Can You Successfully Live With Bipolar Disorder?
If I can succeed with mental illness, so can you.
“My life is over.”
That was my first thought when I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The few people I knew with bipolar didn’t fill me with much optimism.
My hope for successfully conquering bipolar was especially dim in those early days. For months, I alternated between not sleeping at all to sleeping 20 hours a day. A full life was a mirage beyond reach.
Then I learned a vital life lesson. It applies to all areas of life, not just mental health.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well.”
Many successfully live with bipolar. I knew that. But could I? Can you?
Writing Books
Fast forward two decades. My focus project right now is assembling a book about living with bipolar disorder. After reading dozens of posts from other Medium writers who successfully turned posts into books, I decided it’s my turn.
In the past four years, I published hundreds of online articles about fighting bipolar. Creating a book is simply a matter of selecting the best content and editing the compilation so it flows smoothly in book form.
The life of a writer is full of imposter syndrome. You constantly feel you’re a talentless hack or unqualified to help anyone. As I watched others achieve success, it bolstered me to take action. Taking action silences doubt.
Conquering Bipolar
The proof-positive test applies to all areas of life, including mental health.
As time passed, I learned to cope with my internal bipolar monster. I met others doing the mental-illness dance successfully. When I started to share my struggles, more people opened up to me. I realized I knew many bipolar warriors, though most still fight in silence.
Knowing others were succeeding with bipolar gave me strength to keep fighting. As I saw them live productive and meaningful lives, I knew I could do it too.
“That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well.” — Abraham Lincoln
Today, I’d like to believe I am successfully living with bipolar. I work full time, volunteer in my community, care for my parents, and create online content each week.
There are challenging days where I struggle to get out of bed, shower, or sit down in front of my computer. However, most days, I find the strength to do what’s required.
I’m no one special. If I managed to tame my bipolar, you can do it too. The fact that I’m still living despite bipolar repeatedly pushing me past the breaking point is proof you can succeed.
I’m going to keep working on my book project. The book isn’t about being a mental illness expert. Instead, it’s proof that you can continue to live a full life in spite of having bipolar disorder. My experiences can help others. If only one person benefits from the book, it will be worth it.
Then, when someone sees that reader continuing to fight, they’ll know they can fight too.
Until next time, keep fighting.
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