Going Back to Therapy: Challenges and Benefits

After my diagnosis of bipolar 2 disorder, my priority over the next couple of years was to find a stable routine of bipolar medications that allowed me to thrive as an individual. This means that therapy took a back seat.

Facing Up to Needing Therapy

Therapy has always been difficult for me. Sharing my feelings, emotions and reflecting on my past experiences was more of a chore versus treatment. Then, recently, I hit a slump and fell into a depressive episode. I realized medication was not going to solve all my problems and I had to face my insecurities. I found a therapist, as well as a routine of therapy that has helped me tremendously in recovery.

As someone with bipolar 2 disorder, living a routine lifestyle is not easy or appealing. However, as I learned in therapy, some sort of routine on a daily basis is necessary (Stability in Bipolar Disorder Requires Routine). Every morning, I grab a cup of coffee and take 10 minutes to sit by a window or outside to reflect. I read quotes, part of my self-help book, face my insecurities by saying them out loud and do anything that eases my mind into the day. No longer is therapy just a mandatory office visit, it is a place of learning. Therapy works differently for everyone. How does therapy work for you as someone who lives with bipolar disorder? Please share your comments below.