#134: Bipolar Depression: What Goes Up Must Come Down?

Image Credit: "Synchronicity" Mindfulness Circle by Ethan Blu (2023). Acrylic on canvas. 48" x 48".

FROM THIS SHOW:

Could there be anything more sullen than the knowledge that another serious wave of bipolar depression is about to hit? Sometimes you feel it building over the course of weeks, or even attached to a SPECIFIC range of weeks per year—think seasonal affective disorders.

But sometimes, there’s the constant nagging and pull of negativity and fear that goes with having bipolar depression, like having a bad “tenant” or renter living inside your brain.

When you become aware of the pattern of bipolar it’s not a matter of “what goes up must come down”, as many episodic cycles tend to level out into periods of euthymia (minorly bipolar-affective moods).

A natural response of inner strength is to "white-knuckle" it as the lows seem to get frighteningly lower. Yet this is only PART of the success equation.

The true success is in figuring out your go-to strategy when everything is at stake, and you can’t seem to ride it out another day.

Because it's not "if" another day like that comes. It's when.

So on today’s show, Mike gets out in front of the true fear that everyone has when it comes to living with this brain illness—losing your own sense of dignity when all is low.

Thankfully, there’s a little-known (and very obvious) secret to getting it handled. And you can learn to pull it off better and better each time you face the inevitable next low in the future.

You don’t want to miss it!

Listen to the podcast:

Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts!  With every past episode at your fingertips, plus special Bonus Content with my guests, what's not to love! And if you're feeling generous, would you please leave me a review? It is a special treat to read each and every one of them. Just write about your favorite part of the show! :-) 

TAKEAWAYS

• Treating bipolar disorder symptom triggers “first” is the ONLY strategy you have that will effectively deal with the chain-reaction of awful things that happen in this disease process. It’s a mindset that must be in place for you.

• No matter what treatments you find most effective for bipolar disorder, there is always going to be expectation that you will get sick (bipolar disorders are a cyclic / episodic illness). It is NOT because your treatments or your personal strategies are not good enough.

• Just because you have a brain-based disorder does NOT give you free license to lower your values or quality of life standards. But to actually “feel” strong in this area means that you will have to CHOOSE to live with Dignity, and that means living each day grasping for high honor in all things.

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) When did it become apparent to you that you are prone to having more “mood shifts” than you would otherwise choose for yourself?

2) In your experience of a diagnosis of bipolar, do you find yourself getting more anxious about an impending “up” episode of symptoms or a “down” episode?

3) When you find yourself getting anxious to end the mood episode of depression, is it because you feel you are not able to honor your living standards? / Have you lowered your standards over the years because of this disease process repeating over and over?

4) Will you let me speak into your life what I see you doing bravely to live with dignity and honor?

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!