This post is on a slightly more somber note. It’s about coming to terms with Bipolar Disorder, and learning more about mental illness in general.
Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness which causes the sufferer to go through phases of mania (extremely high energy or euphoria) and deep depression. This cycle of highs and lows can occur over the course of years, or even weeks or days.
Why do I want to talk about my mental illness, you ask?
It does seem odd at first, doesn’t it. Most people are embarrassed of their mental illness. There is so much stigma and misinformation about Bipolar Disorder and mental illness in general. Additionally, some people want to know how it feels to have a mental illness. Lastly, I wast to help other mentally-ill individuals to come to terms with their diagnosis, learn more about their illness, and feel good about themselves despite it. If you do have a mental illness, I want you to know that you’re not alone, and I want to help you educate yourself about your illness.
[bctt tweet=”My #diagnosis crushed me, but now I’ve accepted it @Miss_Meggie_E”]When I was diagnosed Bipolar 2 it was a heavy blow. I felt crushed. I had so many questions, and most of them could only be answered by personal experience. Even worse, I felt like people would think I was crazy.
Coming to Terms with My Bipolar Diagnosis
Fortunately I have come to terms with my diagnosis. I realized that my mental illness doesn’t mean I’m a bad person, it means that my brain chemistry is off. I didn’t do anything wrong to cause or “deserve” my illness. It is in my genes, so to speak.
Once I realized my mental illness had physical causes, I was more okay with it. My brain just doesn’t work quite right, like a diabetic’s pancreas doesn’t work quite right.
[bctt tweet= “#mentalillness doesn’t mean you are a bad person @Miss_Meggie_E”]Back to why I’m talking about my Bipolar… I feel that being educated about mental illnesses is important– even if you don’t have one. So many people that you encounter on a regular basis do, and you may never even know it.
I talk a lot about “educating” people about mental illness. Does that mean you have to tell everyone you meet about your mental illness? No! But the ones who are close to you should know that you have the illness, and what warning signs to look for to know when you need help. Let them know what danger signs are of depression, mania, or suicidal thoughts.
Finding Your Support System
Having a support system is crucial to helping you cope successfully. Patiently educate your friends and family, and answer their questions. You should also listen to them if they say you need professional help. If you are in a bad mental state, you may not be an accurate judge of when it’s time to see a doctor, therapist, or go to a hospital. Decide in advance who you trust to make that call, and keep the lines of communication open.
[bctt tweet=”Having a support system is crucial to helping you cope successfully! @Miss_Meggie_E”]These are just a few things I’ve learned from living with Bipolar Disorder, and I’m sure I’ll learn much more. I hope it has helped you in some way. Feel free to ask any questions or email me questions at meganernspiker@gmail.com.
