By Stephen Propst
Columnist Stephen Propst shares some tips on how he has learned to manage his bipolar disorder.
It took many years before I finally confronted the reality of what recovery actually involves. If I could go back in time, I would change how I dealt with bipolar from the beginning. I would focus on managing mindset for the better.
While I can’t rewrite history, you can lean on my learning curve and get an earlier start on facing the facts. Based on what I know now, I would suggest doing the following from the get-go:
Get over it.
That sounds counter-intuitive because we shouldn’t reduce a real, biological illness to something that’s just in your head. However, acknowledging that you have bipolar—a genuine medical condition—is the start of getting well. I wasted a number of years before coming to grips with that reality.
Attending support groups is a great way to gain confidence and confront your challenge. Initially, I unnecessarily shied away from the idea of opening up in public. But doing so opens the door to gaining understanding and hope. Indeed, there is strength in numbers!
Get through it.
The first time I fell into a state of depression, I thought it would never end. The first time I experienced mania, my family and friends thought it would never end! But, everyone eventually learned that these episodes are part and parcel of bipolar. We discovered that we could survive by working together.When it comes to dealing with depression, managing mania, and realizing recovery, knowledge is key. I wish I had initially spent more time educating myself and less time worrying myself to pieces.
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