Hello Gimpski and welcome.
You will find help and support in this forum.
This is a very good question. How do I live with my bi-polar disease? You guessed it: Golden rule nr. one: By not abusing drugs and alcohol. By becoming clean and sober, we can tackle with greater clarity our disease which is difficult enough in itself. Alcohol makes it worse as it deepens the depression and is terrible for the nerves.
I can share with you how I cope with my disease and hopefully you will find it beneficial. I cannot be sure how or when I became depressed, but I believe the manic state became clear when I was about twelve. I started using drugs of all kinds and getting into really dangerous mess. I´m lucky to be alive and I´m constantly amazed that I lived this long!
I go regularily to AA meetings and other meetings for my various other addictions. I have a sponsor and sponsor myself. I find it beneficial to be of service, so I can give to another person what has been so generously given to me. I take medication and it took at least 13 years to get them adjusted. I lost all the weigtht I gained by taking the medication - it took about 12 months. I use affirmations and nurture my spirtual side and I go to cognitive therapy to tackle the anxiety that comes with the disease. I exercise, swim, dance and do yoga and I live a full life today. I nurtured my career and my family relations and now I have a creative job that gives my pleasure.
I stopped striving for happiness. That was a mistake that slowed my recovery down years. I thought I would be happy as a sober person on proper medication, but I believe that´s an illusion. I hope for peace and contentment, but not happiness. That comes at times, but I think it´s not rational to strive for it as a goal in itself. Good things will come to you when you get your life together and all aspects of your life are in harmony. That will happen to you if you use your cards right.
Try to make a list of things you would like to do and then tick them off when you have accomlished them. It´s a great boost. Remember, little things are of great importance.
Come and share and let me know how you´re doing. You´re on the right track. Acceptance is the key. Good luck.
