#53: Going Near, When Fear Says “Run” (Facing Your Biggest Giants)
Mar 26, 2020
FROM THIS SHOW…
Have you ever been bullied? Do you remember how helpless you felt at the mercy of your tormentors? For many people, going through the cycles of bipolar disorder can make you feel exactly the same—helpless. Harassed. With no one to come and rescue you from harm.
This week is number two of a California order to self-quarantine from spreading the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). And while many people are adapting to life without family and friends, still others have suddenly lost loved ones to the virus. And for all there is a sense of helplessness and waiting.
It’s during these times that our greatest fears come out and bully us. But as you’ll see on today’s episode of The Bipolar Now Podcast, the only way to conquer a fearsome giant is to get scrappy and take him down. And Mike uses the example of fighting with bipolar to show how it prepares us almost perfectly for unexpected world events.
Don't 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 inner circle has to be edited continually so that there are not people in your life who are pulling you into fear and snarky pessimism during troubled times.
-
How you effectively manage bipolar disorder during the “normal” times will predict your success in navigating crisis. You are how you respond.
-
Be who you were made to be. Neither mental illness nor the COVID-19 contagion can keep you from showing the world that you are more than your circumstances.
Lifer Discussion Guide
Use the questions in today’s Lifer Guide to help you talk your way through the stress of having to adjust to life with social, work, and recreational restrictions. This is important for mental health because we lose sight of reality when we are isolated and restricted for even a short amount of time.
“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) Can you remember being bullied or singled out when you were younger? / What happened?
2) Who is the scariest person you’ve ever had to confront about something? / What did they do?
3) Do you feel bullied or in any way put into a corner by this current pandemic of CV-19?
4) What did you think of the stories Mike told on today’s episode? / Have you heard them before?
5) What would you say is the name of one of your giants right now? / How could you attack back and win?
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
