By Stephen Propst
To prevent getting lost in our bipolar disorder, we need to evaluate who we really are, or our true “self.” This can be done by focusing on self-awareness, among other factors.
It took me years of living with bipolar before I arrived at a life-changing conclusion: If I want to gain the upper hand on this condition, I have to get a better handle on my self. I realized that I had to begin taking steps to accept my situation, admit my lack of knowledge, embrace my worth, and address my behavior.
When it comes to developing a proper sense of self, four factors are particularly important:
Self-Awareness
It’s hard to imagine anything rocking a person’s world more than being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The everyday challenges of your life are compounded by chaos, confusion, and the crush of being labeled with a chronic condition.
I spent years fiercely denying my diagnosis. I suffered with “anosognosia”—which is common with bipolar—meaning that I lacked awareness that a problem even existed. Fortunately, in working with my psychiatrist and therapist, I learned to be more in tune with the reality of my situation.
Self-awareness means being mindful of your environment by recognizing and responding appropriately to triggers—persons, places, or phenomena—that can provoke mood changes. For me, that’s meant sorting out my friends, staying out of stressful workplaces, and steering clear of Atlanta traffic!
Self-Education
The more I lived with bipolar, the less I realized I knew about it. I’ll never forget a doctor sitting me down at a computer one day to research a medication he was considering prescribing. I realized that I was responsible for educating myself!
For my own welfare, not just for the writing and speaking I do, I routinely read books and research the Internet for the latest information. I’ve found that support groups are invaluable for exchanging ideas, learning about new concepts, and discovering innovative recovery techniques.
You can’t put knowledge in a pill. Gaining all the insight you can about effectively managing bipolar is key.
Self-Esteem
Bipolar can really deal a blow to your self-esteem. Recently, I had to get rid of a car that I’d driven for 12 years. Buying a new car has been an exhausting process—not because I can’t find what I want or can’t afford to buy it, but because I wasn’t convinced I deserved a new car.
I am my own worst enemy. I have to make a conscious, continuous effort to eliminate negative thinking and self-talk by emphasizing my worth as a person and engaging with people and in activities—like volunteering—that enhance my self-esteem. I’m still a work in progress.
It’s important to get feedback from others and try to examine yourself from an objective, realistic standpoint. I try to analyze my thoughts, words, and actions to see if I need to rethink, restate, or rework them.
Self-Control
Given the recklessness and impulsiveness that is often associated with bipolar, maintaining control of your emotions and behavior is critical. I spent a number of years acting without regard to consequences, speaking before thinking, and failing to exercise restraint of any kind. The repercussions—financial, vocational, interpersonal, and legal—were severe.
With the help of therapy, I eventually began to recognize the error of my ways. I learned to take feedback from loved ones into account. I started to see the value in righting wrongs where practical, and making apologies when possible.
Asking specific questions helps keep me on track: Are my emotions in check? Is my behavior appropriate? Staying in touch with myself and in tune with input from others helps me stay on top of my wellness.
Evaluating who you are and what you know, along with appreciating your value as a unique individual and practicing some self-restraint, is well worth the effort. Why not take a little time right now to size up your self?
Used by permission.