How Managing Your Mental Illness Can Inspire Others

You may not know who you inspire.

Aug 09, 2023

A man with a glowing balloon on a dark, story beach. | Image made by author with Canva.

Hi there!

Some days I feel helpless. I know it’s a lie bipolar disorder tells me, but the feeling is so overwhelming, it’s tough to fight it.

When you’re struggling with a mental illness, it can feel like you’re always fighting against the tide, like winning is impossible. On those rough days, remember how even tiny actions can have an enormous impact. One person like you refusing to give up can inspire others to action.

I know this because I’m living proof of it.

Every day, I battle bipolar disorder, and it’s been a challenging war. At times, I wanted to give up. It felt too hard and like I needed more strength than I have.

Then I think of my readers. I know my story might help someone else who is feeling lost and alone. It’s the whole reason I started the Speaking Bipolar blog.

When people know they are not alone and others have the same feelings, it gives them strength to carry on.

"It's easy to feel helpless - like you can't fight the tide. But remember: small actions can have a huge impact, and one person like you can inspire others to action."
- Celeste Ng

Scott Ninneman publishes two newsletters each week. The Sunday All Things Bipolar Newsletter features the newest content about bipolar life. The Speaking Bipolar Positivity Club Newsletter shares inspirational stories three times a week to help you maintain a positive mindset.

Tiny Acts Matter

Many years ago, I gave my best friend a jagged slip of notebook paper.

We both loved quotes, so when I saw this one, I had to give it to her. The quote read, “You may be just one person in the world, but to one person, you may be the world.” After the quote, I wrote, “I know who that person is.”

She loved the quote so much that she stuck the torn piece of paper on the bedroom wall where it hung until long after she died. I’ll never know if she really knew how much she inspired me, but her smile gave me strength every day.

The lesson is just as valuable for coping with bipolar.

You may never know how many people you inspire just by continuing to fight. Every day you choose to live, you show others how to summon their own inner power.

You may feel invisible at times, but to some people, you may be their inspiration. And that’s pretty amazing.

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You Are Valuable

Now, you might think, “I’m nobody. No one is inspired by me.”

First of all, that’s not true, but we’re not going to focus on negative messages today. Instead, take some time to think of three people who inspire you. It could be someone you know, such as a spouse or sibling, a celebrity, or someone from history. You can even choose a fictional character if one inspires you.

Then, ask yourself, “Do these three people know they inspire me?”

The answer is probably no.

For example, one of my inspirations is Robin Williams. Even though he’s no longer here, the way he lived his life and pursued humor and positivity still inspires me to do my best every day. Yet, Robin died without knowing how he affected my life.

There’s at least one person who knows you and is inspired by you every day. Likely, there are several others who feel the same way. They may never tell you, but the power of your example is just as important.

Never forget that.

If you’re managing a mental illness, you can be sure you are inspiring others just by continuing to fight. You never know who you might help just by being yourself and sharing your story.

So keep going, and never give up. You are making a difference.

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Kathryn Vercillo

Aug 10, 2023

I have a fascination with the idea of all of these different versions of me that are out there in someone else's mind. I don't know they're thinking about me. Their version is only one tiny slice of who I am as a whole. But they/I exist out there. And you're right, for at least a few, it's inspiring.

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