Bouncing Back from Setbacks: Your Roadmap Through Bipolar's Darkest Days

Plotting a course back to good.

Use your setbacks to make a map. | Graphic made by author with Canva AI.

Hi there!

On Monday, I shared the story of the six months I was unable to get out of bed. Bipolar was beating me, and life felt unlivable.

One day, I finally found the strength to get up and take a shower. That was the spark that ignited the fire, eventually leading me back to a life worth living.

I'd love to say that's the only time I've ever been in that dark place. While it was the longest I've been frozen by bipolar disorder, it certainly wasn't the last time.

Many hours, days, and entire weeks have disappeared in the years since because bipolar hit me so hard it was like running full speed into a brick wall. I struck so hard that I couldn't get going again, at least not for a few days.

That six-month period taught me that I could recover. So, every time since then, when I've been in the deep darkness, I've reminded myself that it was temporary.

There are also a few other things I did to help me build resilience and get me back up again. We'll discover those today.