[Tart Cherry Jam]

My friend has written it: Unsyndicated: Remission

From hopeless to remission for three years: that is quite an amazing change.

[Soupe du jour]

Your friend is right. Remission can/does come for many people, despite drug resistant years. It did for me.

I have bipolar disorder type 1. Though I had my fair share of pure depressions over my lifetime, mania and mixed states were my most stubborn episodes. Even they eased then stopped. It took more than just the right medications, though. Thinking meds should do 100% of the job is a ticket to short, if any, remission in my view.

For a while, not being in some sort of bipolar episode felt a little strange. Not my life's "norm". But a new norm developed and I'm mostly at peace with my slower less extreme mind. I'm still me, but an older me that's seen and done a lot!

One mistake I think many make when in remission is to think, in a way, that they are "cured" of the disorder. That is a slippery slope to walk on and counter to how this lousy disorder works for most.

[luvyrself]

I agree 100%. Self care with aerobic exercise and a plan for each type of episode and minimizing stress over all is the key. Easier said than done. Hugs, everyone!

[Nammu]

Totally agree, meds alone are not the answer.

[*Beth*]

I'm a huge advocate of mental illness being properly treated with medication but also, of course, with excellent self-care - probably beginning with good sleeping habits.