Believing You Can Blossom in a Bipolar World

As a person who struggles with bipolar I disorder (with several other mental health challenges to say the least) I firmly believe that you can function 'normally' in the world.
Sure, most people alive has had depression from time to time. So with that said, most people are just on the verges of being considered 'mentally ill.'
No, you are not your label. You are so much more than what you think you are.
I have had the challenges and opportunities that you describe. Yes, before recovery happened (and is still going on) I totally believed that I was my challenge. However, when life changes happened to me, I suddenly realized that I was more than just my challenge (I don't like mental illness....cause one to be considered that is for me, to be considered ill every minute of every day).
I did work for 20 years with the bipolar disorder. I must say, that sometimes it was a challenge to be able to function at a high level stressful job...cause of the lack of attention that I was having difficulty doing. However, on the other side of the coin, I was very efficient when I was hypomanic...cause I was great in organizational skills. I had everything down pat...to what went where and how to get things done.
You can do whatever you want to do. If it is to finish school, go do it. Just because you have lived thru another episode doesn't mean you have to just 'give up and quit.' Quite the contrary.
View those difficult moments/days as 'challenges' instead of road blocks. I did. I like to tell people this: It's not when you are on the top of the mountain that you really and truly learn about yourself....it's when you are in the valley's where there are rocks, bumps, stumps that make you stop....think....then take action is where I learned about myself the most. So will you.
Good luck!

Hi, Christina,
Dealing with BP symptoms can be a daily battle. I know it was for me! I was diagnosed about 6 or 7 years ago but didn't really "get it" until last year, when it jeopardized my career. I had not realized how much my BP effected those around me. I realized I HAD to take better care of managing my symptoms if I wanted to remain employed in a career I loved.
I sought out a new psychiatrist. I felt that my old one really did not take an interest in my well-being and that I was on too many medications, none of which dealt directly with BP. My new psychiatrist has been a true gift from above - she spent almost one and a half hours with me during my first appointment and agreed that we needed to wean me off some meds and add one for BP. What a change that has made! I feel like a new person - no mood changes since last May!
Now, the reason I bring this up, is to let you know that I began taking just one class in order to get my master's degree in special education. I needed to know if I could handle it - it was a bit intimidating, and at one point I needed extra time to hand in a paper, but I got through it with an A.
I'm now attending a university that is much closer to my home. Last semester I took one class there and was amazed to discover just how different the two universities are; I really prefer my new one. Last semester, I earned 349 out of 350 points. This semester, I'm taking two classes. I know it'll be a bit hectic during the rest of school (I'm a teacher), but it will be lovely to concentrate on those classes in the summer! My instructors have been wonderful, and I know that if need be, I can let them know I have BP and they will understand. OUr university also has a great disabilities center.
Perhaps you may need to make some changes with your BP issues so the symptoms become more stable. Talk with the school's disabilities center and share your concerns. Perhaps you can audit a course just to see how you can handle it (auditing a course allows you to do everything except pay the full amount or get credit, but you'll learn if you can handle school). Another thing I've learned to do: let some things slide in order to give top priority to your most important things. For me right now, that means work and school. I've hired a maid occasionally to help with that chore and it has been a huge burden off my shoulders. I've also learned to say "No" more easily so I don't become over-tasked, as that will just lead to a spiral downward.
I wish you well and I do hope you attempt school - I'm absolutely loving the new information I'm learning and the way I'm stretching myself intellectually! It's definitely worth the risk!
Sincerely,
Sandra