Discussion Topic
Bi-Polar - a State of Mind
Posted on 07/19/08, 10:04 pm
Some thoughts I'd like to share:
Most people experience life on a scale of -8 to +8. They seldom reach -8 (it'd take the death of a loved one maybe, and hopefully in time they'd return to a balanced state). They might get to a +8 ocassionally (a kind of controlled sense of euphoria, that would last for a short period; or an uncontrolled sense of euphoria when drunk or on drugs).
Bi-polars, in my experience, 'push the range of experience out. I was told once that a full blown mania is more euphoric than cocaine or heroine. (I wouldn't know about the drugs, but I can report that I have thought I was the Mesiah on one occassion, and that I was a better driver than Michael Schumacker(F1 World Champion) on another.
Likewise, in a depression, we depart from all sense of reality and of our real selves. The depression is real, it shapes who we are, and controls our presence and shapes our future.
A label helps us understand ourselves better, when we cannot think straight for ourselves. Knowing we are BP2 or BP1, a rapid cycler, maybe cyclothymic (less major swing in mood), helps us rationaly understand ourselves better. And it helps our doctors understand us better, and hopefully treat us better too.
I've never compared myself to another bi-polar, in order to have some kind of pecking order, based on whether I'm a 1 or a 2 or a whatever. All said it doesn't matter to me. What matters is how I am feeling today, and what me and those that care for me can do to manage how I feel tomorrow and next week.
And one other thing. When we are in remission we are by God's choice normal people who happen to have bi-polar. I forget that sometimes. Labels are just. Identifiers for quick recognition and classification. But we al know that we're much more special and complex than that.
Most people experience life on a scale of -8 to +8. They seldom reach -8 (it'd take the death of a loved one maybe, and hopefully in time they'd return to a balanced state). They might get to a +8 ocassionally (a kind of controlled sense of euphoria, that would last for a short period; or an uncontrolled sense of euphoria when drunk or on drugs).
Bi-polars, in my experience, 'push the range of experience out. I was told once that a full blown mania is more euphoric than cocaine or heroine. (I wouldn't know about the drugs, but I can report that I have thought I was the Mesiah on one occassion, and that I was a better driver than Michael Schumacker(F1 World Champion) on another.
Likewise, in a depression, we depart from all sense of reality and of our real selves. The depression is real, it shapes who we are, and controls our presence and shapes our future.
A label helps us understand ourselves better, when we cannot think straight for ourselves. Knowing we are BP2 or BP1, a rapid cycler, maybe cyclothymic (less major swing in mood), helps us rationaly understand ourselves better. And it helps our doctors understand us better, and hopefully treat us better too.
I've never compared myself to another bi-polar, in order to have some kind of pecking order, based on whether I'm a 1 or a 2 or a whatever. All said it doesn't matter to me. What matters is how I am feeling today, and what me and those that care for me can do to manage how I feel tomorrow and next week.
And one other thing. When we are in remission we are by God's choice normal people who happen to have bi-polar. I forget that sometimes. Labels are just. Identifiers for quick recognition and classification. But we al know that we're much more special and complex than that.
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Reply #1 07/20/08 12:13am
I know that I am a "10" ++++ !!! -
Reply #2 07/20/08 12:35am
The challenge for those of us who are in our world living at 100MPH, is whether we're prepared to join the rest of the world who live at 50MPH. It's slow, boring, frustrating and not too much fun. BUT it is the real world, vs our world. So for the sake of my sanity, and those around me, I try and live at 50MPH. Bloody boring, but I just can't function at 100MPH without alienating myself from others. -
Reply #3 07/21/08 12:05am
I have actually found some great friends who have my power, energy and enthusiasm,...sure helps, can't stand slow....
Good luck. -
Reply #4 07/21/08 5:44am
Guess that's the mystery of the condition. It must affect us and our states of mind somewhat differently. If I get hyper, people notice. I'm not known as a 'bundle of energy' kinda guy. At work, more low energy, and a thinker. It's quite frustrating. Wish I was up more. That's why I've joined this site. Learn from people who are different to me, like you. Maybe take more risks to become who I want to be. :) -
Reply #5 07/24/08 9:52am
ALWAYS TRY "SAFE" RISKS, HAVE BEEN FOR A LONG TIME, WORKS FOR ME, I AM ALWAYS FULL OF ENERGY, SPONTANEOUS, SUPER SMART AND ALWAYS ON THE GO...WHAT, RELAX?? HA, HA....OFF TO ONTARIO for holidays tomorrow so have a great week!! You will feel better shortly, be patient and take drugs....
Sue -
Reply #6 07/25/08 10:40pm
Sue, c'mon. :) If you're "ALWAYS FULL OF ENERGY, SPONTANEOUS, SUPER SMART AND ALWAYS ON THE GO", then you're not bi-polar. I've yet to meet a depressed person who can pull that off! -
Reply #7 09/18/08 12:38pm
Excellent thoughts! Interesting how you were told that the high of full-blown mania would be similar to the high of cocaine or heroin--I've never used recreational drugs, but ever since I was a teenager there were times I'd be feeling very good and tell my parents I was high on life.
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