Do you ever wake up and know it’s going to be a hard day no matter what you do? I do, and far more often than I’d like. Those are the days I try to stay home if I can, but with work and family responsibilities, that’s not always an option.
When you’re battling bipolar disorder, it can feel like everything is against you. The negative thoughts and feelings seem to swirl around your head, making it hard to keep a positive attitude. But believe it or not, having a positive attitude is one of the most important things you can do in order to manage your disorder.
“A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, and it sparks extraordinary results.” — Wade Boggs.
How can you maintain a positive attitude when you’re feeling down? Check out these tips.
Talk to your friends and family. Sometimes just talking to someone who loves you and wants to help can make a world of difference. Talking about your feelings and hearing words of encouragement can help you see the bright side of things.
Write it down. If you’re feeling particularly down, try writing out your thoughts in a journal. Getting everything out of your head and down on paper can help you see things more clearly. Plus, it’s a great way to track your progress over time.
Find a hobby. Doing something that you enjoy can take your mind off of negative thoughts and help you focus on something positive. Whether it’s painting, hiking, or playing an instrument, finding a creative outlet can be very beneficial.
Help others. When you’re feeling low, it’s helpful to take care of others. Doing something nice for someone else will not only make them feel good, but it will also make you feel good as well.
Be patient with yourself. Recovery from bipolar disorder is a lifelong process. Don’t get discouraged if you have a setback or two. Just keep moving forward and believe in yourself.
If you focus on the positive, you can make progress in your battle against bipolar disorder. Just remember that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. There are people who care about you and want to see you succeed. With a positive attitude, anything is possible!
Wade Boggs is right — a positive attitude can cause a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. So if you’re struggling with bipolar disorder, don’t give up hope. Believe in yourself and focus on the good. You can do this!
Think Deeper
Write about the positive path with these prompts. If you write a Medium story, please come back and leave a link.
Journal Prompt: If there were no obstacles and you could start any hobby, what would you choose? Why?
Creative Writing Prompt: Write a story about a bad day but from your pet’s perspective. Why is it a bad day? What does your pet do to make it better?
Until next time, keep fighting.
Scott Ninneman