Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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malibumark 04/13/2015

I get used to myself because I am on my own mostly. I start to think that I m ok or doing ok. I guess I am to a certain extent because I am doing my work and taking care of 'my person.' I went to a party yesterday and they were all so strong, smart, talented and successful. I felt tossed around in the social melee. I feel like the success I can have is just keep taking care of myself the way I can. Doing that, when so many can't do that is important and a good thing. I usually shrink from social situations - maybe in part that's because it so often shows me my limits. I need to take my advice and take it 'day to day' - Sometimes we're thrown from the horse -and so sometimes we need to get back onto it. Peace, Mark

MMP1 04/13/2015

Mark - you are doing better than "ok". Taking care of yourself is important especially when you deal with a MI, because you're right, a lot of people can't and it's wise of you to recognize that. Your discomfort in social situations is so normal - it's human nature to compare ourselves to others. Everybody does it. I think because we have to deal with a MI we're more sensitive when we make comparisons. But know this. You have more self awareness and been through more trials and tribulations than most people in that room. It makes you a better person on many levels despite any perceived limits - you're probably more patient, more empathetic, kinder. You're a success in your own unique way. Does that make sense. Hugs to you for getting back on that horse.

SensitiveHoboLady 04/13/2015

I love what mmp wrote. You are so strong to go out there and mingle in a party! Be proud of yourself for doing that!

tommymott 04/13/2015

I think that taking care of ourselves is it's own reward. I've never trusted horses. They'll buck you off or brush you off on a gate or tree. HaHa, listen to the horselaugh. But I suppose we have to get back on, unless we use another metaphor like trying again. I've come to avoid social situations. It's very seldom that I meet even one sympathetic person so it's better to me to just take a walk or read a book or make answers here.

malibumark 04/13/2015

thanks so much guys. It can be a lonely road but it's so important to keep at it! :) Thanks again!!

SunCloudJD 04/13/2015

Big hug for you sweetie... I agree that taking care of you in so very important and I think you do very well

Who knows what's going on with people at a party... They share what they want to in a social situation

I think you're great Marky and you so often inspire me my friend..xo

malibumark 04/13/2015

thanks Jan! You all inspire me!!

rappciteeinblue 04/13/2015

Jan is always so sweet! Mark, you do a great job. Congrats!

malibumark 04/13/2015

thanks!! and Jan is SO Sweet!!

irishwriter 04/13/2015

you are so right mark, I spent all last week recovering from having to see so many people on saturday and lunching out and berating myself for being so useless when I should have been saying 'well done, you got through it, you didn't run screaming from the building!...

we'll keep getting back on the horse and hope for soft landings.

malibumark 04/13/2015

thanks Irish!!! :) Good for you that you were so social! It's not easy!

TC40 04/13/2015

I understand.

theatrediva 04/14/2015

I like what you wrote here Mark. Thank you.

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