I'm Gonna Win, Despite Being Bipolar!

Although my psychiatrist diagnosed me as being bipolar back in 2015, I was neither told of nor treated for it until three years later. The explanation for the delay was simple: My files were "lost in the paperwork."

It would have helped if they had told me of it back then because I had been through emotional wringers ever since I'd moved to Ashland. But I felt like the counselors at our mental health center weren't trying to help me at all, so, in a fit of anger, I impulsively decided to take a Greyhound bus down to my hometown of Charlotte, NC.

That impulse came with a price: The monies I'd spent on the ticket left me completely broke, so I ended up in a men's shelter, homeless.

But, during those first days, I met and befriended a kind young woman who soon confided in me that she was bipolar. Rather than ask if I was upset with that, she spoke it matter-of-factly. In her opinion, it was just something she had—it didn't have her, so she was in command of it! I admired that attitude and use it every day. You see, having a disorder like this is much like driving a car: It might shimmer and shake, a tire might go flat somewhere down the line, but I'm driving it (the "car" being "myself"), and if I know how to handle the rough parts and believe in myself, I'll still get to the destination I'm looking for.

Becky taught me some essential actions to take in order to drive that "car" safely: First, have a routine that you can implement and work with every morning. This is a kind of "road map," just as you'd use in starting a day's drive.

A good breakfast and taking time to meditate or read devotional material is the second action. This is like the gas you need in a regular car—it gives you the physical and mental vitamins and minerals you need to keep yourself running well throughout the day.

Early in the morning, after the copper-colored rays of morning sunshine start to beam down and the air is crisp and clean, take a brisk walk around your neighborhood, park, or wherever you would feel safe and secure. Not only are you doing mild exercise, but the endorphins—those "pleasure" chemicals in your brain—start to perk you up.

Sometimes, we bipolars get the feeling that we're fighting this battle all by ourselves, and that people we know will just turn their noses up at us. Well, first things first: You are definitely NOT alone! Just in the United States, there are over 5.7 million of us (this according to bipolar-lives.com). And ourworldindata.org says there are about 46 million worldwide. And those just reflect diagnosed patients—not those whose diagnosis is still being determined or who, in fact, haven't been diagnosed!

Of course, when you have that many with the disorder, there are bound to be hundreds of studies, helps, and experiences shared across the internet—including emergency, toll-free phone numbers! And don't forget about social sites like Facebook! If you post a bipolar-themed picture or quote, there are those among your friends or visitors who may "like" them and even reply. Those individuals could turn into people you can talk with concerning your illness and give you good advice and encouragement.So what's stopping you for searching for those? NO ONE!! If you have a laptop, desktop, cell phone (or have access to any of these), check them out!!

Becky also showed me that getting a hobby that you can concentrate on is a big help in combating depression, and also can calm you down during manic stages of this disorder. She learned to make jewelry (and sold a few pieces, in fact).

Others, such as Sir Winston Churchill, turned to painting (I've known a number of bipolars who have done this successfully). Still others, like Lady Gaga and Frank Sinatra, turned to music (and gained quite a bit of success with it)!

The key is to NEVER GIVE UP ON YOURSELF!! You've undoubtedly been through a lot in life but nothing's taken you out of the game! Do you know why? God made you DURABLE!! You CAN win over this, too... despite being bipolar!!!

Now, I'll continue this in a new article soon (this will be a series). In the meantime, I hope you'll consider donating. Any amount will help in not only my studies and writing, but—well, it also helps pay the rent!