Hey, y’all –
No, you didn’t read it wrong. You CAN have peace and bipolar disorder at the same time.
God said He would give us the “peace that passeth all understanding.” I don’t understand how I can have peace yet still deal with bipolar disorder, but I do. That’s probably the “that passeth all understanding” part of the Scripture.
There are things that are not under our control, but if we give them to God, we can have peace about them. There’s a saying that “God is bigger than my problems,” and that’s usually what comes to my mind when I’m struggling with something. It helps to know that I don’t have to do it all by myself.
I have peace in spite of my bipolar disorder. But it isn’t easy. I still have to do all the things that help me stay stable, like having a peaceful lifestyle. I avoid the triggers I know I have (stress being the biggest one), I have a strong support system, I keep a mood chart, and I write in my journal faithfully.
Writing definitely gives me peace. I don’t have to worry about spelling or grammar, just putting my thoughts and feelings down on paper. And looking back on older entries assures me that I am in recovery from bipolar disorder. My journal shows me growth and progress.
Peace for me also comes from an orderly life. No more drama or chaos. I avoid toxic people, places, and things. My serenity and sanity are of prime importance to me, and I do what I can to protect them. I also keep a routine.
There isn’t a whole lot you can count on in life, so keeping a routine helps me to manage my bipolar disorder by being predictable and controllable. Of course, there still needs to be room for flexibility.
But I do protect my peace at all costs. As long as I keep my eyes upward and my life in the right direction (including control over my bipolar disorder), I can maintain that peace.
The Bible also says that “God is no respecter of persons.” That means that what He’s done for me, He can do for you as well. You CAN have peace with bipolar disorder.
My medications help me the most. It took awhile to get on the right ones, but what I am on now keeps me stable. I also see a therapist every other week, which keeps my head on straight.
Bipolar disorder is not something that cannot be overcome. You can learn to live in peace with it. But you have to find that peace within yourself.
Mostly, you need to avoid those things that cause you stress and anxiety and “steal” your peace.
The more peaceful you are, the less you will have episodes. So isn’t it worth it?
Wishing you peace and stability,
Remember God loves you and so do I,
Michele
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