Home > > Post Content

SIMPLY DEPRESSED WITH BIPOLAR? (356 hits)

Yes. I can just be simply depressed at times and not necessarily experiencing a full-blown clinical or manic depression and so can you.

There are times I just feel sad and I just keep it moving. It will ususally pass as long as I don't resort to drinking or using recreational drugs thinking I am going to feel better.

It does not happen that way. That is how people fall into the trap of dual-diagnosis which means they have an addiction to drugs/alcohol in addition to being diagnosed with a mentall illness.

Now, I was never a drinker or drug user so I praise God that has never been my challenge. However, I have had wine before and I realized before I was diagnosed with Bipolar that I did not like the way it made me feel. I basically still do not, but there are times like at an important family dinner, holiday, etc. that I may have a glass or two. I cut it off at that point. Self-discipline. Self-determination.

Now, Maryland got them crabs going on in full force, too! The perfect combination is beer and crabs. I hate the taste of beer. Always did. But I do enjoy the combination of the beer washing down all those spices. I will cook crabs in beer, too. So I figured out a solution to be able to enjoy beer and crabs so that I do not act the fool and end up hospitalized or something. I am fond of Goya Ginger Beer now. The light version is my favorite. So, when I go out for crabs, I take my own Ginger Beer. I still eat the crabs cooked in beer, too.

Finding a compatible way to enjoy life with Bipolar is not a difficult thing when you want wellness. It's just like watching how much cake you have if you are diabetic. It is just like watching your salt intake if you are diagnosed with hypertension. It's all about choices.

So, this holiday weekend, don't over-indulge whether you have Bipolar or not. If you experience depression, try talking it out or going for a walk. If you know somebody with Bipolar who is "simply" depressed, don't go into a panic and start making the situation worse by stressing them out. Remember we all have dignity and do not want to be humiliated. Decide before you arrive at an event consumption limits so nobody is arguing and attracting negative attention. This is one reason Bipolar folks fall into stigmas.

Remember, Bipolar has no cure, but it is treatable. People with Bipolar have normal emotions, too. What do you do when you are "simply" depressed?

Today, I wish that I enjoy the crabs I plan to eat at my family's picnic on Sunday. I'm taking four 12 oz. bottles of light Goya Ginger Beer on ice. I'm only willing to share one bottle, smile.

Check out Narcotics Anonymous at: www.na.org

Agnes ~ Too Wise Not To Praise Him!
Author of "Cooling Well Water: A Collection of Work By An African-American Bipolar Woman" ISBN 0975461206 Winter Release Pending - www.myspace.com/coolingwellwater