Being bipolar means that one has unusually long periods of highs and lows also called manic phases and depressions. These can occur in varying frequencies, lengths, and strengths. Mania for me and many others is characterized by elated moods, sometimes anger, unusual behavior based on a unrealistic perception of reality, risk taking, excessive spending, LITTLE SLEEP, talkativeness, rapid thoughts, hyperactivity, sometimes hallucinations, creative expression of bizarre nature, etc. Depression is often characterized by feeling worthless, sleeping all the time or having disturbed sleep, talking little, avoiding people, disturbed eating habits, passivity, etc. Bipolar means, in other words, having two poles. One of my many poems that describes what it is like to be bipolar is Who I am? 2. This was written while hospitalized to present to medical students.

I take an active approach to my illness, which I prefer to call my condition. I seek therapy through counselors and psychologists. I talk about stress factors and work out concrete plans for dealing with stress. I have made my own schedule to keep my school work manageable and make time for my family, friends, other social activities and physical fitness. Keeping active keeps me sane. I write poetry to keep my feelings flowing. I let my anger come out instead of letting it build up. I also take medications, which I work at minimizing so the side effects are less noticeable. When off medications in the past, with no substitute, I went manic quickly. I keep track of my warning signs for mania and depression on a daily basis through a checklist. I have added this to my website so you can evaluate it for your own use if desirable and appropriate. Click here to see or use the checklist

I have met many fascinating people and learned to accept a broad range of individuals with problems. I have learned that everyone has some kind of problem. I have learned that problems can be overcome. I have accepted that my mind has extremes and that I can live a life of balance even after much turmoil. I have learned that there is a God and I choose to believe in Jesus. This knowledge came through my outreach to Christian people through my struggles and my discovery of God through my manic thought prosesses. My bond to family and friends became stronger through overcoming problems together. I learned how much they love me. If you are interested in my mother's response to my manic periods of hospitalization, check out a letter from my Mom to my Husband

Contact me at [email protected].

Please comment through my guestbook
Sign Guestbook View Guestbook

Table of Contents