Dealing with bipolar has been one of the hardest challenges of my life. I wouldn’t wish it upon my worst enemy, as it can affect everything from your day-to-day functioning to major life decisions. It’s a roller coaster of emotions, and there are days where I feel full of energy and joy while other days I’m overcome with depression and darkness.
That being said, I can honestly say that dealing with bipolar isn’t all that bad - because it’s taught me so much about myself and how to live with mental illness. For starters, the importance of self-care is paramount - when I’m vigilant about getting adequate sleep, exercise, proper nutrition and stress relief, I find that my moods are better regulated and more stable. Knowing what triggers my negative symptoms has also been an invaluable tool for managing my condition - by avoiding certain things or limiting their effects in my life, I can minimize the severity of any episode.
When all else fails, though, sometimes medication is necessary…alongside therapy which I highly recommend as well! With consistent treatment both in terms of medications or otherwise, I have found that learning how to cope with bipolar disorder has managed to put me back in control of my own life. There will always be good days and bad days but if you reach out for the help you need, then you’ll eventually find yourself in a calmer space again…and that is incredibly worth it!