Living Bipolar by Landon Sessions Page B

dealing with life after ECT’s. I was able to function in a job before ECT. I was able to function in school before ECT. It was easier. And I was happier. Not being able to do these things is hard.
    None of my friends can relate to this. This is my cross. Sometime it sucks but I deal with it. Plain and simple about being Bipolar disorder is that things suck sometimes. But you have no choice; you have to deal with it . You either kill yourself, or you deal with it. And that’s it. I don’t want to kill myself, so I deal with it. I know I shouldn’t be so black or white, but it is for me. You were dealt these cards and you just gotta deal with it, that’s it .
    Yes, I struggle with the fact that there is a lot I can’t do that normal people are able to do, but we have a life. It’s not like there is something inherently wrong with us, and this is a death sentence. We can live beautiful, beautiful lives. I can’t relate to people feeling bad for themselves. Especially people who are Bipolar. I can’t talk about any other illness, but I understand this illness, and for a person to make their life seem so bad, I just think is ridiculous.
    The thing I enjoy most about being Bipolar is my relationships are so close, because I rely on them, because of my Bipolar disorder. My mom and I -- my mom is like my best friend -- and she is amazing. I can talk to her about anything. My dad is so cool. The best thing about being Bipolar is my mom, my dad, and I planned my wedding. That is the greatest thing about being Bipolar. It probably wouldn’t have happened if I was sick. You know we, we are planned the wedding and we are so close, and we love each other, and we talk about it, and we did it together.
    The hardest thing about being Bipolar is not being able to work. It’s hard. I feel really abnormal, I do. That’s the hardest part. It doesn’t bother me that I’m not normal, it bothers me that every other Bipolar person I know is able to work a job and this bothers me.
    The best advice I can give other Bipolar people is to stop complaining! It bothers me so much how some Bipolar people think their life is over, and have to be so miserable about being Bipolar . I think it’s terrible. There is so much the world has to offer. And people don’t need to be like that.
    Pets are so important I believe with this illness. My dog is so wonderful. When I start crying she (the dog) comes and lies on me. If I’m just alone and crying she comes to me. Having a dog gives me a sense of responsibility. I have to feed her, and walk her, and pet her, and play with her. This responsibility is important; knowing that I can take care of another life feels really good. My dog makes everything seems okay. She’s always there for me. Having a dog really helps. I don’t know any other way to put it. She makes me feel better.
    THE BEST WAY TO HELP YOURSELF
    I think the best way for a Bipolar person to help themselves is to create a schedule , and sticking to a schedule . Wake up at the same time in the morning, eat meals that are healthy and not too sugary, work out; go to bed at the exact same time. Be in the sunlight each day for a little bit, which will help you be a little less sad. Just a regular schedule you can stick to everyday basically. I think that’s the best thing any person with Bipolar disorder can do for themselves.
    I am really lucky. I attribute my feeling well today to living a stress free life, which is something I’ve learned to work at. For me it's a matter of not letting the small things get to me. I completely take control of everything in my life and I don't worry obsessively. When I get really stressed, and I start getting nervous, and when everything in my world starts to fall apart, that’s when my illness acts up. Now, if I start getting stressed in my life, I take a break, and I go somewhere and breathe. I calm down. I don't let things get out of control.
    Honestly it's really easy to live like this -- stress