As above; so below.
It’s been mentioned many of times not only on this blog but in all resources about Bipolar Disorder. That the mania phase of the disorder is fun; it makes you out going, surprising, exciting, and most of all intriguing. As you get older and learn about your own Bipolar Disorder, in some cases you learn that’s not the case because you start to realize that after the mania phase comes the depression phase; which is what the bottom picture represents.
The same is true for alcoholism. The drinking, the partying, the laughing, and the stumbling are all a great time but it’s the after effects that you learn are what you have to live with. The waking up the next day, the not knowing what you did, the bruises, the head aches, the hospital visits, and the cleaning up of ones self and life are all what you really have to deal with.
With both we have to learn to deal with the destruction we cause in our lives. Quite honestly I’ve learned to think the drink all the way through and that’s been a huge help in not causing a destructive path when it comes to alcoholism but when it comes to Bipolar Disorder, I’m just not strong enough yet to steer clear of the destructive forces. I know as I’m in a mania phase that even if it only lasts for 15 minutes sooner or later I realize the destruction and the depression phase sets in.
The She Chronicles 
Wow. Girl, I cannot believe this. The last words I read in my Bible, today, were:
Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.
Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.
Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging.
“They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt! THey beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wakws up so I can find another drink?”
After I read it, I said to myself, “Hmm. I don’t think I absorbed all that. I think I will read it again, tomorrow.” Then I kept the bookmark right where it was, so I could find it easily.
And now, here you are, nearly posting the same ideas! And I could find the verse in a jiffy. I think it was for you. ❤
It’s so funny how life works sometimes.
*when will I wake up*
hmm.
Well it’s not so easy to snap ourselves out of it sometimes.
I’ve heard bits and pieces about what bipolar disorder is like. To me it seems like a painful experience all around.
Please do not think it is your lack of strength that makes you bipolar. I’m not sure i get that. It is a disease, and you live it … the best you can every day. Just be honest … like you are … i admire your strength of character.
I don’t understand the “thinking the drink through” … does that mean you can drink in moderation?
Mel, the Moderate, recovered and STEADFAST bulimic
No I can not drink in moderation. Well what I mean when I say that is to not think only about the first couple of drinks but to remember what happened the last time I drank. It starts out great but in the end I wake up in the hospital with DT’s. To think the drink all the way through is to think about the whole experience of drinking not just the fun part.
I was watching the latest in the Charlie Rose series on The Brain last night, and they talked about what science has learned about the mechanisms of mental disorders as well as how addiction hijacks the circuitry that links pleasure to survival oriented behaviors. I can’t say that I understood it all, but it’s really fascinating stuff. I just wish I could afford doctors that might put some of that research to use in helping me!
I’m going to have to spend some time on that link Mak. And I hear you on the doctors. Currently I am not medicated which causes major issues with my Bipolar Disorder. Thanks for the link!
I was hoping I’d find a clip or two from the show on his Youtube channel that I might post, because there’s no way anyone would watch a 55 minute video. Maybe it takes a few days. His channel is at http://www.youtube.com/user/CharlieRose if you want to check it out. 😀
Absolutely! Thanks Mak!
As a kinda funny aside, Rincewind (Erotixx photoblog) sent me this link by email this morning: D
Good To Know Someone Finally Licked That Problem
Always great funny sides!
I can never fully understand your plight, but as long as you keep reaching out htrough your writing, you’ll never be far from a lifeline.
Keep fighting the good fight.
I have to tell you, without this blog I wouldn’t have a lifeline.
Thanks for finding the analogy between Bipolar Disorder and alcoholism. Even a recovering alcoholic like me can understand!
i don’t mean to pry, but i was wondering why you weren’t on any meds for the bipolar thing.
It’s so great to have you back posting again!
It’s not really prying, more like asking. No health insurance. The doctor visits are expensive enough but the meds for bipolar disorder can actually cost you both arms and legs. Ridiculous.
Now that truly is sick. You should come to Yeaman with Mrs Demeanor and me. The health insurance here rocks.
You make a lotta sense. During the times I face wanting to regress, I have to think it all the way thru, way past the “fun” aspect.
I don’t wanna forget getting thrown out of places, ruining clothing and friendships, tricking friends, strangers, and family out of money just to continue my “fun”.
As long as I remember the hellish aftermath that was a regular part of my heyday, then hopefully i can avoid returning to that stage anytime soon. It’s a daily battle.
I hear ya on all of the above George!
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