I try and stay away from situations and environments that will make me act panicky and squirrely ..

I know that I need to stay connected with support groups and visit with a therapist at least once a month.....weekly when I'm in high stress times. A lot of people try and tell me I don't have limitations...that I can do whatever I set my mind to. But they don't know my reality: that I have a different threshold for stress levels than people who don't live with a mental illness and I have to keep my awareness of this in check.

Exercise, particularly Pilates for some reason has helped me a lot....helps me focus and manage stress in conjunction with everything else...

Hi Sampaguita,

Thanks for these posts they are very good and helpful for all of us...

Excellent feedback Sensitive! I don't know what I can add other than I too have limitations with stress, concentration, etc. I too went back too school it did help me prepare for the real world of work. But it took five years to get there and I got my first job this year and it ended up being a real dud....

Love yourself, be kind to yourself, set limits and don't get too stressed out...words to live by but hard to do!

My attitude.

I use to think I could do anything and then I got a large dose of "reality check" and realized that living with bipolar in itself was going to be a challenge and I needed to face that fact head on. It took several hospital visits before I was able to admit that I wasn't able to do anything that life threw at me, that I had limitations that I needed to face and deal with.

Now I'm on disability and living with not only bipolar disorder but also Fibromyalgia and there are a great many things I can no longer do. It is not only frustrating to me, who use to be able to do anything, but also to my family members who just don't understand that I can't physically and psychologically do "that" and "it" anymore. They don't like it and often get angry and frustrated with me and the situation.

No, it isn't easy but once you realize, and admit it to yourself, then dealing with the fact that you aren't superman/woman anymore is a lot easier to handle. Good luck to you in your quest to figuring out who you are with bipolar disorder!! Most of us here have already been through that! If you need a place to vent, or need help understanding, don't hesitate! We're all here!

Hi. I can really relate to your situation. You remind me a lot of myself. I hope things get better soon.

I feel the way you do most of the time. I go to my support group every week and an art group on Sundays. It isn't easy. I try to avoid stress but that isn't always possible. I do the best I can. Hugs.

I got diagnosed at the beginning of this year and am still trying to find the right med cocktail, so I'm still learning my limitations. But it's very frustrating, that's for sure. Sometimes I do the whole "this isn't fair" whiny pitty party, but then other times I accep that this is my new reality.

I do get frustrated - especially if I'm manic and happy as a clam and I KNOW in my heart that it won't last and that a crash is inevitable. Making the best out of the situation is a great accomplishment. I think the post by SAMPA on the letter from the Huffington post needs to be read by all of us on a regular basis to remind us of our HUMANITY!!

I know exactly how you feel. You are not stupid and neither am I. This illness is just not fair. I have even been on Lithium and that didn't work. I am giving it a try again though. I want to lead a normal life but my mind won't let me.

I have bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and visual processing and speed learning disabilities. I cannot underestimate the importance of motivation. I got my bachelor's degree in Interdisciplianry Social Science-psychology and social work-after twenty years. I am on Disability but am about to work part-time for two psychology tutoring websites. So stick to your meds, see a therapist, join a group, and good luck. It's a tough life having a psych diagnosis but you can still meet some of your goals.