A little over 3 years ago I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and I might as well have been told I had cancer. My behavior and my feelings started to make sense in time as I learned about Bipolar Disorder, but I was convinced that my life would be a whirlwind of unhealthy mistakes and never really being happy and healthy. That was until I decided my life does not have to end up that way; that I can be healthy and happy and do all the things I want. So, I've been doing just that through following the following 8 steps.
1. Acceptance.
Bipolar Disorder is a lifelong disease. There is a chemical imbalance in your brain that you cannot necessarily fix, but you are not broken. It's going to take some time a lot of work in order to be healthy and remain healthy, but you can do it. Don't ignore your illness. Just because it isn't physically visible, does not make it any less valid. That's like telling someone with diabetes that they don't have diabetes since it isn't a visually physical illness.
2. Commit to long-term professional help.
I'm talking about weekly sessions with someone you like and seems to have your best interest (a.k.a. a therapist). In 2016 I started off seeing a therapist twice a week. In time, I was healthy enough to have 1 session per week. I practice Dialectical Behavior Therapy which allowed me to understand my emotions and be better at emotion management. Without committing to therapy I would not be as healthy as I am now; learning about my emotions and my illness really helped me figure out how to have a normal life while coping with this disease
3. Build your village.
You need to surround yourself with people who are understanding. (Shout out to my village, ya'll know who you are)! Have those tough conversations with them about what you need from them and what you can give back. Let them know what your illness is and feels like. Share with them what can be expected with your behavior when you're manic or depressed. You need people that will check in with you. People who will be stern with you by making sure you're doing all the healthy coping methods you're supposed to be doing (a.k.a. checking in with you). If the people around you are not loving and supportive of you and your illness- remove them from your life. You need people you can cry in front of and never feel wrongly judged.
4. Set goals.
No goal is too small and no goal is too big.
5. Stick with your coping methods.
Practice those coping methods. Practice being mindful. Exercise often and sleep well. Otherwise, it'll all be for nothing and feel hopeless.
6. Always take your medication.
It will suck sometimes but know that there is NO shame in having to take medicine. You have an illness-- it's like taking Tylenol when you have a fever. Taking meds, help you take back control of your feelings as you implement those coping methods.
7. Be patient.
We're in this for the long run. Again, this is a mental disease. Be gentle and patient with your mind and body. You will reach those goals. It won't always be a whirlwind of shit because I promise it gets better. It will take time for the people you love to accept your illness. Let them come around, but in the meantime build your village and work on steps 1-6.
8. Prepare for ignorance.
You will come across people who brand you with the negative stigma of what the media paints Bipolar Disorder to look like. Research your illness and know that everyone experiences this illness differently. Prepare to have conversations with those who have questions.
