This article was a pleasure to read. I am so glad you are doing well. You had to face a lot in your young life and you are facing it all with courage and insight. Good luck in all that you endeavor to do! I know you will succeed.
Jan 15, 2010 Rating
Positive feedback! by: Kristin
I love to hear that you are doing good. I am too. I was diagnosed when I was about 24-25 (my memory is terrible, I blame the meds, lol) Im now 34. Yes its a struggle but as well as you I am grateful to have bipolar because it defines me. I look at having bipolar and it not having me. I control it - it doesn't control me. Another way I look at it is - I was blessed, there is a reason why we were given bipolar. God gave me bipolar because he knows I can handle it and I will survive! And to share our everyday living with others that need help to cope and need coping skills. One of the best methods of knowing when I am going to or think i am going to experience an episode is to write down your feelings. I hang a calender on the wall and write down my moods for that day. I know I get worse around that time of the month! its TRUE :P also, if there are even small changes in my life, like witnessing a car accident, even hearing a baby cry or reading something that you didnt expect to read or whatever it may be can trigger my mood. UP or Down. So I write that down as well. I have to say I have come a long, long, long, long... way :)! But I can say whole heartily that I LOVE MY LIFE! I couldn't have asked for a better one and I am grateful for my family and friends that have been there through thick and thin (MOM <3) I have to admit there are a lot of people I scared away, but they will come around. And if not then I wish them the best!
And well for you Girly! Im proud of you! I commend you! May your cup runneth over :)
Love your positivity!
Dec 14, 2009 Rating
Response by: A.N.H.
Thanks to everyone who has left a comment. It means so much to me to know that I am not alone on this emotional and behavioral roller coaster called life. It really means a lot to know that I am not alone
Dec 13, 2009 Rating
My story is similar to yours, but... by: Wm. Andrew Turman
I have come to terms with my illness, and the effects it has on my life. I have lost much - a beautiful wife and son, nice big house, good job. I have lost countless friends and family alike, to my madness. But that is okay. I have learned a lot, in the past 25 years I have spent on the roller coaster. I have learned that I must be authentic, true to myself, and damn those who are in my way. I want to be an inspiration to others stuck on the same ride. My job is not done. I may never teach in a formal classroom again, but that is okay. The world can be my classroom. I can still educate others about mental health awareness. I want others to know that they are not alone in their pain and struggles...I used to say, about teaching, if I can just reach ONE chid this year. it will be worth all the crap I have to swallow. Now I say, if I can only reach one person, to help them understand the conditions of their survival of this illness. it will all be worth it. A mental disorder is not a death sentence. There is light, and life, and hope for all those diagnosed with Bipolar. You just have to look hard sometimes to find it. I wish all of those struggling with it the ability to cope, to survive yet another day. It is better than the alternative (death). Honest Regards, WmAT
Dec 12, 2009 Rating
Person first, illness last. by: Sarah from Bipolar Lives.com
Lately I have had a lot of criticism because of my tendency to write about "bipolar people" as opposed to "people with bipolar disorder". This is laziness on my part and I am glad my readers have corrected me. I like this essay very much because it encourages people to be proud of who they are, including their bipolar disorder! The attitude is great - if you are a person with bipolar disorder, do not be ashamed - just educate yourself about it and accept who you are completely.
