Does it ever feel like your bipolar is really living up to its name? When gone is the day of feeling like you are at a baseline mood?
There are times when it feels like bipolar just wants to kick your butt. Whether it gut punches you with depression or slaps you in the face with mania, you’re left feeling defeated.
Sometimes bipolar will continue to slap and punch on you for months, never letting up. Leaving us to wonder: WILL THIS EVER END!? Many times I have asked myself that very question.
Because I have lived with a bipolar diagnosis for over a decade, the one thing I can tell you for certain is that it will end. The only variable is how long it will take. And the only thing we need to do is trust (know), and wait for the tides to change, because they will.
If you’re feeling beat up by bipolar, know that you are not alone, and that you will not feel like this forever.
Thank you so much for sharing. This was such a timely message as I have recently been diagnosed with bipolar II and starting new meds. The adjustment seemed like a God send but now i’m struggling emotionally and physically due to side effects. You have no idea how much I needed this post today. Thank you again and God bless you on your journey.
I am so sorry you are struggling now. But to find a silver lining if there is one — I believe it is in the times of struggle that we truly grow. So much love to you, and God bless you on your journey as well!
Good stuff
🌷thanks for this. I, too, have been living with a BP diagnosis for over a decade, and although I’ve grown tremendously and mostly maintain normal mood fluctuations, I sometimes still find myself feeling slapped around and out of control of myself. It’s frustrating, but learning about my triggers and how to identify the initial signs of mania or depression have helped me tremendously. Self-care through maintenance and mood swings must always be prioritized. ❤️
And ‘frustrating’ is even an understatement for me at times. Identifying triggers is huge, as well as proactive self-care. Thank you for the reminder. All the best to you!
Thank you again for a wonderful post. I have been diagnosed bipolar since 2011. I went totally manic off all meds in 2017. Then, 2018 I went into a deep depression with severe anxiety. It would take a four medication cocktail and weekly group therapy to bring me back. About 5 weeks ago I began to “feel marvelous darling.” Do I think this is the end? I know better. I’m staying on the meds and like you always say, “ I have bipolar, but bipolar does not have me!” Hope to all of us and commonality binds us.
I LOVE your positive attitude! Thank you for sharing!
I have lived with Bipolar 1 for 50+ years. The one thing I can tell you for certain, it does not end. There are too many situations in life over which we have no control e.g. crisis situations (severe/life threatening illness and/or accidents of a/my/your child, other family member, friend or self), death of a significant person in one’s life, sudden and unavoidable change in lifestyle, divorce, financial loss, underlying health issues, intolerance to medications, long term side effects of medications, the list goes on. The only variable is when it could happen. I have lived a lifetime helping those who are dealing with such situations. And I have learned sometimes the losses are too great for the strongest and bravest to overcome. I have fought and won countless battles. At age 65, I understand I am fighting the battle I will not win. The years of numerous losses and untreated mania – I was 39 when diagnosed with Bipolar 1 – have caused irreparable damage to my heart. The good news: Despite the years without treatment – I was 39 when diagnosed with Bipolar 1 – I did not “self medicate”. I excelled scholastically earning 3 university degrees. At age 24, I married an outstanding young man who was/is/always will be the love of my life. Our two sons are exemplary human beings. Ditto our daughters-in-law. And, to date, our two grandsons. – I did not choose to have a Bipolar 1 Disorder, however, I understood I was given many gifts. I chose to use my gifts to help others. God’s greatest gift to me: Empathy.
This bipolar sure knows how to mess around. I was doing well for weeks and now, POOF, I’m in a depressive mode, no joy. If I hadn’t been here NUMEROUS times before I would be worried. However, I will wait for the joy to return when the bipolar decides to work with me again. I’m venting. I’m so tired of this illness!