Celebrating Charles’s Strength💪
What makes me most proud of my journey is learning to live a happy and fulfilling life despite the many challenges of bipolar disorder. Over time, I have discovered that celebrating small victories, such as going to work, taking my dog Bengy for a walk, or simply engaging with society, has been essential in reclaiming my life. These everyday achievements remind me that while my disorder is part of who I am, it does not define me.
I remember the early days of my struggle when each day felt like climbing an endless mountain. I was caught in cycles of mania and depression, overwhelmed by surging energy and crushing lows. Even the simplest tasks, like getting out of bed or interacting with others, felt impossible. When I sought help and began therapy, I learned to see these moments as opportunities for growth and regaining control. Therapy provided me with tools to understand my thoughts and emotions while helping me move away from destructive behaviors such as toxic comparisons. Now, I measure my worth by recognizing my own progress, no matter how small.
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is to appreciate the present moment. There was a time when I felt burdened by the need to achieve and compare myself to others. I have since embraced the idea that my journey is unique and that every step forward, no matter how minor, is a victory. Recognizing that I can contribute to society, whether by maintaining a job, spending time with loved ones, or simply living each day with purpose, has been incredibly liberating.
Living with bipolar disorder has taught me the importance of self-care and balance. When I become overwhelmed by manic energy at night, I now take my medication rather than giving in to the belief that I must work through the night to burn off excess energy. This decision is a testament to the control I have regained over my body and mind. In moments of deep depression, I have learned to recognize my state and avoid getting trapped in cycles of negative thoughts. Instead of ruminating, I have found comfort in journaling. Writing down my thoughts and emotions allows me to process them clearly and share insights with my therapist, who helps me navigate the complexities of my mental health.
The journey to self-acceptance has not been easy. It has required embracing both humility and vulnerability that my struggles do not make me weak. It is a sign of strength and growth that I choose to share them with a therapist who can help guide my ship into clearer waters. Knowing that my health was a teamwork from my doctor to my spouse, etc I came to the realization that I am not just living life for Charles Kelly. I now see that my existence is intertwined with those around me and that I can contribute to something far greater than myself.
An important part of my journey has been learning to recognize the subtle signs of resistance within myself. Whenever my doctor changed my medication, a part of me instinctively pushed back, insisting that I was fine as I was. These moments of internal resistance were negative because it fueled toxic ruminations and created illusions that affected me with the social and professional aspects of my life. By acknowledging these feelings and exploring them in therapy, I came to understand the underlying reasons for my resistance. That I needed to be kinder to myself with myself talk and be more understanding when I failed at something. This introspection not only helped me overcome obstacles but also provided a deeper insight into my mental health and contributed to my ongoing recovery.
I cannot overlook the significant role my support system has played in my journey. I am immensely grateful for my girlfriend and my loyal dog, Bengy. They have been my anchors during turbulent times, offering unwavering support and guidance. Bengy, with his silent and comforting presence, has become a trusted companion who helps stabilize my mood during my darkest moments with long walks which made Bengy happy and helped me to unwind. This became a form of therapy, a time to reflect, and a way to reconnect and ground myself within this world. Similarly, my girlfriend has been a pillar of stability whereas I use to compete within our relationship in various facet of my life, including academics, sleep, and diet, we now have calm and balanced relationship. Whenever I find myself trapped in a loop of overthinking, confirming my perspective through her grounds me and helps me keep identify my negative thoughts more thoroughly.
Throughout my journey, I have learned that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. I have come to see that being open about my struggles does not diminish my worth. Instead, it enriches my experiences and deepens my connections with others. This acceptance has allowed me to step back from constant inner turmoil and appreciate the quiet and euthymic life. I want to wish everyone stability and strength on World Bipolar Day. This day is a reminder of the resilience and grit we all show in facing a disorder that does not define us but shapes us into the creative, strong, and remarkable individuals we are.
#Bipolarstrong 🌍
The content of the International Bipolar Foundation blogs is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician and never disregard professional medical advice because of something you have read in any IBPF content.
