Will I always have bipolar?

When you’re at your lowest point, it’s hard to imagine ever feeling better. Sometimes you might not even remember what life was like before you started experiencing bipolar disorder. It’s easy to feel hopeless and wonder: “Am I just going to be this way forever?”

People’s experiences vary. Some people only experience a few episodes of mania or depression, while others experience them off and on throughout their lives. There’s really no way to tell which of these will be you. All you can do is focus on how to address the symptoms you’re experiencing now.

Treatment and self-help

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for bipolar disorder—no way to guarantee that it will never come back. But there are many effective treatments, including many things you can do to on your own. Many people are able to find a combination of treatments and coping skills that allow them to live in recovery.

If you have some doubts about seeking treatment, that’s okay. It’s natural to feel uncomfortable opening up to other people about your mental illness. You can start by reading more articles on this site and others, learning more about bipolar disorder. Find someone you trust who you can talk to. But don’t wait for bipolar disorder to go away on its own. It’s more likely to only get worse without some kind of intervention.

Recovery

Just as bipolar disorder affects everyone in a slightly different way, each person’s recovery is unique. Some people are able to eliminate their symptoms completely. More commonly, people are able to reduce their symptoms to a manageable level. They are able to keep bipolar disorder from controlling their lives.

Many people even get to a point where they feel grateful for what they’ve learned by living with and recovering from bipolar disorder. It’s okay if you never get to that point—it’s okay to just accept it, and do what you need to do to take care of yourself.

Recovery from bipolar disorder can be a long process and it can be hard work… But it’s worth it!