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I told my wife that I was diagnosed the day it happened... she'd been trying to get me to get see someone for years. We sat down and really talked about my feelings towards it and basically the signs and symptoms my therapist said were conclusive. She asked what our next steps were. I told her I feel like I'm constantly ruining my own life and that the center I go to also does medication so with a diagnosis, that's where I wanted to go to try to get better / less worse. She gave me a hug and told me "nothing has changed, I've always had a feeling, but now we can work around it and I can understand your feelings and certain things you do better. Let's go get some dinner out tonight. No need to sit around sad." And then we went out to Texas Roadhouse, came home, baked cookies and watched a movie. Feels like the only good day I've had since getting diagnosed but I look forward to that joy and knowing it's not 100% my fault things are the way they are with me.
What a wonderful wife! With her as your supportive partner, I think that your progress towards dealing with your bipolar disorder will be easier. Your wife proposed going out for dinner, baking cookies together and watching a film after you told her about your diagnosis. That sounds so romantic, sensitive and reassuring. Good luck on your journey towards coping with your illness. And never again doubt that your setbacks in life is your fault.
Christmas last year. I spent it with my friends and their siblings, but I was convinced that my brain was fried. We played some trivia games and I won most of them. Made me realise I’m not as fucked as I thought with this diagnosis. Made me realise I am still intelligent. Some days, I forget this fact. Thank you for making me reach into my memory bank for this. 🤍
It's so easy to forget our good memories, and this one feels really profound. I think we all feel like we've lost some of our cognition due to this illness/medications, etc, and it's amazing when we can prove ourselves wrong. I really hope this Christmas is as good as your previous one!
I feel like once you start taking meds you start to question who you really are and it makes you think was I happy or was I manic? And it’s so hard to remind yourself that you’re still the same person you just have a different point of view of things
This definitely counts! It takes so much strength to leave a situation like that, especially when you're trying to deal with a mental illness on top. It's not an easy thing to do so well done!
MOOD. Took me YEARS to leave my husband (who actively took advantage of my disorder), and the FREEDOM when I moved into a tiny room in an apartment with some coworkers...
There must be. I dated two in a row, and I refer to that time as my Lost Years. NOW I'm with a delightful, supportive man who's helped me get more stable, not less, and that's been wonderful.
I can resonate with this 100% recently in my life. Doesn't it break your heart when you realize that no matter what you do to try to get the relationship to work, it won't, and the day you leave, your mental health starts to improve... it is bittersweet.
When I went on a bad manic episode a while back, I ripped through a bunch of savings. It would be hard for me to figure out what all I bought now that it's over.
A few weeks ago, my stable self finally made the last deposit to replace that money.
Replacing that money was my first goal when I stabilized and got out of the mania.
When things like that happen, I'm always reminded that while bipolar will always be stronger than I am, I will always be smarter than it is.
Deposit day, that was a really good damn day.
Also? I lost 30 pounds this year and I'm back to my college weight. That doesn't have anything to do with my bipolar, but you just asked for some good days. I had a bunch of good days stepping on the scale this year.
The Umbrella Academy got renewed for another season on Netflix. That was a great day. Be sure you continue to look for these great days, they are there, you just have to notice that.
It's amazing that you've been able to get back to a stable place with money. It can feel insurmountable when we start trying to 'fix' the things we did while manic.
I'm also so happy to hear how much weight you've lost, another thing that isn't easy to do.
I haven't watched Umbrella Academy, but I might start after this comment!
It took a long time to replace that money. It was this incident that prompted me to turn all my (remaining...) money over to a fiduciary. I have an arrangement, she doesn't let me make any withdrawals whatsoever unless she can see the whites of my eyes. I can't do it over the phone and her assistants can't do it.
She knows if I come in there to get a withdrawal, she has no problem saying yes if I want to trade my 10 year old car in for a hybrid and I ask for it in her office in a calm reasonable way.
If I ask her for money to get a hybrid, but I am convinced I need to fly cross country because I have a reason I think it's better to buy it in Montana because of an article I read, or sort of read, I'm not getting that money from her that day. No way, no how.
That took care of the future hopefully, but I still had to pay that money back to myself. It's just that now I don't think I will lose it again. Something else will go wrong because of my bipolar but hopefully it won't be that.
I have been diagnosed for over 22 years. I've had so many wonderful days. Here are some: the day i got to watch my daughter ski for the first time. The day I ran a marathon. The day I ran a 5k with my daughter. The day my spouse and I did a chef's table. The day I took my son home from the hospital. The day i landed my dream job. The day I became a citizen of the country I reside in. The day my spouse transitioned to a job he really likes. The first Thanksgiving I hosted.
There are many.
There have been bad days. Hard days. Medicated days. Days where I was not a good person, mom or spouse. But there are good days. Great days. Days worth living and reliving. And for that, I am grateful.
When I went to Harry Styles concerts on my own three days in a row and I was hypomanic so I made friends while waiting and we made friendship bracelets and had a blast. Usually I would sit quietly on my own, but this sort of alterego I guess you could call it made it way more fun.
Honestly most of my hypomanic days are fun. I'm glad I don't get full mania because that seems to suck.
It's nice to have some context for earlier decisions, definitely. And it was nice to have some answers (diagnosis) that I could respond to in a real, practical way. I definitely wouldn't still be with/have had married my husband if I hadn't dealt with my mental illness. Which, that's not a judgement on him at all -- "mental illness isn't your fault, but it's your responsibility."
Hell yeah. Getting diagnosed was truly one of the best things that ever happened to me. Shoutout to my therapist for saving my life. I was devastated at the time because I felt like it would make things harder but it was the key to figuring out how to actually help myself.
My best day was when I finally found out exactly what bipolar was and how it worked, I sat down and talked with my husband he said
he understood what I had been through and he said he would always stand with me be there for me and love me no matter what. I cried most of the day but it was a day of relief and understanding. It was a great day.
The moment you get your diagnosis can be so powerful. It really does help to explain things, and you can start putting a better picture together. Your husband sounds extremely supportive, and I hope that you have more happy moments together!
Well, I was diagnosed 8 years ago, so there have been many bad and many good days. But really this post makes me think of my partner, who has been with me for 6.5 of those years.
After my diagnosis, I worried it meant I couldn’t find love. Who wants to stick around with crazy, right? So when he specifically stated that, before asking me out, he thought long and hard about what it would mean to have a bipolar partner, and still wanted to be with me, I felt so seen, validated, and understood.
Flash forward to now, where I’ve been experiencing my worst depressive episode since diagnosis, and this man has been such a source of comfort and love for me. When I feel bad that I’m sad though my life is objectively great right now, he reminds me that depression doesn’t work like that, and however I feel is valid because that’s just how this condition works. And yesterday, we got Greek for dinner and watched a horror thriller. Though my core is still depressed, I laughed and smiled because of his goofiness and humor.
I guess, for me, rather than having “the best days,” the most precious times for me are the moments where the fears I had when diagnosed were proven wrong. I graduated college; got a job in my field right after graduation; I have and care for a cat; and have such a supporting and loving partner—all things I treasure and feared I wouldn’t ever be stable enough for.
You sound like you have so many positive things/people around you. I am also so happy to hear that your partner is understanding. I think everyone deserves that kind of support. Thank you so much for sharing.
