By Stephen Propst
Words of wisdom and inspiring insights from famous forgone figures provide sound advice for tackling bipolar disorder in the present.
#1 The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.
— Chinese Proverb
Early on, I saw only the downside—confronting wild mood swings, fighting medication side effects—of dealing with bipolar. But, as the proverb implies, battling bipolar can actually help polish and perfect a person. For example, I’ve been humbled by the experience, gained added insight about my vulnerabilities, and grown more sensitive to the hardships others face. So, there’s been an upside, too! Quotations often contain lessons to learn from and live by. The wisdom within the words can inspire us to think more clearly, relate to loved ones more peacefully, and recover more successfully. Let’s look for more “gems” in the following quotes.
#2 Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs.
— Henry Ford
Breaking down the burden of bipolar into manageable parts helps bring order to chaos and confusion. To avoid being overwhelmed, I try focusing on individual tasks, like seeing my doctor routinely and seeking support regularly. Even then, occasional failure is inescapable. And, that brings us to another lesson from Henry …
#3 Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.
— Henry Ford
In recovery, you can learn from setbacks, which are inevitable, and keep forging ahead. For instance, if you “fail” to get results with a particular medication, you’ve ruled out one prescription that doesn’t work. Now, with that added knowledge, you and your doctor can move ahead and look for another pill that will.
#4 The best cure for worry, depression, melancholy, brooding, is to go deliberately forth and try to lift with one’s sympathy the gloom of someone else.
— Arnold Bennett (English novelist)
For me, volunteering has always helped boost my recovery. For several years, I tutored first graders on Saturday mornings. Even when I didn’t feel up to it, I forced myself to get out of bed for those amazing kids and their beautiful smiles! The benefits, like avoiding isolation and improving self-esteem, are tremendous.
#5 A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.
— Arnold H. Glasow (American humorist)
Dealing with bipolar makes it easy to separate your “here-today, gone tomorrow” friends from your genuine, lasting ones. When times get tough, pseudo-friends get going. But the real ones stick close to support and encourage you. Never discount their power to help see you through difficult days.
#6 I write of melancholy, by being busy to avoid melancholy.
— Robert Burton (English scholar)
When you keep your mind busy doing something you enjoy, you avoid constantly dwelling on your problems. (It’s one of the reasons I write this column!) Putting your talents to work helps you stabilize your mood and satisfy your soul. Whenever you come across something that might be of value—a magazine article, advice from a friend, or a familiar quote—don’t be too quick to dismiss what you read, hear, or see. Look for a lesson to be learned, and be open to changing your mindset for the better. Doing so can improve your health, your relationships, and life in general. Feel free to quote me!
Ask Yourself …
- Are you pursuing life from the most positive perspective possible?
- How has living with bipolar actually improved your life?
- How effectively are you bringing bipolar down to size?
- How apt are you to try again if at first you don’t succeed?
- How often do you take your mind off your own troubles in order to help someone else?
- How likely are you to seek the support of a true friend in a time of need?
- How much time do you spend on activities that capitalize on your strengths and abilities?
- How willing are you to change your perspective for the better?
Used by permission.