|
|
Copyright BPChildren 2001-2011
* What I Learned About Bipolar Disorder
"Accentuate your superabilities and minimize your disabilities. And don't let the disability make you feel less than,
because everyone has a challenge to overcome, whether they admit it or not."
Aviva, age 22
Aviva, age 22
* How I Feel About Taking Medicine
"Sometimes you cry. Sometimes you laugh. But no matter what mood you're in, you are still bipolar." Ciara, age 13
"I have to remember to take my medication three times a day or I could have rages or depression that might have
to have me put back into the hospital. I do know how important it is take my medication all the time, but I do know
that other bipolar people will sometimes think they are cured and stop taking their medications. If I do this, I know I
will go back to rages and depression and not be able to control myself." Samantha, age 13
* Suceeding in School and Beyond
"I try to remember to stop and think before I do anything, but that is not easy. I was put on a new medication that is
helping me to stay focused at school, and I am doing much better. I now have a few friends that accept me for who I
am, but it is still very hard to deal with everyday."
Samantha, age 13
Samantha, age 13
* Getting Along With Others
"When I'm at school I'm usually one year younger than all of my friends. I dont think much of it and maybe they dont
either. People have always teased me because I act differently than they do. When I was little I would cry about it.
But now, even though I'm going through an even harder life, I ignore what the people around me say. I cheer myself
up by reading my comic books, watching cartoons, and drawing pictures. "...Because even when your heart hurts
the most, you have to continue to fight your battles. If you ignore the pain, you will most likely drown in your own
tears." That's what I always remind myself of!"
Rebecca, age 13
Rebecca, age 13
"If somebody provokes me into wanting to fight, I think to myself they are not worth it and walk away!!"
Big John-age16
Big John-age16
* Hospital Stays and Doctor Visits
"What you can do is make the best of it."
Isaac age 13
Isaac age 13
"Advice I might give about staying in the hospital would be: It helped me to get away from things, my family too, so I
did not do something I would later regret. The hospitals were not that bad, but after a few day I did want to go home.
My mom visited everyday and I talked to her all the time. She was able to call me, or I was able to call her. My mom
bought me a beanie baby each time I was admitted. That also seemed to help me. I also brought pictures from
home, of my dog, my mom and brother, that seemed to help too."
Samantha, age 13
Samantha, age 13
* When Parents and Teens Disagree
"When I'm angry or sad I tend to blame things on my parents and family. But I have learned that I can't blame my
family for how I'm feeling because they are trying to help me. Even when we disagree, I still love them."
Ciara age 13
Ciara age 13
* Telling Friends About Bipolar Disorder
"It is hard for me to express what bipolar disorder is and how it effects me to my friends. But over the years, I have
learned you can't always keep it to yourself. It is better for your close friends to know but you don't have to tell
everybody."
Ciara age 13
Ciara age 13
* How Bipolar Disorder Affects Me
"I suffer with bipolar 2. I first suffered with mainly episodes of depression in high school. Then as a young adult I
have noticed more manic episodes. I cannot help but notice that I cannot sleep sometimes with my "racing
thoughts" I constantly am thinking. I have noticed that I can try and sit in the dark and breathe deeply. I also have
those thoughts of "why did I have to have this" "why me" "will my daughter have the same life?"
What I have as an answer is this: I may have a mental illness but it is because I am supposed to. If not I would be
unable to relate to some people. We all have what some call shortcomings. But sometimes the shortcomings are
what will make us stronger."
Susan- 23 yrs old.
Susan- 23 yrs old.