Bipolar disorder presents unique challenges, but many individuals find ways to manage their symptoms and build resilience. One woman’s journey highlights practical strategies that can help others facing similar struggles.
After 20 years living with bipolar 1 disorder, Susan Johnson reflects on her path to recovery, emphasizing that her darkest days are now behind her. She recalls a time when she felt overwhelmed and hopeless, battling the consequences of her mental health condition. However, with the support of her faith, family, friends, and a dedicated therapist, she reclaimed her life.
Johnson’s experiences led her to write a memoir titled “Some Dreams Are Worth Keeping: A Memoir of My Bipolar Journey” and to deliver a TEDx talk titled “Having a Mental Illness Is Not a Death Sentence.” In her reflections, she shares eight strategies that helped her navigate difficult times:
1. **Choose Joy**: Each morning presents an opportunity to find happiness despite life’s difficulties. For Johnson, joy comes from simple pleasures like watching sunsets, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in her work with special education students. 2. **Embrace Laughter**: Humor can alleviate stress. Johnson and her husband find joy in everyday moments and enjoy classic comedies together, allowing laughter to lighten their burdens. 3. **Build a Support Network**: Johnson cultivated supportive relationships over two decades, stemming from her church involvement and community activities. She emphasizes the importance of having friends and family who understand and uplift you during challenging times. 4. **Maintain Faith**: Faith is a cornerstone of Johnson’s resilience. She practices journaling, prays regularly, and finds comfort in her spiritual beliefs, which provide stability during turbulent moments. 5. **Stay Active**: Physical activity releases endorphins, enhancing mood. Johnson walks approximately two miles daily as part of her job. She encourages others to find affordable ways to stay active, whether through gym memberships or outdoor activities. 6. **Seek Professional Help**: Finding the right therapist is essential. Johnson shares her experience of attending therapy weekly during tough times and now only needing monthly sessions. She stresses the importance of finding a therapist who fits your needs. 7. **Adhere to Medication**: Regular medication intake is vital for managing bipolar disorder. Johnson notes that she adjusts her medication based on her stress levels, emphasizing how crucial it is to communicate with healthcare providers about necessary changes. 8. **Prioritize Sleep**: Quality sleep is fundamental for mood regulation. Johnson aims for 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night, sticking to a routine that supports her health and well-being. Through her journey, Johnson learned that life is characterized by seasons, each with its own challenges and joys. She encourages others to persevere through difficulties, reminding them that brighter days will come. Her message resonates with those living with mental health conditions: “Sometimes you have to tell the negative committee that meets inside your head to just sit down and shut up.” Johnson’s story exemplifies the strength found in resilience and the power of community support in overcoming the challenges of bipolar disorder.
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