Bipolar in itself can be debilitating, confusing and frustrating to those that suffer. Employers do not understand your daily battle at times, just to get out of bed and trudge on through your day. Family members can be critical in the low times of post mania, when the depression sets in with no passing in sight. Relationships falter and pass by the wayside, leaving you feeling as though this is just one more blow to your self esteem that causes you to almost give up. Friends can not grasp the rapid change in your moods and they begin to make excuses for not getting together. Teachers cause more harm then good-labeling you as a bad kid, who will not apply themselves.
None of this is true. Your life is a struggle. That is what they need to understand. Your beautiful inside and you have times when you are beautiful outside, if they will only open their eyes to see you. Not the manic or depressive mess caught in the grips of yet another all too soon Bipolar meltdown. The person you truly are that is screaming to be the person you want to be.
When the mania and the depression passes, you feel like you have a new lease on life, a euphoric high that you want to share with those that mean so much and as you look around- you feel so alone.
My heart breaks for you, my arms want to hug and hold you while I scream at the world they are not being fair to you. They simply do not understand. You have potential and you are a gift to those around you that want to take the time to really get to know you.
The world needs an eyeopening education on the facts, effects and the solutions. Until they receive that, you have me.
My name is Michelle Lane, my daughter suffers from Bipolar Disorder II and I am her biggest fan. I will be her champion until I take my last breath. I want to be a champion for all those that suffer! For by doing so, I am not only saving my daughter another day of happiness, I am contributing to the happiness of all those that suffer. You need to know you are not alone. Parents -embrace your child, friends- encourage your peer, siblings -offer that shoulder, world -get educated.
Michelle C. Lane is a freelance writer and parent of a child, diagnosed at the age of fifteen, with Bipolar Disorder. She is the author of "Bipolar: One Mother's Journey"- due to be released in early 2011.