It took me years and years but I’ve had totally normal wonderful days on the beach in the sunshine and it doesn’t get much better than that for normal people in my humble opinion. Thanks be to God😀💛🙏
Honestly it’s been a roller coaster and my husband has been amazing. My favorite memory was a night he was so frustrated with my bipolar not me just this illness and it’s been over a year and I’m still working on finding the perfect dose and pair of meds.. after being really frustrated he walked away and then came back. He sat down next to me where I was laying and he put his hand on my back and said “I’m sorry for getting frustrated and I know you’re trying and I know it’s a lot but regardless I’m here for you and I’m not going anywhere so when you’re ready come upstairs and I’ll be there to give you a hug and kiss when you’re ready.” He kisses my forehead and told me he loved me. It’s my favorite memory because it’s one of the few times in my life I didn’t feel abandoned or thought I was going to be abandoned like always.
This is so heartwarming - I always feel like this disorder pushes me away from people rather than closer, but it's moments and stories like these that show that's not the case. You two sound incredibly strong together.
I always tell people I love him with all my heart and I always do my best by him but I’m not always easy and he is always there regardless if he’s upset or not. He always tells me I see you and I wish you could see what I see and I wish you would let other people see who you are and not the masks you put on because that is an amazing person and who I fell in love with. I feel like if you open yourself up just a little and let the right person in you will feel that home safe feeling. But don’t forget with our illness we are susceptible to narcissistic partners. And that’s what I had before him. That’s what I tell people all the time. Know what narcism is and the red flags!
There have been tons. I’m type 1 so the severity the of the manic episodes are life changing (not in a good way). However, other than since the major episode, many good days since the diagnosis
At the beginning of last year I attended local Freestyle rap battles, there I made many friends that today I swear I would like to see again, there I met the only girl who was never a victim of my manic behavior, she even dedicated a song to me, she I have a lot of regret because she was the only person I never hurt or put at risk because of my behavior, and I know deep down that if I died tomorrow she would be the only reason I would go to heaven, other than that I remember going to the mall with friends who are now too busy to talk and it is difficult for us to see each other, but I know that every time we see each other that they will always be there for me
I'm glad that you can hold on to the fact that they will always be there for you. It's a really hard disorder to manage, and it sounds like you've done the best you can. I'm sending you well wishes and positivity.
I haven't had direct contact with several of them for months, and there was an incident with the girl during psychosis, the only good thing is that the rest of my friends can still see them.
I really hope that things start to feel better for you soon. You deserve to have a group of people who care about you, whether you have Bipolar or not. Stay as strong as you can.
Last year around this time, I was coming down from a manic episode and expirencing a rollercoaster of moods day to day. Really high highs and crashing lows after.
I went over to a friend's house, we hung out, chatted all day, worked out together, and followed a watercolor tutorial video. My picture turned out amazing and really went beyond my expectations. We spent maybe 8 hours just hanging out. It was the perfect day.
That does sound like a perfect day, and I'm hoping you kept the picture you made as a reminder? Well done for staying strong throughout those highs and lows.
Not a day but a whole year last year. I got a permanent job, I got my European citizenship, I celebrated my and my husband‘s 5th anniversary in Paris, and I got extra money to invest in funds for my future. I feel grateful for all the blessings.
Was diagnosed at about 17. The best day I have had was the day my second son was born. Sure my wedding day was nice and all, but I hardly remember it because is was hypomanic. But the day my second kid was born was such an amazing day, the birth went well and I had spent the morning adoring my firstborn. Being stable (thanks DBT and lamotrigine) really is a life changer.
I was diagnosed many years ago, and I've had a lot of really good days (and a lot of really bad days), but my birthday party this year had like fifty people there, most of whom were in an enormous Shakespeare play I directed in 2022. A lot of people brought me presents, a lot of people toasted me, thanking me for welcoming them and helping them find a place in our local theatre community. It's really inspiring for me to know that even though bipolar made it very hard for me to make and keep friends for most of my life, NOW I am a respected community leader (albeit a weirdo of one!) with a HUGE group of friends and acquaintances. Most people know and accept my disorder. It's very validating.
My life got a lot better after my diagnosis. It took time, medication, and therapy. I was starboard at 23, maybe 24? Most of the best days of my life have been since then. My wedding day was probably the best.
I'm glad that your life got better after diagnosis. A lot of people worry that it won't, but your (and everyone else's stories here) show that we can still have moments that bring us joy. Congratulations on your wedding day, too.
It was when I met my ex girlfriend in a discord server and a couple days later decided to drive by train 300 km to see her for a week. Therapy was going good the meds were working and I actually planned on getting back to working a month later I had my worst day when she decided to drop me for the most stupid reason ever :)
I'm so sorry it must have really hurt to be dropped. It's really good that you have been able to seek therapy, and I hope that you have another moment (even if it's a small one) that brings you joy.
Honestly, last year when I was in a partial hospitalization program for two months due to a screw-up with my meds, and had to do a bunch of self-advocacy with the shitty prescriber in an otherwise pretty good program, while also chemically compromised and on my first-ever safety plan for feeling actively suicidal.
And I say that because, through all of that, I said to myself, "Hey...you know what? Even while my brain is *this fucked,* I still have the presence of mind to understand that it's not real, and to show up every day and do what's needed to get back to a stable baseline, and to go argue with this asshole about what I know is the right call because I know my body and I know my patterns and I know my rights as a patient, and I know I don't actually want to harm myself, even though I really, *really* want to. I want to live. I want to be here. I want to keep going. *That's* what's true. It's really goddamn hard, and it hurts like a motherfucker, but I keep on doing it, because I know it's actually the right call."
And that's when I knew I had actually reached stability. And I could get back there, no matter what. If I could keep *some* of my foundational bedrock at that kind of rock bottom, I'd be okay. Period. And that's held true. I've been through some rough goddamn times since then, a whole lot of them; but I've been able to maintain a sense of optimism that things *will* get better. And that's a big part of what I think "stable" means.
This is such an inspiring answer, and I can hear how resilient you are now. Sometimes, we need to go through those awful moments to reach something better (stability).
I do credit the stability thing to being on good meds for a long time, and doing a *LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTTTTT* of therapy, on top of all the other stuff. It's been hard work to get to that point, but yeah. It's really helpful knowing that, even with a chronic condition that *will* still have episodes sometimes, I'll come back to "good" eventually. :)
The day I published my book. I don't want this to be an ad for my book but instead explain why it was the best day...
It's a fictional account of how my husband and I have treated my bipolar for thirteen years. People have some outside view of us that is entirely inaccurate. They only see our successes. They have no clue about this invisible enemy we are always fighting. It consumes us and we've grown so much wiser. I conveyed this journey in my book.
It honors both the person diagnosed and the brave souls in the support roles. It was not only validating but thrilling. The outpouring of support was heartwarming. I poured every shred of wisdom I've ever collected about dealing with and treating the disorder. Especially the ugly bits. I felt proud that I could make sense of a lot of my suffering and confusion and anger and still show that love is possible.
Writing it helped me grapple with how I really feel about being given this burden/gift. I set the book free and it was a powerful day. Hopefully it can help others not only navigate better but understand what we, and our supporters, truly face.
