A positive about being BP by lisalyanne
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A positive about being BP by lisalyanne
| Mon, 10-16-2006 - 4:23am |
This is a question from lisalyanne. She posted this in the question game thread and I thought is was a great question we all could take part in.
Thank you lisalyanne
Name one example/reason of how bipolar disorder can be a positive in your life?

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On the "lighter" side: I can get a LOT of work done when hypomanic, (not sleeping and having a lot of energy has a bright side).
On the more serious side: it allows me to be empathetic towards others with mental illnesses and it helps me to understand how to interact with someone (adult or child) if they are in an episode.
Good question!
I agree with Peg. Being bipolar has helped me to be more understanding of people with mental illnesses. And, I also get more work done when I'm hypomanic;)
Hugs,
Traci
Was told once that I have an idea now what a woman goes through with PMS and the like ;-) Was told that BY a female after she found out I was BP II. She asked what my life was like I and I told her I had about 2 to three weeks "good" then a week or two of being in the crapper and feeling like life isn't worth it and she said "Oh, kinda like PMS" LOL. Maybe not so funny to the females....have to agree with the getting more work done during a manic episode....also the borderline OCD fits in great with my job. Aircraft mech and HAVE to keep track of tools, etc. Being hyper organized works to a great advantage when I walk away from an aircraft. Watch some of these other guys have to dump out their carry around tool bags to inventory and I just have to look about 2 min. because tools are ALL in their place in my tool bag.LOL.
tk
Wow - better answer my own question. LOL Definately did not expect this response. :)
OK
I agree about getting things done when hypomanic, but also about making me a stronger person. I am more sympathetic to others and know that I can handle and have the tools to grow through and "conquer" any issues that come my way.
Lisa
I like the orgainzation part to. I also write poems and such so i find that i am more creative. Plus I have like this storehouse of useless facts that allow me to blend into any converstions(photographic memory). I am way more understanding of people and their little idiosyncroities (sp) and i am not as(but still) easily annoyed.
The crap part is getting in that down phase of BP II when its in sync w/my PMS.....Double whammy....
I can't even BEGIN to imagine THAT scenario....my condolonces to any men in your life at that point. I know how bad some of my down's were, especially when I felt "alone", like I said, can't imagine adding hormonal downs to that. DW is depressive and I have seen how THAT goes when she has an extremely bad time one month. Feel so helpless, all I can do is hold her and hold on tight to MY sanity and hope I don't go down hill at the same time.
tk
I have to agree with some of the others. I also have more empathy now towards anyone with a mental illness. Before I was diagnosed I would make comments like: "they must be crazy"...now I realize how awful I was! I've also learned that I have to take time for myself. I used to feel guilty if I didn't take the kids everywhere I went. Now I make time to go out alone, and just enjoy the time by myself.
Renee
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