#48: Walking the Rocky Path of a Life with Mental Illness
Feb 20, 2020
FROM THIS SHOW…
Do you ever stop and realize how hard life is? Taking care of yourself is not as straightforward as everyone else seems to have it. And taking care of others can replace looking after your own needs. It’s a crazy life. So do you ever give yourself credit for making it through another week?
“Adulting” (as it’s now known) is like walking a rough, rocky path. It can be steep at times. Now imagine throwing in a mental disorder that strips you of healthy logic and emotions. That rough, rocky path now has some incredibly steep sections to navigate. And you’re doing it barefoot.
Yea. That’s what it’s like to take care of yourself and others when bipolar disorder is in the picture. It’s like hiking a hard, rocky trail in your bare feet. You feel everything. But as Mike shares in this episode of The Bipolar Now Podcast, you can still get to where you want to go.
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
-
Your Lifer(s) may become worried at how hard you have it, and can sometimes try to fix or rescue you. You have to be gracious with them when they miss the mark of friendship.
-
Rocky times for “ordinary” people tend to be short. These tough times tend to be much more chronic (ongoing) for the person with mental illness in their life.
-
When you add faith into your life’s equation, don’t be surprised if things get even harder. This is a call for endurance on your part.
Lifer Discussion Guide
Use the questions in today’s Lifer Guide to help you access your endurance, so that the hard path doesn’t completely break you down. “Lifers” are special people who have the kind of faithfulness that assures you they’re going to 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? :-)
The Questions:
1) Are there any early memories for you of life being difficult, like where you actually “felt” it, emotionally?
2) Bipolar disorder tends to create “peaks” and “valleys”. What is one stand-out memory for you that was specifically created by mental illness?
3) How can we be open to each other about our rocky paths? / What feels right?
4) How much could you trust me with your state of mind if you ever think about ending your life?
5) What do you make of Mike’s call to having a life’s mission or purpose / something to work towards?
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!
Other ways to enjoy this episode