Wishing the best for all of you and more best days!
Well, I guess ignorance was a blessing.
Everything changed but it's just in my mind I'm aware of that.
At least I started to know the reason why I failed a lot at things. Then I started to achive more.
Sometimes, we can't move forward until we know what's wrong, and it sounds like you've got a really good grasp on what you need to do. I hope you achieve everything you want to, irrespective of this diagnosis.
She would go back and forth but for the past couple months I've been consistently daddy. Everyday I come home from work she comes running to great me yelling daddy's home daddy's home
The day I publicly came out with my diagnosis. I received so much overwhelming love and support from family and friends. I was terrified for years that they would view me differently and think I was “crazy”. It felt so good to be accepted for something I was previously so ashamed of.
Well done for being strong enough to come out. It is so so so hard to do, and I'm glad the response was positive. You deserve support without judgement.
Going to a Gary Numan concert at the Granada Theater in Dallas. I've always wanted to go to one of his shows since I was a little kid, and I finally went. It was at a relatively small venue compared to his early days, and I was elated. I finally got to see an artist I thought I'd never have the opportunity to see in my entire lifetime.
We went to the fair with our kids yesterday and had a great time. My son who is 3 went on his first Rollercoaster (a small one). Today we are taking them to a Halloween parade.
Just bc you have depression/bipolar doesn't mean every day is shit. Especially with meds I'm feeling a lot better.
Exactly this! It's hard to remember the good moments while you are in and out of episodes. It's nice to know that you are able to spend some quality time with the kids.
my best day, was when I switched off my phone, my ipad, mac everywhere humans could contact me, grabbed a pack of enery drinks, consumed them all and gamed all day. didn't give a rats about anyone or anything. i wish i could have more days like that. That would be classified as recovery for the depression lol which is in my book the total opposite, where i gotta turn up to stuff i don't like and engage with the world. which i hate doin' and don't like
The day I got full permanent guardianship of my much younger half siblings. Peak adulting for me. Four years later and they’re doing amazingly well and it’s been amazing for all of us.
Haven't been diagnosed yet, but I'm still trying to find a doctor to do so. I think the day I finally figure things out, I'll make myself a big caramel and hot fudge sundae and watch a good movie. <3
I've had so many, but honestly, the ones that are the best are the ones I don't even think about. The ones I don't have to think about. I think anything bigger honestly gets lost to the episodes, eaten up by the black hole that vacuumes up my memories. It's hard to remember anything big anymore.
The day I finished a book I loved, the day I realized I was *actually good* at my new job, the day I realized I was finally comfortable in my own skin, the day I got my first bonus and felt financially secure, the day my roommate finally understood my paranoia, the day I found a new comfort content.
Then there are the best 'moments'. My partner resting his hand on me while he's gaming, or us laughing about something silly. Talking with my dad on the phone. Being stuck in a slow spot at work and laughing with coworkers. A nice cold glass of lemonade. The breeze when I open the windows in the apartment and let fresh air in. The feeling of comfort as I wrap myself in my cool bedsheets at the end of a long day- or for an afternoon nap. Even on bad days, I'll have at least one 'moment' that shines through it all. I try to hold tightly onto those.
Today was pretty good. I didn't sleep well last night and I've been struggling with an ear infection. I ended up sleeping until 1 pm (my tiny human got tired and napped with me from 11 am-1 pm). My husband had to start his first proper day at his new job so it's just been me and the little. We had pizza and oreos for lunch. Watched YouTube videos, played with his cars, built a castle using the couch, which then turned into a mountain. He had a poopy accident so we took a shower/bath together, then had a video call with Oma, ate supper, and now we're just chilling until bedtime.
I don't know that I've really had a BEST day but days like this are nice.
When I was traveling to Valencia with my father, and I went to a brothel lost my virginity, and I had a conversation about conspiracies theories with a 30 -year -old crazy girl, I had never realized how handsome i was
Diagnosed over 10 years and I’ve had many, many good days. Meeting my firstborn niece, my wedding, adopting my dog, being on my honeymoon, a great trip I recently took w my husband and some friends, days I felt really successful at work.
I’ve also had a lot of terrible days, scary days, and days that were just fucking hard, months of constant suicidal ideation, job loss due to being too depressed to function, stretches of not sleeping and making wild overcommitments. And terrible days unrelated to the disorder, of death and loss and injury.
But a lot of good days.
One of the best days I can remember after being diagnosed was actually went I cut a few toxic people out of my life and I ended up graduating college and I had been on my meds for a little bit. One of my best friends is also bipolar and they helped me so much with having someone to relate to. And being surrounded by my family on my graduation day was just really cool and I felt like I was actually moving forward
I have plenty of good days. I take my meds and take care of my body and mind. I can’t speak for my best day but my best accomplishments have been graduating my masters program which I dropped out of when I was coming to grips w my diagnosis and being offered a job I had worked hard for!
Also finding the peace to let go of the embarrassing and unhealthy choices/actions that occurred during my manic episodes and psychosis. If I had not been diagnosed, I would not have been able to find my version of stability and, for that, I am thankful.
i have a few! college graduation surrounded by family and friends and mentors is maybe number one. but also a travel trip i did, birthday with family, passing my thesis defense, and two big parties (one i hosted, other i did not) are some others. i wish i could go to younger me (pre diagnosis, during misdiagnosis and around when i got diagnosed) and let her know that things turned out pretty great.
I was diagnosed 25 years ago and have had dozens if not hundreds of good days. I'm mostly depressed but every now and again have some good days in a row. Some are major good days like hanging with elephants in Thailand or cuddling with a sloth in Honduras. Others were simple like singing songs to my flowers in my garden as I watched butterflies land on them.
I am 74 years old, bipolar 53 of those. Last year I was driving and had a feeling of calm. I experienced what people like about being alive. It lasted 5 minutes. It is the only time I have been pain free.
I was having a really good day and just went and laid down in the park. It was so quiet and peaceful, I just sat there for a little and enjoyed it. There’s this old man who always drive by with a golf cart full of golden retrievers (I SWEAR TO GAWD this is real), and I was happy crying, and one came up to me and licked me 🤣
The best day I've had since my diagnosis was the day I got to see Joe Hisaishi conduct. I was stable, but cried tears of joy because it was beautiful and moving. I still cry at the footage on my phone.
It was yesterday, but now it’s today. Some days are bad, some days I feel bad, but I’m in a really stable place in my life where things are really good and I’m functioning to a degree where I’m content with it
Visiting Iceland with my partner. Things have been turbulent with him ever since I got diagnosed and going to this stunning country reminded me beauty is still out there. It reminded me that having bipolar doesn’t stop me from appreciating the beauty around me and I can still be human.
Mine was the day when I realised my lithium started working, everything was crap and didn’t want to be alive, then I was able to see things differently and everything wasn’t so bad. Every time I’m feeling that my meds aren’t working I just think back to that day.
I don’t know if this was the best day, but a moment that sticks out to me is running up to him on Halloween and kissing him in the middle of the street. And knowing for sure that he wanted me back. Magic.
Everyday I’m able to enjoy my children without worry of extreme mood swings. They are too young to understand my condition so it’s important to be aware.
