I woke up this morning to a night sky and headed for my rocking chair on the porch. Stars and a sliver of the moon were still shining. Looking up I wondered why we readily make wishes upon stars and struggle to believe in ourselves. We are here in the flesh with all kinds of talents and dreams.
Why indeed. By the time you’re in your 50s, chances are you’ve had plenty of opportunities to lose faith. For some of us, our failures and transgressions become tattoos. The things you are good at, the things you really love to do, become an addendum to your life story.
I have a cousin who lives with bipolar illness The disease has derailed him several times. After each episode, he brings himself down a notch. Listening to him talk about how he wants to be a better person breaks my heart. He is so good already – smart and thoughtful and handsome and athletic, but he doesn’t see it.
I have bipolar illness too. I heard myself in his regrets and sadness. With this illness, you can do some really gnarly things when you are manic. My specialty is saying exactly what’s on my mind when I lose my temper. In a manic outburst, I can deliver a cutting message with stunning clarity and precision. My words are a shot to the center of the heart. I’ve lost friends. I’ve worked extremely hard on this, and it rarely happens now. Nevertheless, I have a history.
When you swing low, to the bottom of an episode of depression, you can’t see or feel past the moment. Your mind won’t let you embrace good thoughts. That has its consequences too. The feeling of hopelessness is everywhere, and you are tired all the time. Processing a rational thought is like walking through wet sand. When I listen to my cousin, I can’t believe that someone as capable as he is feels so bad about himself, but I get it. I can count on more than ten fingers the times I feel just like him.
People with bipolar disorder have to pick themselves up again and again. Sometimes you start from scratch. You have to be willing and invested in mining your goodness and finding faith over and over. It is no surprise to me that this disease has the highest rate of suicide among people with mental illnesses. When I tell people I have bipolar disorder, I act all nonchalant about it. Some people are shocked, not because I am mentally ill, but because I don’t “show signs.” That’s because I take my medication like I brush my teeth, every day, and I can afford to see a psychiatrist.
Most of all, my family is extremely supportive. My husband and children are compassionate and patient. On the days I rest, my daughter Emma calls to check on me. The empathy and acceptance she radiates feels like a double scoop of love. My husband is by my side always. And my son, he can feel what I’m feeling sometimes. In those moments, when he offers kind words they are like anchors.
Living with bipolar disorder is one of the reasons I try to be positive in this blog. I’ve dusted myself off many times. I know failure really well. No matter how many times I nearly disintegrate, swing too high or too low, my soul waits for me. It is whole and healthy, and it is a tremendous friend. This illness will never diminish it or steal my essence. You have no idea how grateful I am.
Janet Kibler
Loved this message….beautiful and courageous. Hope we can get together again soon!
maureen goldman
Thank you Jan! My cousin made me want to share being bipolar. Hearing how sad he was made me feel that the confidence part and how hard this illness can be was worth talking about.
Pam Wamberg
Honest, True, Helpful, Forgiving, Hopeful
Thank you for addressing mental illness as a disease that’s as real as the flu, and as misunderstood as ….so many things!
maureen goldman
Pam, you gave me a chill (a good one.) Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
Sharon Schoenecker
Beautifully crafted work here Maureen. Your vulnerability makes me love you more! We each carry a burden. I trust yours will feel lighter now.
maureen goldman
Thank you Sharon! I was a bit worried about posting this story. It was worth it. xo
Susan
How beautifully you express your thoughts. Thank you for sharing because you helped me too. Even with some successes, your description of “dusting” off is something I do. Anxiety and depression have long been a part of my life. Thank you Maureen. Would love to see you guys!
maureen goldman
Susan, I am amazed by how many people have shared their illness with me as a result of this post. I’ve concluded that there are too many people who are isolated in their pain. I am thinking about starting a support group in Atlanta. I’ll let you know if I do. In the meantime, let me know if you would like to walk around Chastain.
Bridget Gates-Raff
Writers are kiters – my favorite peeps. Hugs – big bear hugs – and xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxies
maureen goldman
Bridget, it is so good to hear from you! I wish I had spent time with you when Sarah and I were younger. You are a one-of-a-mind woman. I hope to visit this fall. xoxo, Maureen.
Judith Bartholomew
You explained this illness so well! I am sure You will help others who are in need to find peace and strength from this heart felt message. Everyone who reads this can learn something important about this illness.
Maureen Goldman
Thank you Judith. That means so much to me.
Julie Pixler
Beautifully written. Love this Maureen. Keep writing. xo Julie Pixler
Maureen Goldman
Thank you Julie! xo
Friend
I wish I knew myself so well. Your insight is amazing.
Maureen Goldman
Thank you, Fred!