Living with Bipolar Disorder - How Being Bipolar Affects Lives?

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

David: For David:

bre5800: How does being bipolar effect your photography?

David W: I think that I am able to see things a little different from most people. When I am hypomanic or low manic, I experience high levels of creative energy and a strong flow of ideas. That helps a lot. Also, at low up times, I can really relate to other people and put them at ease, which helps with live subjects. The "life of the party" symptom.

David: Someone asked about books on bipolar disorder. Please check out our online bookstore. You'll find many excellent books on the subject there.

seankmom101: David, how open are you about the disorder?

David W: I am very open about it now. I used to be ashamed of it and hide it because I was afraid of rejection. I have struggled to accept myself for who I am, and now that I have done that for the most part, I have decided that if others can't accept me for who I am, then I don't want them to accept a mask I put on to hide who I am.

Also, I have found that I can help other people understand that there are people, like me, who are not in institutions and can be accepted. It helps take some of the fear away from the idea of mental illness.

David: There are many people out there who are looking for the "right way" to share their disorder with someone they care about. Jean, you can answer this question first, then David can respond.

crafty: I would like to know how to tell my family how I feel being bipolar and what it's like. They don't seem to understand me at all and it upsets me.

Jean Y: I think that you need to express the aloneness of this disorder and how very hard it is to maintain a semblance of being a part of the world without their help.

David W: Expressing how you feel is important, as Jean said. I would add that I understand that talking to your family and explaining these feelings and moods is difficult. Sometimes when you start talking to them, you lose track of what you are trying to say and go off on different areas as the conversation goes on. Or if they are not reacting like you expected, it can throw you too.

You might try sitting down one day when you can think fairly well and write out exactly how you feel and what you want them to know. You can then give the letter to the family member that you are most comfortable with, and write down at the end that you would like to discuss it with them once they have read what you wrote.

David: Those are all excellent suggestions. One of the things to remember is that others haven't had the experience like you have. It may be difficult for them to understand at first. It may be helpful to copy some things off the internet or give them a pamphlet or a book on the subject. And I know that this may be difficult, but it's important to be direct. Not unkind, but direct. Tell the person exactly how you feel and what, if anything, you want from them, because many times, after someone tells their story, the other person is left wondering "well, what can I do." It's kind of a helpless feeling.

catherinel: I struggle sometimes to determine what a 'normal' range of emotions feels like. Is this true for others?

David: David, why don't you take that.

David W: To be honest with you, I don't really even understand the concept of "normal." I think that is because I have had this disorder for my whole life and have a hard time knowing what is part of my illness and what is just my personality, but I have an idea of what is normal for me, and I do have problems recognizing that at times.

David: Jean, this is for you:

tnm1133: I have a real problem with my family (parents, brother, and sister) looking at my disorder as it suites them. Now that I am going to school, everything is fine, but when I am hospitalized it has been viewed as if I have failed, and the suffering and isolation that I am feeling is totally discounted. I have realized that they have some problems in their own lives though. Have you had any similar experiences? Kind of a double standard?

Jean Y: Absolutely. My sister thought I was fixed after I came out of the hospital, and I would never have an episode again. My father never discusses it. I lean on my husband and leave them out of it because it, frankly, would take too much effort for me to bother to bring it to the fore. My children take enough out of the family - you know?

David: I just realized how late it is. Thank you, David and Jean, for being our guests tonight and for sharing this information with us. And to those in the audience, thank you for coming and participating. I hope you found it helpful. We have a very large and active community here at HealthyPlace.com.

Also, if you found our site beneficial, I hope you'll pass our URL around to your friends, mail list buddies, and others. http://www.healthyplace.com

Thank you, again, Jean and David.

Jean Y:Thank you for having me, David.

David W: I am glad to have had this opportunity. Thank you.

David: Good night, everyone.

Disclaimer: That we are not recommending or endorsing any of the suggestions of our guest. In fact, we strongly encourage you to talk over any therapies, remedies or suggestions with your doctor BEFORE you implement them or make any changes in your treatment.

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