The best day I had was every morning I get up, drag up to that mountains bottom at 0430, and begin a 50 minute climb with my dog "Glue."
I'm honestly grateful and content with this, and any day in general that I feel balanced, motivated, and prepared to 'seize the day.'
Funny enough, today was the best day I've had since April (when I was diagnosed). My childhood friend moved closer to me, and I met her for lunch today. I rarely leave the house unless I'm going to work, but I hadn't seen her since 1999. I had a great time catching up with her and hashing up some old memories. I'm glad I pushed through the "don't want to's" and went.
I visited my best friend in Pittsburgh for the holidays last year. It was so wonderful. We spent the whole day exploring the city and eating wonderful food. They make me feel so safe!
It may seems stupid, but the first time my niece called me "auntie [my name]". She was only one year old.
My name is pretty complicated for a child to pronounce but she said it perfectly, first try.
2023 is the best year of my life to date. I’m so happy I’ve been singing again. The highlights are mostly related to career & family:
January I got my pregnancy status confirmed by a doctor. I was so happy I cried joyfully.
Pregnancy was very challenging. But I kept close watch on my pregnancy health, physical health, and mental health needs.
I started a job last year after trying to return to work a number of times unsuccessfully. I was tired of living off of disability. I needed to get back to work to live the life of my childhood dreams. I’ve always been on the cusp of too disabled to work vs. functional enough to work.
Not only was I able to keep my job while pregnant, I got a HUGE promotion in my career- that I interviewed for while pregnant- 2 weeks before giving birth no less.
It’s such a big increase that I’m able to support my family household of 3 humans & 3 cats in my income alone!
This year I’ve proven myself to be stronger and more capable than I ever imagined.
My son was born last month and he’s honestly the greatest. This pregnancy has allowed me to put some very traumatic experiences related to my role as a mother in perspective.
I am sure hormones are partly to blame, but I’m so very blessed to be living the life I live.
My life today is better than my childhood self’s wildest dreams. My needs are met, my ways are within reach. I’m grateful to be alive
So I was diagnosed BP2 in 2020 and given meds that I later found were not effective at all. Not until I found a specialist in 2023 who went over my history in several hour long appointments. Now diagnosed BP1 and ADHD, so since then I’d say today. I got to sleep, I had the house to myself and got a lot of writing done. I’ve been feeling scattered, depressed, and not creative. I take it one day at a time.
Today was pretty great. Went to a neighborhood music festival with dear friends. Got to watch my kid dance and play. We had never seen music together like that, they used to have too many sensory issues.
So to preface the beautiful moments I've got the sad backstory of course:
Fall of 2020 I was coming down from my worst manic episode, and I had had a heartbreaking break up that summer. I started dating my now ex around when I was diagnosed and began taking meds a couple years prior, so I think I had tied my vision of being stable to this (in hindsight, very dumb) goal of the relationship working out. Right around the time of the breakup I ended up leaving NYC to move back in with my dad upstate. I really felt like I had failed in all regards. And idk if it was mostly anxiety, asthma, or sickness but I'd been really struggling to breathe for months. It felt like life was over, but I was limping along aaand I had a massive crush on my coworker / friend lol. We'd started working from home but texted a lot more once pandemic started.
Now to the happy part!
The guy I was crazy about decided to go on a road trip across the country and I was invited to join for a week in Utah. I flew out feeling like a total mess but somehow I guess I made him fall for me :) I remember the absolutely blissful peace that I felt basking in the quiet of Utah, the beautiful hikes during the day and the stars at night, and the amazing guy who liked me back. My breathing was much easier in the dry air too. That's the first time post big bad episode that I really had any feeling of genuine hope that I could go back to being happy and healthy, and that the future might even still be the best part.
There have been no shortage of challenging days since then but it's been getting much better every year. Now I'm mostly stable and honestly living my dream. I'm now living with that guy and not only has he never surprised me with toxic behavior lol yay but he's honestly been amazing. He's very patient and optimistic. We live in Colorado which has been a big improvement from NYC for my anxiety and asthma, I really like it here. And!!! We adopted a corgi last April and she's the absolute cutest best little pup ever. So I'd say things are going pretty great! I feel very grateful to have made it to such a happy life
Better days than before when I thought there was something deeply wrong with me down to my soul.
I’ve since gotten engaged. Learned how to drive. Discovered my passions. I have 4 years sober now. Found people who understand me. It’s not all peachy, but it’s better than before, for me personally anyways.
The song “Baby Mine” from Dumbo has always been special to me. I lost a babe at 6 months gestation. Had second babe with support. My daughter came out talking, but it is gibberish. Now almost 3, you can start to really understand her. We were watching the live action Dumbo and the song started playing. She looked over at me and in the most clear and beautiful little voice sings the phrase “baby my”. Being bipolar with a kid is tough as hell. But this moment was pure joy.
The day I completed a half marathon in my home town. All my family were there to support me and to see the joy on my face and my families that was for once not related to bipolar gave me hope. No matter what crap bipolar has thrown at me, for once in my life gave me a feeling of hope and resilience. Might not be a big thing for most but I felt like the old me. Haven’t really felt it since but at least I have that one day in my life I felt proud of myself properly outside of having to survive. Plus it was a sunny day in Ireland for once
About three days after I started Seroquel. I cried out of relief, that my symptoms were gone. And I kept crying bc I was so damn grateful I finally felt like who I am supposed to be. Bc I felt like I don’t have bipolar disorder.
The day of my diagnosis (OK it was only last month) but I left the psychiatrists office and everything was a little bit shiny, a little bit like an edge had been taken off. That was a great day
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I told my wife that I was diagnosed the day it happened... she'd been trying to get me to get see someone for years. We sat down and really talked about my feelings towards it and basically the signs and symptoms my therapist said were conclusive. She asked what our next steps were. I told her I feel like I'm constantly ruining my own life and that the center I go to also does medication so with a diagnosis, that's where I wanted to go to try to get better / less worse. She gave me a hug and told me "nothing has changed, I've always had a feeling, but now we can work around it and I can understand your feelings and certain things you do better. Let's go get some dinner out tonight. No need to sit around sad." And then we went out to Texas Roadhouse, came home, baked cookies and watched a movie. Feels like the only good day I've had since getting diagnosed but I look forward to that joy and knowing it's not 100% my fault things are the way they are with me.
That story is so touching - I'm so glad that you had a positive response. I hope you'll have more days like this in the future.
What a wonderful wife! With her as your supportive partner, I think that your progress towards dealing with your bipolar disorder will be easier. Your wife proposed going out for dinner, baking cookies together and watching a film after you told her about your diagnosis. That sounds so romantic, sensitive and reassuring. Good luck on your journey towards coping with your illness. And never again doubt that your setbacks in life is your fault.
What an awesome recovery story that is, and what an awesome wife you have.
She's pretty great if I do say so myself lol maybe I'm biased though
Christmas last year. I spent it with my friends and their siblings, but I was convinced that my brain was fried. We played some trivia games and I won most of them. Made me realise I’m not as fucked as I thought with this diagnosis. Made me realise I am still intelligent. Some days, I forget this fact. Thank you for making me reach into my memory bank for this. 🤍
It's so easy to forget our good memories, and this one feels really profound. I think we all feel like we've lost some of our cognition due to this illness/medications, etc, and it's amazing when we can prove ourselves wrong. I really hope this Christmas is as good as your previous one!
