many other people here on PC. Wish you good luck! Let us know how it goes. Sending many hugs to you