I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder over 12 years ago although I was told that I have been since I was a little. The one thing about Bipolar is that it is a confusing and frustrating disease that not a lot of people actually understand. I am sure it is a scary subject for some especially when the only contact you have had is from the news, television, and/or movies. Well, I am here to tell you not everyone with Bipolar is violent and most of the time you won’t even be able to tell if someone has Bipolar.

I have Bipolar…does it show? Most days no it doesn’t…some days it does. The days it does the depression might take hold of my emotions or the mania will speed up my thoughts, words, and actions. Now that is not all that bipolar is…it is just a snippet. If I had to generalize what Bipolar is I would say it is a constant battle with your own brain and emotions. Some days I can’t get out of bed because the depression has such a strong grip and then other days I jump out of bed ready to take on the world…mixed in there are the normal days when I get out of bed one foot at a time.

How do I handle Bipolar? Well, I have an amazing Mom that is my biggest support system and she understands and listens without judgement or trying to fix me…because I am not broken, I am a person with a disease. No, I don’t take medication as my mind and body does not respond well to it. So, I choose the alternate route…I have my Mom and I have my dogs. More specifically I have Roxie…my service dog and she is an amazing furry person. She knows my mood before I do and she knows what I need before I do.

So, there you have a brief snapshot of my life with Bipolar…no worries, I will share more but this is all I have for now.