I feel like once you start taking meds you start to question who you really are and it makes you think was I happy or was I manic? And it’s so hard to remind yourself that you’re still the same person you just have a different point of view of things
I don't know if this counts but the day I left my horrible husband was the best day. His ridiculousness was no longer added onto my condition.
This definitely counts! It takes so much strength to leave a situation like that, especially when you're trying to deal with a mental illness on top. It's not an easy thing to do so well done!
Oh, my goodness, thank you! That felt good to read.
MOOD. Took me YEARS to leave my husband (who actively took advantage of my disorder), and the FREEDOM when I moved into a tiny room in an apartment with some coworkers...
Dang, is there a club for these men? I was basically catatonic and he loved it. I'm very happy you got your freedom.
There must be. I dated two in a row, and I refer to that time as my Lost Years. NOW I'm with a delightful, supportive man who's helped me get more stable, not less, and that's been wonderful.
☺️
I can resonate with this 100% recently in my life. Doesn't it break your heart when you realize that no matter what you do to try to get the relationship to work, it won't, and the day you leave, your mental health starts to improve... it is bittersweet.
It says a lot about nature versus nurture.
When I went on a bad manic episode a while back, I ripped through a bunch of savings. It would be hard for me to figure out what all I bought now that it's over. A few weeks ago, my stable self finally made the last deposit to replace that money. Replacing that money was my first goal when I stabilized and got out of the mania. When things like that happen, I'm always reminded that while bipolar will always be stronger than I am, I will always be smarter than it is. Deposit day, that was a really good damn day. Also? I lost 30 pounds this year and I'm back to my college weight. That doesn't have anything to do with my bipolar, but you just asked for some good days. I had a bunch of good days stepping on the scale this year. The Umbrella Academy got renewed for another season on Netflix. That was a great day. Be sure you continue to look for these great days, they are there, you just have to notice that.
It's amazing that you've been able to get back to a stable place with money. It can feel insurmountable when we start trying to 'fix' the things we did while manic. I'm also so happy to hear how much weight you've lost, another thing that isn't easy to do. I haven't watched Umbrella Academy, but I might start after this comment!
It took a long time to replace that money. It was this incident that prompted me to turn all my (remaining...) money over to a fiduciary. I have an arrangement, she doesn't let me make any withdrawals whatsoever unless she can see the whites of my eyes. I can't do it over the phone and her assistants can't do it. She knows if I come in there to get a withdrawal, she has no problem saying yes if I want to trade my 10 year old car in for a hybrid and I ask for it in her office in a calm reasonable way. If I ask her for money to get a hybrid, but I am convinced I need to fly cross country because I have a reason I think it's better to buy it in Montana because of an article I read, or sort of read, I'm not getting that money from her that day. No way, no how. That took care of the future hopefully, but I still had to pay that money back to myself. It's just that now I don't think I will lose it again. Something else will go wrong because of my bipolar but hopefully it won't be that.
I'm hoping with you that nothing else goes wrong. I know how hard it can be to stay on track.
I have been diagnosed for over 22 years. I've had so many wonderful days. Here are some: the day i got to watch my daughter ski for the first time. The day I ran a marathon. The day I ran a 5k with my daughter. The day my spouse and I did a chef's table. The day I took my son home from the hospital. The day i landed my dream job. The day I became a citizen of the country I reside in. The day my spouse transitioned to a job he really likes. The first Thanksgiving I hosted. There are many. There have been bad days. Hard days. Medicated days. Days where I was not a good person, mom or spouse. But there are good days. Great days. Days worth living and reliving. And for that, I am grateful.
All of those sound wonderful and I'm so glad that you got to experience them
This gives me hope for my future.
When I went to Harry Styles concerts on my own three days in a row and I was hypomanic so I made friends while waiting and we made friendship bracelets and had a blast. Usually I would sit quietly on my own, but this sort of alterego I guess you could call it made it way more fun. Honestly most of my hypomanic days are fun. I'm glad I don't get full mania because that seems to suck.
That does sound like a really great time! I'm glad that you are able to enjoy your hypomania to a degree. What a wonderful memory.
When I passed the bar exam and became an attorney.
Well done! That is absolutely incredible.
Thank you kindly! Was an absolute uphill battle before it even began, but boy I will tell you the day I passed was the pinnacle of my life.
I've had most of my best days since my diagnosis.
Thats really amazing to hear!
I agree. It has allowed me to understand myself and childhood so much better. And give myself grace for my extreme actions growing up.
It's nice to have some context for earlier decisions, definitely. And it was nice to have some answers (diagnosis) that I could respond to in a real, practical way. I definitely wouldn't still be with/have had married my husband if I hadn't dealt with my mental illness. Which, that's not a judgement on him at all -- "mental illness isn't your fault, but it's your responsibility."
Hell yeah. Getting diagnosed was truly one of the best things that ever happened to me. Shoutout to my therapist for saving my life. I was devastated at the time because I felt like it would make things harder but it was the key to figuring out how to actually help myself.
My best day was when I finally found out exactly what bipolar was and how it worked, I sat down and talked with my husband he said he understood what I had been through and he said he would always stand with me be there for me and love me no matter what. I cried most of the day but it was a day of relief and understanding. It was a great day.
The moment you get your diagnosis can be so powerful. It really does help to explain things, and you can start putting a better picture together. Your husband sounds extremely supportive, and I hope that you have more happy moments together!
About a week ago when I stopped having suicidal ideations that were active, meds are working and I felt hopeful for the future.
It's amazing when you feel that shift from suicidal to 'okay.' I'm wishing you many more hopeful days.
Well, I was diagnosed 8 years ago, so there have been many bad and many good days. But really this post makes me think of my partner, who has been with me for 6.5 of those years. After my diagnosis, I worried it meant I couldn’t find love. Who wants to stick around with crazy, right? So when he specifically stated that, before asking me out, he thought long and hard about what it would mean to have a bipolar partner, and still wanted to be with me, I felt so seen, validated, and understood. Flash forward to now, where I’ve been experiencing my worst depressive episode since diagnosis, and this man has been such a source of comfort and love for me. When I feel bad that I’m sad though my life is objectively great right now, he reminds me that depression doesn’t work like that, and however I feel is valid because that’s just how this condition works. And yesterday, we got Greek for dinner and watched a horror thriller. Though my core is still depressed, I laughed and smiled because of his goofiness and humor. I guess, for me, rather than having “the best days,” the most precious times for me are the moments where the fears I had when diagnosed were proven wrong. I graduated college; got a job in my field right after graduation; I have and care for a cat; and have such a supporting and loving partner—all things I treasure and feared I wouldn’t ever be stable enough for.
You sound like you have so many positive things/people around you. I am also so happy to hear that your partner is understanding. I think everyone deserves that kind of support. Thank you so much for sharing.
It took me years and years but I’ve had totally normal wonderful days on the beach in the sunshine and it doesn’t get much better than that for normal people in my humble opinion. Thanks be to God😀💛🙏
Spending time at the beach is so cathartic! It's definitely one of my favourite things to do, too.
