#112: Put Your Dark Days Behind You (But It Won't Happen Overnight)

FROM THIS SHOW…

When you’re going through hard times, are you able to pinpoint where it all started? Maybe for you, it was in your late teens or early 20s when you began feel the pressures of life breaking you apart. Maybe you encountered dark days later on in adulthood after a major disruption or life change. Or maybe you can look back and say that you struggled with mental health even as a young child.

On today’s episode of The Bipolar Now Podcast, Dwayne visits with Mike to talk about the recent events that have led him to being completely unemployed and unmotivated. And he shares the one thing he’s hanging onto now that’s giving him his life back. It’s something everyone can find and use to move forward when bad days become stuck on repeat.

You don’t wanna miss it.

Listen to the podcast:

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TAKEAWAYS

• In the workplace, bipolar disorder can give you a performance edge. It’s not uncommon to learn how to stay in that “zone” of super focused and hyper-productive mania. But there’s always a price to this. For many, it costs them their employment in the end. 

• Using any number of drugs or stimulants to manage your mental health is a dangerous game. You might see no other solution to keep your mind under control. But there are many proven treatments that can do more for you than to use alcohol or substances on a daily basis.

• Once the high of a manic or hypomanic episode dies down, you’re left wide open for depression and a lack of motivation. A new strategy is needed to get you going again, and a great thing to do is to open up your social life. Join a support group locally or online. Make friends and branch out!

Lifer Discussion Guide

Use the questions in today’s Lifer Guide to assist you over any hurdles you may have to clear as you address your mental health. These are special conversations!

“Lifers” are people who have unwavering faithfulness. This assures you that they’ll stick by you through all the highs and lows that are normal for a life with mental health challenges. If you haven’t nominated a lifelong family member or friend as part of your non-medical support team, what are you waiting for? :-)

The Questions:

1) What were some of the earliest dark times that you can remember? / What was going on then?

2) What were some of your happiest times? / Where were you then?

3) How much of a challenge has it been lately to feel healthy and motivated? / What’s your average level of motivation like?

4) How are you in your social life? / Do you need to rebuild it in any way?

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!