#107: Bipolar is a Shameful Diagnosis (Until You Take Radical Ownership of It)

FROM THIS SHOW…

When you got your bipolar diagnosis, did it come loaded with a truck full of shame? Maybe you avoid people because you can’t stand feeling like you’re beneath them all of a sudden?

If that’s you, then you need to know that any self-respecting person would feel exactly the same way, given the circumstances you’ve been through.

But you don’t need to live your life out there proving yourself. You are already good and kind. And you can find more stability from bipolar disorder the minute you know you’re not inferior to anyone else because of this condition.

On today’s episode of The Bipolar Now Podcast, Mike shares his method for dealing with shame whenever it pops its ugly head up.

You don’t want to miss it!

Listen to the podcast:

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TAKEAWAYS

• Shame from a mental illness stigma affects nearly everyone who’s ever been diagnosed. It’s a sign that you care about yourself and you possess responsibility. (Those are very good things!)

• Shame is wrapped up in your identity. That’s what makes it so difficult to untangle from, and that’s the reason it can take a long time to feel free.

• The way you deal with shame is to displace it with honor. Living in an honorable way will build a fortress around your shame, so that it has less opportunity to escape and bother you.

Lifer Discussion Guide

There is no Lifer guide for this episode, but you can use the techniques and workarounds in this episode to open up a conversation this week about where your greatest source of shame lies. “Lifers” are special people who have the kind of faithfulness to you that assures you they’ll be there when called upon. If you haven’t nominated a Lifer as part of your non-medical support team, what are you waiting for? :-)

Join the Tribe!

Once you’ve had a chance to talk or journal about these things you might have a question from this episode. If so, make sure you head on over to The Bipolar Now Podcast Network on Facebook! There’s quite a few people over there who are also taking a new step in their mental health. And we’d love for you to share your story with us when you’re ready. So don’t miss out!