Motivation

Article

It’s a Matter of Time

1 Mar 2022

Rx 4 Wholeness

By Stephen Propst Over the years, I’ve found that seeing myself in a more healthy light and focusing on wellness-oriented behaviors have stood the test of time for bipolar management. Taking Time for Bipolar Time is a unique phenomenon. We all have an equal amount of it. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. It’s easily wasted if not properly managed. It can fly, stand still, and play tricks on us.

Article

A How-To Guide for Bipolar’s Turbulent Waters

11 Nov 2021

Rx 4 Wholeness

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.

Article

Principles to Put Into Practice and Transform Your Thinking

27 Oct 2021

Rx 4 Wholeness

By Stephen Propst Managing bipolar is more than doctor and therapy appointments and medications. Lifestyle practices—sleeping soundly, eating nutritiously, and exercising regularly — are also critical. Maintaining Mood with Bipolar Managing a mood disorder is an ongoing undertaking. Contrary to what some people think, you don’t just “get over it.” How you see the situation is key.

Article

How to Enlighten & Educate Others about Bipolar

11 Oct 2021

Rx 4 Wholeness

By Stephen Propst

Article

Mood Episodes: Up and Down in a Matter of Minutes

8 Jul 2021

Rx 4 Wholeness

By Stephen Propst Those of us who live with bipolar feel life more intensely. How do we handle random encounters that can substantially, sometimes dramatically, shift our mood? Recently, while attending a mental health conference in Washington, DC, I found myself with a little free time. So, I attended a timeshare presentation. From past experience, I knew that these can be intimidating, unnerving, and sometimes overwhelming. (That sounds a bit like bipolar, right?)

Article

How to Age Gracefully (& Healthily) with Bipolar Disorder

3 Jun 2021

Rx 4 Wholeness

By Stephen Propst Tips for aging with bipolar: solidify your support system, focus on your overall health, keep stress at bay, maintain stability, and nurture your self-esteem. When I turned 50, I was shocked—but it wasn’t for the typical reasons. Given my battle with bipolar, I just didn’t think I’d live this long! Getting on in years is hard for anyone; however, if you live with a mood disorder, you’ve really got to be bold to grow old. That said, taking the following five factors into account can help.

Article

6 Ways to Check Your Reality Amidst Bipolar’s Ever-Changing Moods

7 May 2021

Rx 4 Wholeness

By Stephen Propst When’s the last time you did a reality check to gain proper perspective and appreciate the true nature of your life with bipolar disorder? You really can’t talk about bipolar disorder without mentioning mood swings, which can be ever-changing. But there are some realities that remain relatively constant. While I may not always be able to control my moods, I have learned that routinely doing a reality check is key to maintaining wellness.

Article

How to Talk to Myself (About Bipolar)

5 Mar 2021

Rx 4 Wholeness

By Stephen Propst To stay on track with wellness and boost my mood, I stay away from damaging negative self-talk and have positive conversations with myself instead. If you see me walking, driving, or even just standing around, you may notice that I’m talking to myself. This practice might seem peculiar, but I assure you that it has its rewards.

Article

Taking Charge of Your Bipolar Mood Swing “Train”

3 Mar 2021

Rx 4 Wholeness

By Stephen Propst Dealing with mood swings requires many of the same skills necessary for navigating the railway system — patience, planning, and self-reliance. I dislike long road trips, so I often take other forms of transportation. I’d rather be on a bus, plane, or train than stuck in a car. On a recent Amtrak trip, I started taking notes comparing train travel with mood management. Allow me to share my “train” of thought.

Article

Don’t Go It Alone: When and How to Ask for Help for Bipolar

17 Feb 2021

Rx 4 Wholeness

By Stephen Propst Living with bipolar is extraordinarily challenging—but you don’t have to go it alone. When times seem too tough to bear, reach out and ask for help. Living with bipolar can be extraordinarily challenging. Sometimes merely surviving feels overwhelming. I still face periods when I feel like I lack the wherewithal to keep going. Perhaps you can relate. During such times, I ask myself: How can I keep fighting?

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