My recovery from manic depression has been an evolution, not a sudden miracle. - PATTY DUKE (1946- )
Overcoming bipolar disorder isn't something that's done in a day, a week, or even a year. It's an ongoing process. Each day, a person with bipolar has to wake up, assess their mood, take their medication, and fight to survive. Each year, many patients lose the fight. Bipolar is sneaky. One day, you'll feel fine. The next, you'll be on the verge of a breakdown.
Recovery is incomplete, at best. There's no cure for bipolar disorder, only treatment. Treatment can help you feel better, even out the highs and lows, and help you lead a more normal life. However, medication and therapy control the symptoms. They don't cure the disease.
Fighting the daily fight is a crucial part of overcoming bipolar disorder. If you give up, the disease wins. If you become complacent, the disease wins. If you suffer from bipolar disorder, it's important to remember that you are more than you disease. You are not "bipolar". You have bipolar disorder. There's a big difference.
While you may feel like you can't beat bipolar disorder, you can fight daily. You can wake up, take your medication or supplements, and go about your day. You can do your best each day, even if your best is taking a shower and putting on clean clothes. If you're living to face another day, you're fighting the good fight.
Be gentle with yourself, and practice excellent self care. After all, you wouldn't expect someone with a physical ailment or disability to move mountains on a daily basis. Set reasonable goals, and cheer yourself on when you meet them. You'll feel better for it.
Tags: Bipolar Disorder, Mental health, overcoming bipolar disorder
