By Stephen Propst
Living with bipolar makes the rough waters everyone inevitably confronts more challenging. But you can still safely and smoothly go with the flow.
The first time I went whitewater rafting, I had so many misperceptions. I was truly naive—not unlike when I was first diagnosed with bipolar.
Indeed, I seriously had a number of concerns about going rafting: Would I be totally at the mercy of the river? What if we hit a big boulder? Would I be better off just staying ashore and not racing the rapids?
At least I had a choice.
Similarly, I had many misgivings after learning that I had bipolar: How could I gain control over something so seemingly uncontrollable? Who would help me during the tough times?
Regardless, a key part of battling bipolar was simply staying afloat. I had no choice!
Whether we’re talking whitewater or wellness, going with the flow is indeed the way to go. In both cases, I eventually gained more insight and came to four reassuring realizations:
#1 You have a guide, and there’s no shame in seeking guidance.
I went rafting with eight guys, but our petite, female guide was the one reason we made it. She knew the river, the ropes, and how to rein us in. We all played an important role, but we had to constantly look to her for critical cues and well-deserved criticism.
If you live with bipolar, having a competent psychiatrist can help you handle even the roughest waters. For me, working with an additional guide (a therapist) improved my understanding of bipolar and equipped me with valuable wellness tools for managing it.
#2 There are rules on the river and rules on the road to recovery.
Our river guide spent considerable time making sure we knew the guidelines. She also clearly explained the repercussions should we choose to ignore them. (Unfortunately, one of us did just that and suffered the consequences!)
When I first started seeing my psychiatrist, he made sure I knew what successfully living with bipolar entailed. From attending support groups to researching any prescribed medicines for myself, he covered the bases.
He particularly emphasized the importance of seeing my therapist routinely and asking for help when necessary.
To read this complete article click here:
https://www.bphope.com/a-how-to-guide-for-bipolars-turbulent-waters/