I deal with ups and downs on a daily basis. The littlest things set me off. I have a wonderful boyfriend that takes it all in stride and rides the rollercoaster with me. I hate being bipolar and my life has been turned upside down in the past 3 months because of it. Sometimes I feel that it wants nothing more than to see me 6 feet under. No medication helps and I feel that my life is always going to be this way and the thought of that just scares me to death. I just needed to get it off my chest, thanks.
You are not alone in this. So many artists suffer this malady. I know this in not popular on this site but I'll pray.
I am in the same position. I deal with ups and downs. Things happen. It's difficult, and when someone says "I know what you feel" - No. They don't. It's just an idiotic thing. People have no idea what you're going through unless they deal with it and experience it as well. I've heard the "I understand" and it's frustrating, dealing with what I do, interests, different ideas, thoughts, etc, that most would not understand. I just quietly listen to them say they get it, and walk off, knowing they truly don't.
The ups and downs are difficult. But I've learned how to handle them better.
I hate it when people say we are brave as well. We aren't, it's just a fact of life. We have to deal with it. The alternative being we don't and I do have experience in attempting to choose that route as well. The only thing I can add is as thatas I have gotten older things have gotten better. You learn to recognize signs and symptoms earlier and manage them better. That's not to say it still isn't a struggle some days. Having someone just listen often can make the difference in a bad day turning into a disastrous one. So if you want to know what to do for someone who is suffering from any kind of mental or mood disorder, just be a friend and lend them an ear or a shoulder to cry on if that's what they need.
The world is getting a bit better at understanding these things but there is still a certain stigma. Just don't ever add to that. Educate yourself with facts and ask questions. I know I am happy to explain to people what it's like for me. I've had to learn to be an advocate and not so much for myself, but for the two children I passed along these genes to.
Two best pieces of advice: Don't tell someone you know how they feel unless you do and have had these issues yourself.
Do just ask, "What can I do?". Often it really is as simple as being there and just listening.
