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norma
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To answer your question about the map to where I live...LOL it is a world in which I just refuse to accept the fact that this is any different than having other disease. It is my perception...if people look at me funny or don't like it, that is their problem. I don't shove it in their face or use it as an excuses...I just state it as a simple fact. The same way a diabetic would say to a waiter could you please recommend the desserts that do not have sugar I am a diabetic. I refuse to allow this disease to be a disability. It is my reality. I also, understand if others don't do this...and accept that too... Post edited by: norma, at: 05/21/2008 21:44 "In the time of your life, live-so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but, shall smile to the infinite variety and mystery of it." William Saroyan
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Meme
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true about being diabetic, but isnt bp a mental illness people are not as understanding about mental illnesses or stays in mental facilities for that matter going to jail is more accepted everyone goes to jail at least once in there life Post edited by: Meme, at: 05/21/2008 23:29 |
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norma
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Dear Meme...lots of people go to the hospital for different reasons. It is perfectly acceptable. Here is how I deal with it: I refuse to be made ashamed for having a disease which affects my brain. It really is that simple. I refuse to see myself as a victim. It is irrelavent to me whether people accept me or not. I don't need them to validate me. I am comfortable with myself. "In the time of your life, live-so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but, shall smile to the infinite variety and mystery of it." William Saroyan
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zinnia
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meme-you need to understand something: norma is a very healthy person with this fabulous positive attitude about being bipolar and having a bipolar person in her family. BUT-she also just has a positive attitude about life. she worked long and hard to make that choice and to make that her reality. if we choose to say "i'm me. i was created and here i am. i'm not going to beat myself up for it and i'm not going to let anyone else do that either" then that is how we will live. we've all talked a lot about shame and guilt on this site. go back and read some of the posts. i denied myself help and the right meds for years because i refused to accept the diagnosis of "bipolar". i didn't deserve that. i've got this disease but i can make choices about how i keep myself well and i can reach out for help when i need it. that took me a long time to learn and we all learn it in our own way. i know if you ask norma, she'll tell you she didn't just wake up and feel the way she does now. she made choices, learned from bad times and mistakes and ended up where she is-looking at things from the sunny side of life (love you norma). if we can do anything to make you feel less alone or to help you to accept who you are, please let us know. that's what we're all here for-to give one another support. peace. Well behaved women rarely make history.
Thou canst not disturb a flower without the troubling of a star...from "Troubling a Star", by Madelaine L'Engle...we all affect one another by our words and actions...it is our choice whether to do so purposefully and positively, or carelessly and hurtfully...may we all bring to one another the peace that we seek...
"if you want others to be happy, practice compassion. if you want to be happy, practice compassion" the Dahli Laama
Peace-
Zinnia
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norma
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Zinnia is correct, I didn't just wake up one day like this...I don't know how healthy I am LOL but, I have been screwed up, depressed, and altoghther a mess. I did one day decide that I was tired of that life and it was a conscious choice I made...to get well. It took work, determination, and a firm conviction that I was going to do it. I have a hard head...it is an Irish thing...and when I decide to do something then nothing gets in my way. But, it didn't happen over night...it took years. If something I say can make you just take that first baby step toward a healthy life it would be grand... "In the time of your life, live-so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but, shall smile to the infinite variety and mystery of it." William Saroyan
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Meme
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i do have to say i read alot normas responses and i am glad to see that that there is someone out there who is sooo unconditionally supportive. the world needs more people like her. im not trying to be negative, im trying to look at this bp thing from every angle especially more so the angles that i see bp from. it hasnt been pretty and i just want to see the pretty. ps not a victim - dont know what - but not a victim |
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norma
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You sugar, you are not a victim...and you are right to look at all of the angles...there are ugly parts too. But, you keep you eye on the horizon...because that is where the sun comes up even when it is dark. "In the time of your life, live-so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but, shall smile to the infinite variety and mystery of it." William Saroyan
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Meme
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this applys to me only i was told i have bp i am having a hard time with that i cant understand how chemicals in my brain make me feel certain ways and why doesnt any body else i know feel the same way i just think for myself i am imaging this somehow or i just being silly or not acting or think right and it is something i can control if i put my mind to it -like its all a bad dream and it will go away if i put my mind etc.... |
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zinnia
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you sound like a strong person. it's tough to accept there's something you can't control. i know that i felt like i should be able to "help myself" and so wouldn't take meds for a long time. i thought i was being strong. really i was just torturing myself and not accepting myself. i was being a victim then, but since i got help, i know i'm not a victim. this is part of me but it's not who or what i am. it's just something i have to deal with. keep talking, meme. we're here for you. Well behaved women rarely make history.
Thou canst not disturb a flower without the troubling of a star...from "Troubling a Star", by Madelaine L'Engle...we all affect one another by our words and actions...it is our choice whether to do so purposefully and positively, or carelessly and hurtfully...may we all bring to one another the peace that we seek...
"if you want others to be happy, practice compassion. if you want to be happy, practice compassion" the Dahli Laama
Peace-
Zinnia
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NewDayDawning
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I think it would be very hard for a bipolar person to get the help, support and understanding they really need from loved ones in order for treatment to be successful without telling them of the disorder. If the loved ones don't know about it, they'll probably just think the bipolar person is a jerk, uncaring, dishonest, mean, etc. Knowing about the disorder helps explain the behavior, at least to some degree. I really believe that if my husband hadn't taken himself off his meds, our marriage would have survived. As is, he took himself off them while in a manic phase, got fired from his job for his wacky behavior, began an online love affair, then abruptly abandoned his marriage and moved hundreds of miles away to be with his internet lover, who he'd never even met before -- a lot of impulsiveness, recklessness and bad judgments as a result of going off the meds unsupervised, in my opinion. A really BAD idea. |
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