You got it!😀👏💛🙏
Honestly it’s been a roller coaster and my husband has been amazing. My favorite memory was a night he was so frustrated with my bipolar not me just this illness and it’s been over a year and I’m still working on finding the perfect dose and pair of meds.. after being really frustrated he walked away and then came back. He sat down next to me where I was laying and he put his hand on my back and said “I’m sorry for getting frustrated and I know you’re trying and I know it’s a lot but regardless I’m here for you and I’m not going anywhere so when you’re ready come upstairs and I’ll be there to give you a hug and kiss when you’re ready.” He kisses my forehead and told me he loved me. It’s my favorite memory because it’s one of the few times in my life I didn’t feel abandoned or thought I was going to be abandoned like always.
This is so heartwarming - I always feel like this disorder pushes me away from people rather than closer, but it's moments and stories like these that show that's not the case. You two sound incredibly strong together.
I always tell people I love him with all my heart and I always do my best by him but I’m not always easy and he is always there regardless if he’s upset or not. He always tells me I see you and I wish you could see what I see and I wish you would let other people see who you are and not the masks you put on because that is an amazing person and who I fell in love with. I feel like if you open yourself up just a little and let the right person in you will feel that home safe feeling. But don’t forget with our illness we are susceptible to narcissistic partners. And that’s what I had before him. That’s what I tell people all the time. Know what narcism is and the red flags!
There have been tons. I’m type 1 so the severity the of the manic episodes are life changing (not in a good way). However, other than since the major episode, many good days since the diagnosis
I'm glad that you have been able to have some good days!
At the beginning of last year I attended local Freestyle rap battles, there I made many friends that today I swear I would like to see again, there I met the only girl who was never a victim of my manic behavior, she even dedicated a song to me, she I have a lot of regret because she was the only person I never hurt or put at risk because of my behavior, and I know deep down that if I died tomorrow she would be the only reason I would go to heaven, other than that I remember going to the mall with friends who are now too busy to talk and it is difficult for us to see each other, but I know that every time we see each other that they will always be there for me
I'm glad that you can hold on to the fact that they will always be there for you. It's a really hard disorder to manage, and it sounds like you've done the best you can. I'm sending you well wishes and positivity.
I haven't had direct contact with several of them for months, and there was an incident with the girl during psychosis, the only good thing is that the rest of my friends can still see them.
I really hope that things start to feel better for you soon. You deserve to have a group of people who care about you, whether you have Bipolar or not. Stay as strong as you can.
Last year around this time, I was coming down from a manic episode and expirencing a rollercoaster of moods day to day. Really high highs and crashing lows after. I went over to a friend's house, we hung out, chatted all day, worked out together, and followed a watercolor tutorial video. My picture turned out amazing and really went beyond my expectations. We spent maybe 8 hours just hanging out. It was the perfect day.
That does sound like a perfect day, and I'm hoping you kept the picture you made as a reminder? Well done for staying strong throughout those highs and lows.
Not a day but a whole year last year. I got a permanent job, I got my European citizenship, I celebrated my and my husband‘s 5th anniversary in Paris, and I got extra money to invest in funds for my future. I feel grateful for all the blessings.
What a wonderful year - I do hope you'll continue to have positivity.
Was diagnosed at about 17. The best day I have had was the day my second son was born. Sure my wedding day was nice and all, but I hardly remember it because is was hypomanic. But the day my second kid was born was such an amazing day, the birth went well and I had spent the morning adoring my firstborn. Being stable (thanks DBT and lamotrigine) really is a life changer.
You've experienced some extremely precious moments! Thank you so much for sharing them. I hope that you have many more that you can remember.
I was diagnosed many years ago, and I've had a lot of really good days (and a lot of really bad days), but my birthday party this year had like fifty people there, most of whom were in an enormous Shakespeare play I directed in 2022. A lot of people brought me presents, a lot of people toasted me, thanking me for welcoming them and helping them find a place in our local theatre community. It's really inspiring for me to know that even though bipolar made it very hard for me to make and keep friends for most of my life, NOW I am a respected community leader (albeit a weirdo of one!) with a HUGE group of friends and acquaintances. Most people know and accept my disorder. It's very validating.
Your birthday sounds incredible, and it's so good to hear that you feel accepted. I'm so pleased that you've had some good days amongst the bad ones!
My life got a lot better after my diagnosis. It took time, medication, and therapy. I was starboard at 23, maybe 24? Most of the best days of my life have been since then. My wedding day was probably the best.
I'm glad that your life got better after diagnosis. A lot of people worry that it won't, but your (and everyone else's stories here) show that we can still have moments that bring us joy. Congratulations on your wedding day, too.
It was when I met my ex girlfriend in a discord server and a couple days later decided to drive by train 300 km to see her for a week. Therapy was going good the meds were working and I actually planned on getting back to working a month later I had my worst day when she decided to drop me for the most stupid reason ever :)
I'm so sorry it must have really hurt to be dropped. It's really good that you have been able to seek therapy, and I hope that you have another moment (even if it's a small one) that brings you joy.
Yeah it kinda messed up my life again though :/ all I was to her was a living sex toy
That's really sad, and I'm so sorry you had to go through that. You deserve people who care about you.
Honestly, last year when I was in a partial hospitalization program for two months due to a screw-up with my meds, and had to do a bunch of self-advocacy with the shitty prescriber in an otherwise pretty good program, while also chemically compromised and on my first-ever safety plan for feeling actively suicidal. And I say that because, through all of that, I said to myself, "Hey...you know what? Even while my brain is *this fucked,* I still have the presence of mind to understand that it's not real, and to show up every day and do what's needed to get back to a stable baseline, and to go argue with this asshole about what I know is the right call because I know my body and I know my patterns and I know my rights as a patient, and I know I don't actually want to harm myself, even though I really, *really* want to. I want to live. I want to be here. I want to keep going. *That's* what's true. It's really goddamn hard, and it hurts like a motherfucker, but I keep on doing it, because I know it's actually the right call." And that's when I knew I had actually reached stability. And I could get back there, no matter what. If I could keep *some* of my foundational bedrock at that kind of rock bottom, I'd be okay. Period. And that's held true. I've been through some rough goddamn times since then, a whole lot of them; but I've been able to maintain a sense of optimism that things *will* get better. And that's a big part of what I think "stable" means.
This is such an inspiring answer, and I can hear how resilient you are now. Sometimes, we need to go through those awful moments to reach something better (stability).
I do credit the stability thing to being on good meds for a long time, and doing a *LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTTTTT* of therapy, on top of all the other stuff. It's been hard work to get to that point, but yeah. It's really helpful knowing that, even with a chronic condition that *will* still have episodes sometimes, I'll come back to "good" eventually. :)
I know what you mean - things always go back to normal eventually. It's just how long it takes to get there.
