Letting go of the past is a very difficult thing to do especially with a mental disorder. You can almost get trapped in the past and keep it as your present and future. When a person has gone through tough times and traumas it is hard to move on. Then when you have a mental disorder that can freeze time it makes it all that more difficult. What you have to ask yourself is this how I want my entire life to be or do I want more? Many feel they don’t deserve better and punish themselves by staying in this perfect storm or keep feeding the storm instead of breaking free. When you do this long enough you begin to lose yourself and your happy ending. Then when unfortunate events continue to pile on and you haven’t dealt with what has already existed you begin to drown. How do I come up for air?
If you are lucky enough to have at least one or more people who won’t let you disappear and believe in you more than you do yourself. These are the people you should surround yourself with and let those who drag you down free. Find a therapist you are comfortable with and work on opening up. Then translate that opening up to someone you know you can trust and who always has your back. Keeping everything in just let’s it fester which turns into anger and loss of hope.
Don’t get stuck in your past. Put those old pictures away and put out new ones that bring you happiness and don’t keep you in the storm. Create new routines and work at getting out of your funk. Constant repetition of past behaviors and past reminders just keep you down. Create a space that is positive and represents you and the things that bring you joy. Kill the negative with positive. Think about the times you are happy, calm, relaxed, feeling pretty good and make more time for that. Stop spiraling in the dull drums.
Everyone deserves to be happy and have a chance at a full life. Don’t let your past consume your present and future. Sometimes it’s worth reaching outside your comfort zone. It’s also ok to ask for help. I know I am still working on that one myself.
Covid makes it more challenging because everyone is adapting to a new kind of life. Don’t let that stop you and keep you isolated from the world. Use your imagination and come up with a new way of living.
If you have a special someone or a best friend or someone you care deeply about. Let them know. Like I stated before these are the people you should be putting any extra energy you have into because these are the people that will always be there for you no matter what. You don’t want to push them away!
Let the past go and work to a better present and future. Don’t get lost in negativity. I know it isn’t easy because I was there. I am still working on staying in the present and building a brighter future. All you can do is make the first step. Don’t be afraid to try new things.
It’s time to stop going around and around in a circle and time to open the circle and create a path to a happier life.
Life with Bipolar Disorder 