By Stephen Propst
I’ve lived with bipolar disorder for a quarter of a century now. There was a time when I believed that successfully managing my mood swings was impossible.
But, over the years, I learned I could move beyond my diagnosis and rediscover a full, meaningful life. Is a similar, mistaken mindset holding you back? It’s time to start removing those mental barriers!
Here are 20 ideas to help transform your thinking. Let’s get you started moving forward by first having you look back …
- Review your past. Life is a learning experience. Where you’ve been before helps provide direction for where you’re headed next.
- Re-envision your future. Changing your thinking can help turn dreams into reality. Picture now what you want to achieve down the line.
- Reconnect with yourself. The true you is still there. Take time to re-embrace your humanity, dignity, and self-worth.
- Reclaim your personality. Don’t let a set of symptoms strip away your personality. Never let your diagnosis define you.
- Release grudges. Nursing a grudge can cause your brain and body to respond as if under stress. Be willing to forgive and move on.
- Rebuild relationships. Call an old friend or send a note to a family member. Strengthening your circle of support bolsters recovery.
- Recall past victories. When was the last time you acknowledged feeling “normal”? Often, we’re quick to dwell on the tough times yet slow to remember the good.
- Regenerate your hope. Don’t underestimate the power of hoping for a better tomorrow. That expectation has kept me going during my darkest times.
- Re-educate yourself and others. Attend conferences or avail yourself of online resources. The power of knowledge can not be put in a pill!
- Reach out and help someone else. Small acts of altruism can lift your spirits and fulfill your soul. Volunteering builds self-esteem and enriches life.
- Redesign your wellness plan. Are you working with the right professionals and developing effective coping skills? A “well”-designed recovery plan is crucial.
- Retool your treatment plan. Is it time to make a change? Getting a second opinion or working with your psychiatrist to find a better medication might be the answer.
- Rethink your timing. There are no quick fixes and no miracle cures. Consistently and comprehensively controlling bipolar over time is the answer.
- Reduce fear and anxiety. Keeping emotions bottled up retards recovery and saps stamina. Find constructive ways to air feelings and share concerns.
- Record your sleep patterns. Document and discuss sleep cycles with your doctor. Shut-eye fluctuations greatly impact mood stability.
- Recommit to get fit. It pays to mind both brain and body. Daily exercise, healthy eating, and annual physicals are fundamental to overall well-being.
- Retrain your brain. Rocky relationships, destructive thoughts, and unhealthy routines can all sabotage recovery. Seeking therapy, controlling stress, and avoiding triggers all help manage mind and mood for the better.
- Refrain from negative self-talk. I spent years in therapy focusing on what I was saying to myself. I eventually learned that lightening up on self-defeating language reaps positive results!
- Redirect your anger. Anger, while a legitimate emotion, should be dealt with constructively, perhaps in therapy. Avoid bottling it up or taking it out on others. psychiatrist to find a better medication might be the answer.
- Remember your triggers. For me, hot temperatures and hot tempered people are major triggers. Stay clear of conditions and situations that mess with your mood. Attitude makes all the difference.
Never let anyone — including yourself — convince you that having a rich and rewarding life is not entirely possible.
You can rekindle your hopes and reclaim your dreams. Start recharging your recovery, beginning today!
Used by permission.