Hi there!
This lesson includes a brief overview of the course and gives you a few suggestions to help you get the most benefit.
NOTE: Links to Lessons 1-2 are on the bottom of this page.
Additional Reading
Video Script
Hello, friend. In this video, we’re going to take a brief overview of this course and consider a few tips for getting the most out of it.
First, we’ll discuss ways you can validate what you’re feeling. Right now, you might feel like you’re the only person to ever feel the way you do. I promise you that you’re not. From the euphoria of mania to the crushing weight of bipolar depression, there are millions of us who know these feelings first hand. This course will help you connect with a world you might not know exists.
Second, this course is designed to help you understand bipolar disorder. As the course creator, I’ve been fighting the bipolar beast for nearly 30 years. I’ve been where you are, and I know how scary it can feel. But I also know you can learn to beat mental illness. Throughout this course, I’ll share with you things you can expect from bipolar and effective ways to keep fighting.
Finally, we’ll discuss ways to move beyond your mental illness. Your bipolar disorder diagnosis may feel like a label tattooed across your forehead, but it doesn’t define you. In a later section of this course, you’ll learn simple methods you can use to improve your life with mental illness.
To get the most out of this course, you need three things, but don’t worry, none of them has to cost you a penny.
Number 1, you need determination. You have to be determined to make your mental health a priority. Working through this course will help you move forward, but you need to stick with it.
Tough love time. Don’t email me to tell me the course didn’t help you if you only completed one or two lessons. No one will ever care more about your health than you do, so take your responsibility seriously.
Number 2, you need hope. Living with mental illness means there are many days of darkness. Even so, you have to believe that better days are possible. It might take some time, but everyone can get there, including you.
Number 3, it’s good to have a journal. Whether you keep it on paper or in a notes app on your phone, you need a place to work through what you’re learning and feeling. Much of this course revolves around journal prompts. The things you write in your journal will be invaluable to helping you move forward. It will also assist your professional care team to give you the treatment you need.
There are four main parts to each lesson.
First, there’s a video detailing the lesson. If you’d rather not hear me talk, there’s also a PDF version of the lesson you can read. The transcript is in black and white, so you don’t have to worry about wasting a lot of color ink if you decide to print it all out.
Second, each lesson has worksheets and journal prompts to work through both what you’re learning and how you feel about it. Give yourself plenty of time to work through these questions, and be completely open. The more honest you are with yourself, the quicker you’ll learn to conquer your enemy.
Third, each lesson includes a Q&A section. Here you’ll find the questions others have asked in each lesson. If your question isn’t on the list, please reach out to me through the chat option or by sending an email to scott@speakingbipolar.com.
Finally, most lessons will include additional resources. These links and printouts will help you dive deeper into the lesson or answer your questions.
To wrap up for today, I have a little homework for you. Don’t worry, it’s not hard and you’re not going to be graded on it.
Ready? Here goes.
Spend the next 15-30 minutes imagining your best life with bipolar disorder. If it helps, make a vision board and post pictures of what your ideal life looks like. Next, break out your journal and write an answer to this question: What would my life look like if bipolar wasn’t holding me back? Use the worksheet in this section to help you think deeper about this topic. **** workbook
Really think about the questions and how your life could be better. This is your goal, the life you’re working toward. Keep this ideal life before you as you work through the rest of this course.
Once again, I am so proud of you for being here. It’s scary to tackle your mental health, but it’s the only way to get better.
In the next section, we’re going to take a deeper dive into the bipolar disorder world. It will help you understand common symptoms and how best to cope with each one. See you in the next video.
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Until next time, keep fighting.
Scott Ninneman
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