Until there’s a cure for bipolar, ‘well enough’ is good enough. I’ve learned to use these strategies to manage my symptoms through self-awareness and a healthy perspective. 

Over 35 years of living with Bipolar, I’ve facilitated countless support groups, written numerous articles, and delivered many speeches. People sometimes (mistakenly) presume that I’ve got it all together. They think I’ve won the battle against bipolar. That’s simply not true!

It’s dangerous to dismiss or diminish the difficulty of life with this diagnosis. Suggesting that people like me have “beaten” bipolar can lead to complacency.

Managing My Bipolar Symptoms

The focus should be on Managing our condition. If we don’t acknowledge our vulnerabilities and remain vigilant, we can get tripped up by thinking bipolar no longer needs to be on our radar.

Even after all this time, I have to persistently pursue proven approaches — like keeping my sleep schedule in check and my thoughts based in reality. When I don’t pay attention to staying stable, I can end up paying a heavy price. Trust me on that!

For years I struggled mightily with major mania. I eventually learned the importance of recognizing and taming triggers where possible. Though I’m still susceptible to manic swings, people make statements to me like: “Thank goodness that’s in your past!” BUT — and that’s a BIG BUT: It’s risky to decide that you’ve fully defeated a demanding mood disorder.

I’m no different from many people experiencing the chronic ups and downs of bipolar. I routinely deal with negative and/or distorted thinking. I frequently face major bouts of depression and suicidal ideation. I’ve never been able to have a family of my own or a long-lasting career. I work hard to keep my sanity. I may not be bipolar free … BUT: “Well enough” is good enough.

Symptom Management Doesn’t Mean ‘Cured’

I now have a significant arsenal of tools and techniques to help minimize mania and deal with depression. From therapy to medications, I’ve done what I can to keep bipolar under control. BUT: Managing a condition does not equate to curing it.

Now, before you think I’m feeling woe is me, let me make a few things clear: I’m so grateful for my loving family and my wonderful friends. I don’t discount what I have been able to accomplish. I hold on to hope that anything is possible. BUT: Doing what you can to keep bipolar at bay — day by day — is key.

Though obviously challenging, this undertaking is easier when you concentrate on being less self-critical and more self aware. A healthy perspective beats beating yourself up any day! To that end, I try to:

Maintain the Proper Perspective

I’ve had to learn not to discount how difficult dealing with bipolar can be. At the same time, I’m determined not to let it define my life or dominate my thinking. I can acknowledge the seriousness of a struggle without succumbing to it. I can have a fulfilling life without my condition being fully resolved.

Keep an Optimistic Outlook

I can’t change what’s happened in the past. I can’t always control what happens today. But I can look for tomorrow to be better! Holding out hope keeps me going. When I feel down, I try to keep my head up and take one day at a time.

Stick With What Works

I try to consistently take steps that are known to be effective — like seeing my psychiatrist regularly, managing my sleep and meds day in and day out, practicing mindfulness routinely, and asking for help when I need to.

Having a mood disorder like bipolar is real, and often really demanding. Those of us living with bipolar benefit by accepting how tough it can be to manage — and understanding that managing it perfectly is not possible. If you love someone who has bipolar, it helps to be cognizant of the challenges it presents. And, until there’s a cure, let’s all agree: It’s important to leave well enough alone!

Originally printed as “Mind Over Mood: Vulnerable — and Vigilant,” Spring 2021

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