#81: From Functional to Phenomenal Life Quality (Even if Only Temporary)
Oct 08, 2020
FROM THIS SHOW…
Do you ever run into this conundrum?—you try to get help for yourself, only to be told that you appear too well to be seen by a therapist? Or does your family expect you to be doing more for yourself since you seem “perfectly fine”?
Having bipolar disorder means you can both mask your symptoms, and be tortured by them at the same time. And this throws the medical community and our families for a loop. And all you want at the end of the day is to be functional.
On today’s episode of The Bipolar Now Podcast, Mike shows you what’s involved when going from dysfunctional in the disease to “functional” in the way YOU define it. There’s also an effective form of alternative medicine discussed. Because what good is treatment if you can barely function?
You don’t want to miss this episode!
Listen to the podcast:
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TAKEAWAYS
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You don’t have to spend any money to go from dysfunctional with bipolar disorder to being “functional” in the way you define it. But you do need the skill of coaching yourself and the ability to bounce ideas off of your Lifers (your support network).
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To be functional during a big season change—like from warm to cool temps—you’ll have to adjust the focus of your work while maintaining some momentum.
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When you drop the “cover story” of how you’re feeling around your Lifers, you get to be honest. You can say, “This is where I am, but this is NOT where I want to be.” And that is completely empowering!
Lifer Discussion Guide
There is no Lifer guide for this episode, but you can use the “cover story removal” (mask removal) challenge in this episode to open up a conversation this week. “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!
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