Bipolar Magazine

I have volunteered a few times at the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) here in Boise.  They have a library there in the office where books and magazines can be checked out.  I found a magazine there that I was not familiar with.  I highly recommend this to anyone who has the illness. There is very good information, and stories of others personal experiences with the illness. I find it helps me in knowing that I am not alone.  I guess I don't feel so crazy knowing there are others who are fighting the same war that I battle every single day.

 

http://www.bphope.com/

 

 

 

I find comfort in knowing what Bipolar IS and what Bipolar IS NOT.

What is bipolar?

Bipolar disorder is a treatable illness marked by extreme changes in mood, thought, energy, and behavior. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression because a person's mood can alternate between the "poles," mania (highs) and depression (lows). The change in mood can last for hours, days, weeks or months.

What Bipolar is not?  
Bipolar disorder is not a character flaw or sign of personal weakness.


For a good part of my life I thought I had many, many character flaws and personal weaknesses.  It was a difficult thing to constantly be going in circles trying to fix things that I considered bad or lacking in myself.  No matter how hard I tried, I never seemed to make any progress.  I felt so inferior to those around me.  Finding out that I had Bipolar Disorder explained so much.  I wasn't a bad or weak person.  I had an illness.  An illness that could be treated.  This is not the life I envisioned for myself.  I didn't choose this and it definitely wasn't at the top of my bucket list!  But this is the my reality now; the road I have to travel.  I do believe the teaching that ALL things can be for our good if we continually turn to God for our strength and support.  There is no doubt in my mind that somehow I am being taught and refined through this process.  Today I can feel the faith that I know I have.  Some days I struggle to find and remember that solid foundation, so I am grateful to be tuned into that truth for now.  I am so thankful for my good days.