I'm THANKFUL for my bipolar disorder

[@moonriver78]

One thing I’ve learned from living with bipolar disorder is how to be more realistic and honest with myself. During a hypomanic episode, I made mistakes-I hit on two people who were already in relationships. At the time, I was extremely unhappy in my own relationship and, deep down, I wanted to leave and start something new. Since then, I’ve left that toxic relationship, and I’ve worked hard to recognize patterns in my behavior, like frustration over not getting enough attention or fear of rejection. These are tied to my insecurities, and instead of avoiding them, I’ve started to accept them as part of who I am. Even though I really struggle with this disorder and sometimes hate it, I’ve made it a priority to find some good within the bad. It’s teaching me resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of personal growth.

[@TheCoolOwen]

I do not have bipolar disorder but I have been diagnosed with ADHD in my late 30s. However, I can relate to A LOT of the things you said. There are some parallels with ADHD/depression and bipolar disorder. It has been exhausting having my career start and fizzle out multiple times. I had to adapt to multiple job firings and lay offs. Before getting treatment for my ADHD, I found I was always in “crisis mode”. I have paranoia of potentially losing my job or friendships because it has happened so many times in the past. I have been taking treatment for ADHD for several years now (off and on), I own a condo in a major city (of which I purchased on impulse when I could not get my ADHD medication filled due to the ongoing chronic shortages). I have held my current 6-figure career for 5+ years only due to the fact management was very accommodating to my outbursts and temperament. I can say trying to plant yourself in this world with any mental disorder, from ADHD, Bipolar, depression, etc is extremely difficult, but you CAN do it! I like that you place yourself in other people’s shoes because doing so puts a pause for us to analyze and rethink or reactions. We can try and control our reactions. I can’t control what others may think of me, and I am fine with that!

[@tyleradolfo7213]

Hey Owen, thank you for sharing some of your experience battling ADHD. I wasn't aware that there are shortages of ADHD medications, that must be a very tough predicament, I can't even imagine having to go off my medications for that reason, it would certainly get on my nerves. I'm really happy to hear that your bosses are accommodating, it always makes me feel good to see examples of others showing understanding and empathy towards those with mental health struggles. It sounds like you've been able to really thrive despite the cards you've been dealt and I respect that a lot. Life is already hard as it is, going through it with a mental illness just requires so much more diligence and commitment. Your success is a testament to your perseverance. Stories like yours inspire me to keep fighting. My ultimate dream is to get my Juris Doctor and become a lawyer. There are lots of obstacles standing in my way of achieving that but I know if I keep persisting that someday I will do it. Thank you for reminding me of the importance of never surrendering hope, even if that wasn't your intention, your story helped me reinforce the principle in my mind. I totally agree about what you said regarding what happens to us and how we react. One saying that I always liked goes something like "We can't control what happens to us, but we can always control how we react to it." Thanks again for sharing and I sincerely wish you the best my friend. Carpe diem!