How to grieve?

My T thinks I need to grieve the person I was before I got sick and accept who I am now. The only problem is I was brought up to not show emotions and always be even keel. So I don’t know how to grieve. Any suggestions?

I like expressing my feelings through journaling. That might be helpful for you, too.

This is an interesting concept. I keep reminding myself I am still the same person I was before all of this happened. She's still here, but with a lot more baggage. I don't want to grieve her like she's gone. I want to mesh both worlds together harmoniously. Maybe that's delusional, but I still feel I can be both. I've grown in a lot of ways since my episode that were healthy and I don't want to give that up either.

A journal is a good idea. YOu can go back and check how you were when you were manic and depressed.

I mourn the loss of myself being physically healthy. 9 years ago I was taking care of my farm, worked full time. I would have my truck loaded down with animal feed and toss them dozens with ease, 50 lbs was nothing for me.

I’m still not able to accept that I am likely only going to get worse physically as time goes on.

I think I have come to terms with Bipolar for the most part. Ptsd , nope.

I agree try to journal, it’s a great help to many.

I COMPLETELY agree with the other wise, wonderful posters about journaling Remember that your previous self didn't go away as @fern46 has already wisely said better than I ever could. There's still a part of that into you NOW. You've changed and evolved but you're not a different person from before. You're still Crook32 and there's NO ONE ELSE LIKE YOU. Please remember that as I believe it's REALLY important Please be kind to yourself and remember that your life isn't over. You can still do many things. Give yourself some time to grieve. I'd also suggest to bring up your concerns to your therapist if you haven't already and if you want to. I'm sure he/she will be glad to help you and to make you understand HOW can you grieve You've got this! Please don't you EVER give up hope! THINGS CAN AND WILL GET BETTER FOR YOU! I'M SURE OF THAT! Sending many safe, warm hugs to you, Crook32, and to ALL the people you Love and who TRULY Love you! YOU DO ROCK IT VERY MUCH, PLEASE ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT! KEEP ROCKING!

I really like the idea everyone above suggested to journal. Many people prefer to journal privately, others in a blog open to some others. I did the latter. It was very therapeutic for me.

When my mom died almost 15 years ago, I practiced "avoidance". That was indeed detrimental to my mental health. After my nephew passed two years ago, I wrote and wrote about my feelings. Also as part of my grief recovery, I engaged in some activities that made me feel I was making a positive difference. For example, my nephew died from suicide. I then did some advocacy work, including writing to politicians about mental health issues.

I agree with the others. Journaling is a good way to sort things out and I do it every day as part of my routine.

One of my therapists also recommended grieving my lost self and the losses associated with my illness. I’ve not been able to do that. I’ve grieved the losses, yes, but I hope to get back close to that lost self.

I wish you well.