Bipolar Disorder: Setbacks and Support Systems
How James learned to overcome the dark days.
Tuesday’s Journal Prompt: Describe how you felt when you first learned of any diagnosis you have. What steps did you take to learn more and how did that help you?
Hi there!
I would love to say James had a life full of rainbows and butterflies, but like all of us with bipolar disorder, there were times when everything fell apart.
“I didn’t think I would survive my first round with deep depression,” James told me. “Things were so dark, I was sure I’d never find the light again.”
Just when James thought everything was on track and he was working through his college courses, depression snuck up like a stalker and smashed him over the head.
“It felt impossible to leave my room,” James said. “Everything felt worthless, like there was no point in going on.”
Laying awake on his thin mattress on the tile floor in his room in the group house, James hoped every exhale would be his last.
“I didn’t move for days,” he told me. “I don’t even remember eating or drinking anything.”
“What helped?” I asked him.
“My wife,” he said. “We were only friends then, neither of us willing to admit how we felt, but she noticed I was missing from classes. One afternoon, she came to the house and pounded on my door for at least an hour. She refused to give up until she got me up and to the clinic.”
A support system is vital for fighting mental illness. Just like a soldier may fall on the battlefield and need help to return to safety, you need help to recover from the darkest days.
Facing life's trials alone is overwhelming, so much so that you may feel it’s pointless to go on. Having others who understand and can offer encouragement can be your lifeline, the tether that keeps you connected to life.
Besides talking to his doctor, James began opening up more in group therapy. He explained how black his world was and let his fellow sufferers build him back up.
“Knowing I wasn’t alone helped me find my way back. That cycle lasted about two months, but I still managed to finish my course work for the semester,” James said. “I never could have done it without my support system.”
Setbacks are inevitable with bipolar disorder. James has faced many low periods due to his mental illness, but he never quit. Healthy coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness, journaling, or volunteering helped him recover from his setbacks.
“Knowing I wasn’t alone helped me find my way back.”
When you encounter a setback, treat yourself with kindness and compassion. Acknowledge your feelings without judgment and remind yourself of your resilience. Remember, even a tiny step forward is progress, and every day is a fresh start.
Consider joining a local or online club, volunteering for your favorite cause, or reaching out to old friends. Even a simple coffee date can brighten your day and strengthen your resolve to keep going.
Setbacks will come. Those dark patches are part of the journey, but you can overcome them with the help of your support system.
Wednesday’s Journal Prompt: Reflect on a time you leaned on your support system. How did they help you, and what did you learn about the importance of connection during difficult times?
Until next time, keep fighting.
Scott Ninneman
If you like this post, hit the 🧡 or comment to let me know. Thanks!
The book that started it all…
Can you help?
Would you like to help me reach 1,000 reviews? The best way to support an author is to leave a review on their books. If you have already read my book, please go to your favorite book site and leave a review. Thank you!
Scott Ninneman is the author of Speaking Bipolar’s 30 Days of Positivity and the writer behind SpeakingBipolar.com. Living in the mountains of southeast Tennessee, he spends his days crunching numbers as a tax preparer and his nights caring for his mother and writing stories about bipolar life. (And he loves pandas.)
Disclaimer:
This email may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.