Eyestwo22

Believing in "high functioning

Posted on 10/24/09, 01:46 pm

I believe in the "high functioning" of people with bipolar disorder, especially if they have had effective medical care.I have been very compliant with Lithium for over 25 years. My pdoc says that the longer people live with the illness well-managed the better their functioning becomes. And that has been true in my own life. My stability has been without any episodes and only comes with being honest with yourself and accepting who and what you are in life. When I compare where I was when I was in my twenties, thirties and forties, I can see that my life now - at 67 years old - is much easier to deal with. And I, too, have achieved more than most of my non-bipolar friends - especially creatively.

Are you ready to work toward "high functioning" bipolar disorder ?

• Reply #1 10/24/09  3:15pm
  
  LizaIG
  I am feeling hopefull after reading your post. Right now I'm completely non-functioning but know that someday I can get out there again and feel normal! Thank you! Liza
• Reply #2 10/25/09  6:45am
  
  Eyestwo22
  Liza......just knowing difference between non-functioning ....and functioning is a positive thought to "getting out there again and feeling normal ! "
  
  Dr Fred
• Reply #3 10/25/09  1:25pm
  
  Ladymidnite
  I am working toward being "high functioning" also. I have only been on the meds for approximately two years, but compared to me without meds I am much more stable. I work every day trying to be a role model for others with mental illness that they can achieve things despite setbacks and obstacles that others may not have. Thanks for helping me realize I just might make a difference to someone the way someone made a difference for me.
• Reply #4 10/25/09  3:47pm
  
  Eyestwo22
  Lady.....
  It's knowing when you a making a difference to "yourself" and you achieve stability every day ...that others are able to "see" that difference in their own ( unstable) life......Keep up your positive trend.
  
  Dr Fred
• Reply #5 10/26/09  7:45am
  
  Mitebsyco
  Agreed. In any instance, changing for others doesn't work. Looking for others' approval before your own doesn't work. It might just for a short bit, but in the end when either that other is gone or when you no longer have the urge to do such things for others, the motivation is gone and you sometimes end up worse.
  
  Work at becoming better in your own eyes for yourself because you know you can and you know you deserve it.
• Reply #6 10/26/09  7:45am
  
  Mitebsyco
  After it's all done for you, then you can move onto others.
• Reply #7 10/26/09  10:21am
  
  Eyestwo22
  Your insights are correct....No matter who your "others" are...it's working toward a balance....And that the greatest hope for maintaining equilibrium in the face of any situation, rests within ourselves.
  
  Dr Fred
• Reply #8 10/26/09  1:05pm
  
  missu
  It's good to read these posts...I am struggling terribly with trying to accept myself the way I am...it used to be easier before I did a lot of stupid things...before I knew I had bipolar. I've only been diagnosed for a year now but now that I am on this site it gives me hope that there are a lot more things to come in life and good things will happen with the bad...just have to learn how to accept all that and be at peace with myself, that to me is the ticket.
• Reply #9 10/26/09  2:47pm
  
  Eyestwo22
  missu....
  
  It takes a lot of patiences to learn to cope and then deal with your past episodes and encounters that remind you of the hurt you experienced before being diagnosed. Continue to be kind to yourself and try to enjoy all the blessing your have.....that will make each and every day a positive joy to build on,Today & Tomorrow....
  
  Look not mournfully into the past. It comes not back again. Wisely improve the present. It is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy future, without fear.
  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
  
  Dr Fred
  
  

A group to share the ups and downs of dealing with bipolar disorder