I just spent about a week in a mental hospital. When I am getting out of balance, I don't realize I am getting crazy and when I say crazy, I mean really nuts. Fortunately I have some good medications that let me lead a mostly normal life. My question is this. Are there any people with Bipolar disorder out there who are able to lead completely normal lives? I want to be normal so bad it hurts.
2006-09-12 10:33:50 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
You are all so kind, I just can't choose a best answer. I hope you will vote on it and choose one for someone to get the ten points. Thank you for your kind words!
2006-09-13 15:13:08 · update #1
Completely normal is really subjective. The last thing I strive to be is what some call normal. Live from your heart, smile when you can, and cry when you need to. Find somebody to hug every day. The neat part about hugs is that when you give one, you usually get one back!
There are some different alternative and complimentary therapies you could consider. If you'd like to discuss them further, please email me. No hard feelings if you don't.
2006-09-12 11:01:55 · answer #1 · answered by ohio healer 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have bipolar. Some times I lead a very normal life then other times I am sick. The trick is knowing that no one is "Normal". Every one has quarks, personality disorders and so forth. Some are more noticeable than others. Some people hide them well but NOBODY is "normal". I feel for you when I am swinging I definitely feel like I am sticking out like a sore thumb. How often do you cycle? Are eating right? Not doing drugs or drinking (I had a problem with this). How much exercise are you getting. All of these things make a big difference in how often you cycle and sever your cycling is. I take ant-pschotics because with out them I hear things. Proper medicine is a must and you must work hard with your doctor to find the right ballance. Be very honest with your doctor, Hide non of your symptoms even if doesn't seem like a big deal and most of all stay on your meds especially when you feel good. We can lead normal lives but remember our normal migh be a little different than some one elses normal life who migh be a little different than some one elses normal life and so forth. I really encourage you to find a Bipolar support group. Contact me any time.
2006-09-12 18:03:34 · answer #2 · answered by James L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the severity of your bipolar. I have bipolar II which isn't as severe and it has a big effect on my life. But I'm not living in the gutter and am doing better with my life than some peolple without it. I assume you have bipolar I which involves severe mania. If you stay on your meds, trust me you better, then you should be able to live a pretty normal life. Not everyone will became a physician, astronaut, or any of these other fantaises we all have when we are young.
Well then again...
However, you should know that many people in Hollywood, liturature , music and other professions are bipolar or have some tpye of mental illness.
Bipolar Famous people:
Buzz Aldrin, astronaut
Axl Rose-musician Guns N Roses
DMX-Rapper
Ned Beatty, actor
Robert Boorstin, writer, assistant to Pres. Clinton,
Napoleon
Tim Burton, artist, movie director
Drew Carey, actor
Jim Carrey, actor
Agatha Christie, mystery writer
Winston Churchill, 1874-1965- British Prm Mnstr
Francis Ford Coppola, director
Emily Dickinson
T S Eliot, poet
Larry Flynt, magazine publisher
Sigmund Freud, physician
Cary Grant, actor
Linda Hamilton, actor
Marilyn Monroe, actress
Mozart, composer
Isaac Newton, scientist
Plato, philosopher, according to Aristotle
Edgar Allen Poe, author
(Sting), musician, composer
Liz Taylor, actor
Mark Twain, author
Ted Turner, entrepreneur, media giant
Jean-Claude Van Damme, athlete, actor
Vincent van Gogh
Walt Whitman, poet
Tennessee Williams, author
Brian Wilson, musician (Beach Boys), composer, arranger
Luther Wright, athlete (basketball)
Margot Kidder, actor
Robert E Lee, soldier
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), US President
Kay Redfield Jamison, psychologist, writer
Not bad huh?
Strive to be extraodinary, not ordinary!
2006-09-12 19:19:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have met some bipolar people who are, college professors, mental health professionals, all kinds of creative people...they lead lives which are manageable, people like them, and respect them...I have yet to meet a single person who is normal...that is what makes us all so interesting we are all unique in what we have to give to others. we all need others to help support us and to be our trusted friends people we can learn to trust and listen to when they tell us that we are getting out of balance because there are times when we are unable to recognize our own needs. that is true for all people not just people with mental disorders.
2006-09-12 23:41:56 · answer #4 · answered by mochi.girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes and I am really glad you are doing good. My son is bi-polar and it runs in my family. I take medications too. You have to take your medication the same time every day as prescribed. If it isn't working then the doctor needs to know. Let your sister manage your meds or get one of those pill boxes with a timer that reminds you to take your meds. You need to find something to put your mind into that you enjoy learn a hobby that makes you happy. Listen to happy music. You will have down days and on those days you especially need to do things that make you happy. Funny movies, happy music,....And always put this in your head. When your sister says something is for your own good do it no matter what your mood tells you to do. OK. Sister loves you. You are very blessed to have her. She never tells you wrong. And you will be on the road to recovery soon. You already took the first step. Stick with your friends kid they won't tell you wrong:-) Always Happy Thoughts To You.
2006-09-12 18:15:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chemical in balance of the brain is a tough fight, i know someone who is bipolar, and is living to a ripe and productive life. Think of how long you have been like this, think of what might have happened in life to trigger this, and mostly stay on medications, and self help books might help, along with a good counselor. also keep yourself active, with some sport swimming ect, charity, or anything gratifying.. join a group, church,you have to help yourself mostly......
2006-09-12 17:52:41 · answer #6 · answered by zuriel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
of course you can have a normal life! try to think of it like diabetes,you need to keep on your medication ,work with the doctors to keep stable ,and self monitor your health same as diabetes,you may need to spend some time in hospital if needed .If you are good at learning how to control it then it wont control you .
2006-09-12 17:45:32 · answer #7 · answered by stephanie n 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to get a really good support ggroup in your life and listen to your doctor
2006-09-12 21:47:05 · answer #8 · answered by Trojan8408 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