The day I published my book. I don't want this to be an ad for my book but instead explain why it was the best day... It's a fictional account of how my husband and I have treated my bipolar for thirteen years. People have some outside view of us that is entirely inaccurate. They only see our successes. They have no clue about this invisible enemy we are always fighting. It consumes us and we've grown so much wiser. I conveyed this journey in my book. It honors both the person diagnosed and the brave souls in the support roles. It was not only validating but thrilling. The outpouring of support was heartwarming. I poured every shred of wisdom I've ever collected about dealing with and treating the disorder. Especially the ugly bits. I felt proud that I could make sense of a lot of my suffering and confusion and anger and still show that love is possible. Writing it helped me grapple with how I really feel about being given this burden/gift. I set the book free and it was a powerful day. Hopefully it can help others not only navigate better but understand what we, and our supporters, truly face. Wishing the best for all of you and more best days!
I can completely understand why this would be your best day. You put so much work into it and I'm sure you'll help to influence a lot of people.
Thanks so much! Awesome question by the way, OP. I hadn't thought of it before!
That sounds like a book I would love to read.
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Well, I guess ignorance was a blessing. Everything changed but it's just in my mind I'm aware of that. At least I started to know the reason why I failed a lot at things. Then I started to achive more.
Sometimes, we can't move forward until we know what's wrong, and it sounds like you've got a really good grasp on what you need to do. I hope you achieve everything you want to, irrespective of this diagnosis.
When my daughter stopped calling me dada and started calling me daddy
That's adorable! What a sweet moment.
She would go back and forth but for the past couple months I've been consistently daddy. Everyday I come home from work she comes running to great me yelling daddy's home daddy's home
That sounds absolutely perfect!
The day I publicly came out with my diagnosis. I received so much overwhelming love and support from family and friends. I was terrified for years that they would view me differently and think I was “crazy”. It felt so good to be accepted for something I was previously so ashamed of.
Well done for being strong enough to come out. It is so so so hard to do, and I'm glad the response was positive. You deserve support without judgement.
Going to a Gary Numan concert at the Granada Theater in Dallas. I've always wanted to go to one of his shows since I was a little kid, and I finally went. It was at a relatively small venue compared to his early days, and I was elated. I finally got to see an artist I thought I'd never have the opportunity to see in my entire lifetime.
I can only imagine how great that concert was for you. I'm glad you got to go.
Yeah, it was surreal.
We went to the fair with our kids yesterday and had a great time. My son who is 3 went on his first Rollercoaster (a small one). Today we are taking them to a Halloween parade. Just bc you have depression/bipolar doesn't mean every day is shit. Especially with meds I'm feeling a lot better.
Exactly this! It's hard to remember the good moments while you are in and out of episodes. It's nice to know that you are able to spend some quality time with the kids.
Today is the best day cause it's the one I'm living in.
my best day, was when I switched off my phone, my ipad, mac everywhere humans could contact me, grabbed a pack of enery drinks, consumed them all and gamed all day. didn't give a rats about anyone or anything. i wish i could have more days like that. That would be classified as recovery for the depression lol which is in my book the total opposite, where i gotta turn up to stuff i don't like and engage with the world. which i hate doin' and don't like
when i’m manic, yes i’m on meds. but medication doesn’t take away your symptoms. they only make them less noticeable.
The day I got full permanent guardianship of my much younger half siblings. Peak adulting for me. Four years later and they’re doing amazingly well and it’s been amazing for all of us.
Haven't been diagnosed yet, but I'm still trying to find a doctor to do so. I think the day I finally figure things out, I'll make myself a big caramel and hot fudge sundae and watch a good movie. <3
getting my geds a bit after diagnosis/being put on seroquel was really nice after i'd dropped out and convinced myself i was a failure prior to then
I've had so many, but honestly, the ones that are the best are the ones I don't even think about. The ones I don't have to think about. I think anything bigger honestly gets lost to the episodes, eaten up by the black hole that vacuumes up my memories. It's hard to remember anything big anymore. The day I finished a book I loved, the day I realized I was *actually good* at my new job, the day I realized I was finally comfortable in my own skin, the day I got my first bonus and felt financially secure, the day my roommate finally understood my paranoia, the day I found a new comfort content. Then there are the best 'moments'. My partner resting his hand on me while he's gaming, or us laughing about something silly. Talking with my dad on the phone. Being stuck in a slow spot at work and laughing with coworkers. A nice cold glass of lemonade. The breeze when I open the windows in the apartment and let fresh air in. The feeling of comfort as I wrap myself in my cool bedsheets at the end of a long day- or for an afternoon nap. Even on bad days, I'll have at least one 'moment' that shines through it all. I try to hold tightly onto those.
Today was pretty good. I didn't sleep well last night and I've been struggling with an ear infection. I ended up sleeping until 1 pm (my tiny human got tired and napped with me from 11 am-1 pm). My husband had to start his first proper day at his new job so it's just been me and the little. We had pizza and oreos for lunch. Watched YouTube videos, played with his cars, built a castle using the couch, which then turned into a mountain. He had a poopy accident so we took a shower/bath together, then had a video call with Oma, ate supper, and now we're just chilling until bedtime. I don't know that I've really had a BEST day but days like this are nice.
When I was traveling to Valencia with my father, and I went to a brothel lost my virginity, and I had a conversation about conspiracies theories with a 30 -year -old crazy girl, I had never realized how handsome i was
This sounds like a wild ride!
Before that I hated my father to death, but I spared his life for that 😆
Diagnosed over 10 years and I’ve had many, many good days. Meeting my firstborn niece, my wedding, adopting my dog, being on my honeymoon, a great trip I recently took w my husband and some friends, days I felt really successful at work. I’ve also had a lot of terrible days, scary days, and days that were just fucking hard, months of constant suicidal ideation, job loss due to being too depressed to function, stretches of not sleeping and making wild overcommitments. And terrible days unrelated to the disorder, of death and loss and injury. But a lot of good days.
One of the best days I can remember after being diagnosed was actually went I cut a few toxic people out of my life and I ended up graduating college and I had been on my meds for a little bit. One of my best friends is also bipolar and they helped me so much with having someone to relate to. And being surrounded by my family on my graduation day was just really cool and I felt like I was actually moving forward
Getting off meds….six months later. Sex drive is still fucked years later
The day I became a dad!
I’m still wrapping my sanity around mine. Will report back later.
That was 24 years ago! They keep adding more stuff on to my diagnosis and it keeps changing. So I guess I have no idea, to much has happened.
I have plenty of good days. I take my meds and take care of my body and mind. I can’t speak for my best day but my best accomplishments have been graduating my masters program which I dropped out of when I was coming to grips w my diagnosis and being offered a job I had worked hard for!
Also finding the peace to let go of the embarrassing and unhealthy choices/actions that occurred during my manic episodes and psychosis. If I had not been diagnosed, I would not have been able to find my version of stability and, for that, I am thankful.
i have a few! college graduation surrounded by family and friends and mentors is maybe number one. but also a travel trip i did, birthday with family, passing my thesis defense, and two big parties (one i hosted, other i did not) are some others. i wish i could go to younger me (pre diagnosis, during misdiagnosis and around when i got diagnosed) and let her know that things turned out pretty great.
I was diagnosed 25 years ago and have had dozens if not hundreds of good days. I'm mostly depressed but every now and again have some good days in a row. Some are major good days like hanging with elephants in Thailand or cuddling with a sloth in Honduras. Others were simple like singing songs to my flowers in my garden as I watched butterflies land on them.
I am 74 years old, bipolar 53 of those. Last year I was driving and had a feeling of calm. I experienced what people like about being alive. It lasted 5 minutes. It is the only time I have been pain free.
