Bipolar Disorder: Do I have to give up everything? by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT
The concern
A common thought and concern most individuals living with Bipolar Disorder have is, “Do I have to give up everything?” This can be influenced by many things, including but not limited to society or people in the individual’s life giving messages that they need to be a whole new person. This concern can also be influenced by the individual liking certain aspects and symptoms of their diagnosis. There are parts of the diagnosis that have helped in positive ways, such as success in a job or career, driven attitude, creativity, and decreased inhibitions that may have allowed for the formation of friendships and relationships.
No, you don’t have to give up everything.
In therapy, the individual and therapist explore areas of the individual’s life that they’re having difficulty with that may be impacted by symptoms of Bipolar Disorder. To advise an individual to give up everything would be invalidating. Instead, it’s more about modification, fine tuning, and discovering a balance. Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder don’t just disappear; this is a diagnosis that the individual can learn how to manage so that the symptoms don’t hinder a successful and fulfilling future.
What do I think? What do I do?
A large portion of therapy is also dedicated to discussing how others have misunderstood the individual. As stated above, this diagnosis doesn’t just disappear. Others in the individual’s life may have a lack of information about mental illness, which leads to unrealistic expectations about treatment and outcomes. Others may also view this part of the individual as something that needs to go away so that the person will just magically be better. This can lead the individual to feel rejected and like damaged goods. Individuals living with Bipolar Disorder can be successful, and oftentimes already are in certain areas of their life. Individuals living with Bipolar Disorder also have other great qualities that have nothing to do with this diagnosis. Through therapy, the individual can experience what it’s like to not be judged, find acceptance, learn strategies to manage extreme symptoms, feel confident about themselves, be able to identify other parts of them that make up their identity, and (to be real) not feel like crap anymore.
You don’t have to do this alone. I specialize in bipolar disorder. If you are interested in receiving therapy with me, let’s schedule a free 15-minute phone consult.
My office is located in Irvine, which is near Newport Beach, Orange, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Tustin, Seal Beach, and beyond. I work with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and Asian American & Pacific Islanders.
Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. The topics being discussed are meant as a self-help tool for you own use. It is not psychotherapy or counseling. This information is to be used based on your own judgment. If you need to speak with a professional, you should find one local to you and contact them directly.
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