Something I am Proud Of:
After moving for the 3th time in 1 year, losing my cherished job as an art teacher, another broken relationship, hardly sleeping for months, drowning in a crippling depression, while slipping into psychosis, I’ve got diagnosed 10 yrs ago. With co-morbid anxiety, ADHD & PTSS. I knew something was off during my adolescence, since bipolarity runs in the family. Though afraid of becoming like my (grand)dad and weary of psychiatry + meds, I’ve tried to fix myself without any professional guidance. Until that diagnosis, which unexpectedly gave instant relief and effective tools to work with.
I am proud of acknowledging my vulnerability, tending to my new needs, involving my inner circle, advocating on mental health issues on my socials and yoga classes and above all; finally accepting medication. Lithium eased my mind and temporary sleeping aid broke that negative spiral. I’ve had the opportunity to make some radical lifestyle changes. Discovering early warning signs, prioritising sleep and learning how to counterbalance my mood were key.
And I finally found the courage to re-invent myself from freelance designer and art school teacher to wellness masseuse and yoga teacher. After some more relapses, in the past years I’ve only been volunteering and caregiving to f(r)amily & pets.
Gardening, exercising, music, spending regular time in nature, attending a peer support group, and #FluroFriday (surf & yoga as therapy) are essential ingredients of my WRAP (*Wellness Recovery Action Plan) as well as maintaining supportive relationships, which are helping me pulling through the ebb & flow of those bipolar episodes.
Message for Newly Diagnosed:
Look for suitable psycho-education for yourself and your inner circle. I warmly recommend the graphic novels of Ellen Forney. Also finding a peer support and writing your own WRAP* might be helpful in gaining insight and getting a grip on warning signs of your ups and downs. Engage in nurturing activities for body, mind & soul.
Opening up about your experiences might feel terrifying at first, but in the end it could deepen your relationships, by building trust, understanding and providing guidelines in helping you to stay stable and safe. Keep looking for the silver linings and cultivate gratitude for what makes your daily life worthwhile.
The upside of bipolar is living full spectrum; experiencing life in both technicolor as sepia or film noir, which provokes empathy for all walks of life. And it might grow some skills in composting difficulties and setbacks into fertile soil for unexpected opportunities.
