Summary

The article discusses the unpredictable impact of bipolar disorder on daily life and productivity, despite the author's best intentions and planning.

Abstract

The author expresses frustration with how bipolar disorder can unexpectedly disrupt plans and productivity, as experienced during a recent three-day period where they intended to create content but were unable to do so due to the mental health condition. Despite advocating for positive lifestyle habits such as exercise, nutrition, and medication adherence, the author acknowledges that some days are beyond control, and it's important to recognize and accept the need for rest and recovery. The article emphasizes the necessity of self-compassion during such episodes and encourages readers to find solace in community support and inspirational resources, like the author's own "30 Days of Positivity" email course.

Opinions

The author believes it's crucial for individuals with bipolar disorder to understand that some days will be dominated by the condition, and that's okay.
There is an emphasis on the importance of self-care and allowing oneself to take "sick days" when mental health demands it.
The author suggests that readers should not feel isolated in their struggles, as they are part of a community that shares similar experiences.
Despite the challenges, the author remains optimistic, encouraging readers to hold on for better days and to keep fighting.
The author values the feedback from their community and expresses gratitude for their support, indicating a strong belief in the power of shared experiences and collective encouragement.

When Bipolar Stops Everything

What it’s like when bipolar makes your world stop turning.

One thing I hate most about bipolar disorder is how it can just stop everything.

I had three days off last week and a laundry list of things I wanted to do. There were posts to write, graphics to create, and new videos to produce. I was going to generate a monumental amount of content.

Bipolar had a different plan.

Thursday morning, I had nowhere to go, so I excitedly sat down to pump out some meaningful content. I had a to-do list as long as my arm and was eager to cross each item off.

Now, here it is Sunday afternoon, and I have almost nothing checked off my list. I’m struggling to even get this post out to you.

Bipolar is like that sometimes.

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I stared at the computer screen for a good hour before I gave up. The surrender was inevitable. It didn’t matter how much I wanted to do if my mind was an unwilling participant. Instead, it turned into three days of binge watching When Calls the Heart and Downton Abbey.

At least it was wholesome television.

Each week, I try to share positive things with you to help you live your best life with bipolar. My online content encourages exercise, eating nutritious meals, and taking your meds on time. But, it’s crucial you also know that there are days when you have no control.

Even when you do everything right, there will be days when bipolar is a mammoth stone wall you can neither climb nor go around.

And that’s okay.

It sucks — I’m not going to pretend that it doesn’t — but it’s okay to take a day, or a few days, to let your bipolar brain wreak its havoc.

As much as I try to pretend I don’t have an illness, I still do. Sick days are allowed, so don’t beat yourself up if you need to take the time to crash.

I did manage to add a few more days to the 30 Days of Positivity email course. At least that’s something. The other items on my list will be marked off in time.

If you haven’t signed up for the free daily emails, today would be a great day to start. I’m receiving some wonderful feedback about how nice it is to start each day with something inspirational that’s targeted for people with chronic illness. You may need that positivity as we traverse the last weeks of 2021, a time of year that is historically rough on mental illness.

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If you’re struggling, please know you’re not alone. I get it, and while the Crawleys are happy to get my attention, I hate that nothing else is getting done.

The worst days always pass, so you must hold on. Better days will come again.

Thank you for sticking with me on this roller coaster. I am grateful to have you here.

Until next time, keep fighting.

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Originally published at https://speakingbipolar.com on November 29, 2021.