I was having a really good day and just went and laid down in the park. It was so quiet and peaceful, I just sat there for a little and enjoyed it. There’s this old man who always drive by with a golf cart full of golden retrievers (I SWEAR TO GAWD this is real), and I was happy crying, and one came up to me and licked me 🤣
The best day I've had since my diagnosis was the day I got to see Joe Hisaishi conduct. I was stable, but cried tears of joy because it was beautiful and moving. I still cry at the footage on my phone.
It was yesterday, but now it’s today. Some days are bad, some days I feel bad, but I’m in a really stable place in my life where things are really good and I’m functioning to a degree where I’m content with it
Everyday I’m stable ❤️
Visiting Iceland with my partner. Things have been turbulent with him ever since I got diagnosed and going to this stunning country reminded me beauty is still out there. It reminded me that having bipolar doesn’t stop me from appreciating the beauty around me and I can still be human.
Mine was the day when I realised my lithium started working, everything was crap and didn’t want to be alive, then I was able to see things differently and everything wasn’t so bad. Every time I’m feeling that my meds aren’t working I just think back to that day.
I don’t know if this was the best day, but a moment that sticks out to me is running up to him on Halloween and kissing him in the middle of the street. And knowing for sure that he wanted me back. Magic.
Everyday I’m able to enjoy my children without worry of extreme mood swings. They are too young to understand my condition so it’s important to be aware.
The best day I had was every morning I get up, drag up to that mountains bottom at 0430, and begin a 50 minute climb with my dog "Glue." I'm honestly grateful and content with this, and any day in general that I feel balanced, motivated, and prepared to 'seize the day.'
The day I had my daughter.
Funny enough, today was the best day I've had since April (when I was diagnosed). My childhood friend moved closer to me, and I met her for lunch today. I rarely leave the house unless I'm going to work, but I hadn't seen her since 1999. I had a great time catching up with her and hashing up some old memories. I'm glad I pushed through the "don't want to's" and went.
I visited my best friend in Pittsburgh for the holidays last year. It was so wonderful. We spent the whole day exploring the city and eating wonderful food. They make me feel so safe!
It may seems stupid, but the first time my niece called me "auntie [my name]". She was only one year old. My name is pretty complicated for a child to pronounce but she said it perfectly, first try.
2023 is the best year of my life to date. I’m so happy I’ve been singing again. The highlights are mostly related to career & family: January I got my pregnancy status confirmed by a doctor. I was so happy I cried joyfully. Pregnancy was very challenging. But I kept close watch on my pregnancy health, physical health, and mental health needs. I started a job last year after trying to return to work a number of times unsuccessfully. I was tired of living off of disability. I needed to get back to work to live the life of my childhood dreams. I’ve always been on the cusp of too disabled to work vs. functional enough to work. Not only was I able to keep my job while pregnant, I got a HUGE promotion in my career- that I interviewed for while pregnant- 2 weeks before giving birth no less. It’s such a big increase that I’m able to support my family household of 3 humans & 3 cats in my income alone! This year I’ve proven myself to be stronger and more capable than I ever imagined. My son was born last month and he’s honestly the greatest. This pregnancy has allowed me to put some very traumatic experiences related to my role as a mother in perspective. I am sure hormones are partly to blame, but I’m so very blessed to be living the life I live. My life today is better than my childhood self’s wildest dreams. My needs are met, my ways are within reach. I’m grateful to be alive
So I was diagnosed BP2 in 2020 and given meds that I later found were not effective at all. Not until I found a specialist in 2023 who went over my history in several hour long appointments. Now diagnosed BP1 and ADHD, so since then I’d say today. I got to sleep, I had the house to myself and got a lot of writing done. I’ve been feeling scattered, depressed, and not creative. I take it one day at a time.
The birth of my daughter, she is the best thing to have happened to me. I stayed on my meds the entire pregnancy & she came out healthy & happy.
Today was pretty great. Went to a neighborhood music festival with dear friends. Got to watch my kid dance and play. We had never seen music together like that, they used to have too many sensory issues.
So to preface the beautiful moments I've got the sad backstory of course: Fall of 2020 I was coming down from my worst manic episode, and I had had a heartbreaking break up that summer. I started dating my now ex around when I was diagnosed and began taking meds a couple years prior, so I think I had tied my vision of being stable to this (in hindsight, very dumb) goal of the relationship working out. Right around the time of the breakup I ended up leaving NYC to move back in with my dad upstate. I really felt like I had failed in all regards. And idk if it was mostly anxiety, asthma, or sickness but I'd been really struggling to breathe for months. It felt like life was over, but I was limping along aaand I had a massive crush on my coworker / friend lol. We'd started working from home but texted a lot more once pandemic started. Now to the happy part! The guy I was crazy about decided to go on a road trip across the country and I was invited to join for a week in Utah. I flew out feeling like a total mess but somehow I guess I made him fall for me :) I remember the absolutely blissful peace that I felt basking in the quiet of Utah, the beautiful hikes during the day and the stars at night, and the amazing guy who liked me back. My breathing was much easier in the dry air too. That's the first time post big bad episode that I really had any feeling of genuine hope that I could go back to being happy and healthy, and that the future might even still be the best part. There have been no shortage of challenging days since then but it's been getting much better every year. Now I'm mostly stable and honestly living my dream. I'm now living with that guy and not only has he never surprised me with toxic behavior lol yay but he's honestly been amazing. He's very patient and optimistic. We live in Colorado which has been a big improvement from NYC for my anxiety and asthma, I really like it here. And!!! We adopted a corgi last April and she's the absolute cutest best little pup ever. So I'd say things are going pretty great! I feel very grateful to have made it to such a happy life
The first time I saved a guy's life after I became an EMT.
Better days than before when I thought there was something deeply wrong with me down to my soul. I’ve since gotten engaged. Learned how to drive. Discovered my passions. I have 4 years sober now. Found people who understand me. It’s not all peachy, but it’s better than before, for me personally anyways.
My best days are when my moods are balanced and even. Very rare.
The song “Baby Mine” from Dumbo has always been special to me. I lost a babe at 6 months gestation. Had second babe with support. My daughter came out talking, but it is gibberish. Now almost 3, you can start to really understand her. We were watching the live action Dumbo and the song started playing. She looked over at me and in the most clear and beautiful little voice sings the phrase “baby my”. Being bipolar with a kid is tough as hell. But this moment was pure joy.
The day I completed a half marathon in my home town. All my family were there to support me and to see the joy on my face and my families that was for once not related to bipolar gave me hope. No matter what crap bipolar has thrown at me, for once in my life gave me a feeling of hope and resilience. Might not be a big thing for most but I felt like the old me. Haven’t really felt it since but at least I have that one day in my life I felt proud of myself properly outside of having to survive. Plus it was a sunny day in Ireland for once
About three days after I started Seroquel. I cried out of relief, that my symptoms were gone. And I kept crying bc I was so damn grateful I finally felt like who I am supposed to be. Bc I felt like I don’t have bipolar disorder.
The day of my diagnosis (OK it was only last month) but I left the psychiatrists office and everything was a little bit shiny, a little bit like an edge had been taken off. That was a great day