My friend's father is also bipolar. It's been eight or nine years since he was diagnosed, and he's doing really well! He's been receiving medication at a regular hospital and taking his medication on time since his diagnosis. My friend said that his father is actually in very good shape now, with normal speech and behavior, and a gentler disposition (his father was more grumpy in his early years).
His father is actually a very self-disciplined person, even a bit of a perfectionist, and takes everything very seriously. That's why his career has developed very well, and his colleagues around him also think that he is a person with leadership and high emotional intelligence. He has indeed led his colleagues to better development, and the family lives in harmony. Before my friend mentioned this to me, I had never thought that his father had bipolar disorder – it's so inspiring to see how he's managed to turn his challenges into strengths!
I'm happy to say that everything I've told you is absolutely true!
So, with effective drug treatment (seek help from a doctor at a regular tertiary or higher-level hospital, a good doctor will help you determine the most effective dosage together, and sometimes the effect can also be greatly affected by the wrong dosage), and adjusting yourself, what's the point of actually getting a diagnosis?
Is there a rule that says such people are doomed to give up on something? Absolutely not! There's no reason why you can't succeed. In life, a lot of things depend on you.
I'm not old enough to give any advice, but I just want to share a true story to encourage you!
I know you will do your best, and I know you will achieve some amazing breakthroughs with our love and blessings for you and your family! It doesn't have to be done overnight, but you still need to make some changes.
The main thing is that you don't regard the illness itself as a burden. When you do that, you'll be amazed at how much better you feel! Your family will be tired too, even if you don't say anything. It's just a matter of adjusting your mindset, taking your medicine on time, drinking when you should, eating when you should, sleeping well (my friend's father just often sleeps when he's done things, maybe for him it's a way to repair himself and recover, and of course it could also be the effect of the medication).
Oh, and is it basically lifelong medication like my friend's father? The dosage will be adjusted over time. I really hope everyone, regardless of age, will be excited about taking medication!
I truly believe that if the medicine is helping you to maintain a stable state, then it is doing its job! Don't be afraid of taking medicine. When you feel out of sorts, get in touch with your doctor as soon as you can to adjust the medicine and dosage. You'll be amazed at how many problems you can solve!
Best regards! I'm so excited to see you soon!


Comments
I can totally relate to feeling unsafe when you're unwell. It's comforting to have a safe space like home to retreat to. Marriage brought a new kind of support, but it's tough when changes keep affecting your health. Counseling has been eyeopening for me too, helping me understand myself better. Now, postdivorce, I find myself back at my parents' place, and the tension is palpable. I'm torn between wanting independence and fearing I'm not ready for it.
It's hard to feel understood by family sometimes. They might not realize how much we've changed or what we're going through. After everything that's happened, I wonder if there's a way to bridge that gap and communicate more effectively. Maybe with time, we can rebuild that connection and find a middle ground where I can still feel supported while pursuing my own path.
The fear of relapsing is real, and it's scary to think about facing the world alone. But maybe this is an opportunity to build up my resilience gradually, in a way that feels safe. Perhaps starting with small steps, like setting up a routine or finding a hobby, could help ease the transition into living independently.
I've learned that being simpleminded doesn't mean I can't make smart choices for myself. Sometimes, it takes courage to admit when we need help. Maybe reaching out to a friend or a support group could provide some reassurance and show me that I'm not alone in this.
Living on my own sounds liberating, yet the thought of isolation is daunting. I wonder if there's a balance to strike—perhaps a shared living arrangement or a community where I can be independent but also have support nearby. That way, I can grow at my own pace without feeling overwhelmed.