Living with Bipolar Disorder Takes Courage

If you are living with bipolar and managed to brave the morning sun, you are a hero who demonstrates not only resiliency—but hope for all who continue to struggle.

I have heard countless inspirational stories of people dealing with bipolar disorder who have battled through drug and alcohol misuse, survived breakdowns, have pushed through endless depressive episodes and many who have persevered past their struggles despite the obstacles that have gotten in their way. I recognize these immense achievements and I want to offer you all my sincere recognition as you are courageous heroes in my eyes.

It is challenging to live with bipolar disorder because it will often cause set-backs in a person’s life. I have personally been beaten down by the bully of this condition. I recall my first depressive episode taking over when I was only 9 years old. My parents had recently divorced and as I sat in my living room staring at the wall, I could not shake how horrible I felt. Yes, any kid going through a similar situation would inevitably be sad, but I believe this feeling had to be authentic depression as I felt my former joyous heart flat line. There were not many ‘signs’ in my younger years that pointed to bipolar disorder, but since my mother had been diagnosed, I often wondered if my diagnosis was inevitable.

I made a number of poor decisions as a teenager, including abusing alcohol and drugs, to try to ease my anxiety and neglect. Many of us self-medicate beyond experimentation and it is more than difficult to stop the whirlwind of abuse that so often takes us down a darker path as we age. I struggled with substances until my early 30’s and for those individuals who have chosen triumph over torture, I want you to know that you embody undeniable courage. It takes a certain type of person to cease all addictions, especially when also having to deal with the extreme struggle of a mental illness.

Triumph Over Challenges When Dealing With Bipolar Disorder

Our lives unfold with an undetermined future in front of us, but we are always left with one aspect of this life – choice. Yes, mental illness may pummel us to the ground with strings of hospitalizations, loss of employment, failed marriages, severe debt, medication trials, lost hopes and so on. However, if you are living with bipolar disorder today and you managed to brave the morning sun, you are one of the world’s heroes who demonstrates not only resiliency but hope for many who suffer. I admire people who thrive to better their lives and make a positive impact in the world by advocating for themselves and/or others. Dedicating positive energy toward our own path in any way is an act of courage and striving for tomorrow demonstrates a strong ‘will into action’ that carries us through to the next day.

During the brief time that we are given on earth, our personal experiences shape who we are today and we can choose to dwell on the past, or instead we can make peace with it. We cannot undo our set-backs, but we are able to make our future more meaningful than yesterday. We cannot control all things, and life may even have its own plans, but by recognizing that our life is a gift is truly the first step in knowing that our lives are so worth living.