I often wonder what I can do to help my mental health. For example, my therapist wants me to stand up for myself and say no more often. It has me thinking, isn’t it a part of my personality, of who I am, the fact that I have a hard time saying no? Is my bipolar disorder a part of my personality or vise versa? Am I supposed to change my personality to improve my mental health?
I know there are some things that need or needed change. Twelve years ago, I stopped drinking and using drugs, which was extremely difficult. That improved both my mental and physical health. It was my activities that I changed, not my personality. I suppose that it’s not so much what I do, but how I do and handle it. I’m not sure if any of this makes much sense, but they are the thoughts that are wandering around in my mind the past couple days.
My Side of the Pole 
The way it’s been explained to me, our illness both creates new and amplifies existing traits. Like I am an impulsive and obsessive person by nature but those are amplified by ADHD and bipolar. It is something I have to watch out for all the time, not just during a mood episode. Yet there are other examples where the illness creates problems that would not otherwise be present. I’m having trouble thinking of an example but I know they exist. Or maybe those new creations have always been potentials and the illness brought it out. I think I’ve confused myself now. =) Like how I mentioned previously that I’ve never drank alcohol or done drugs – the potential for abuse is in my blood and abstaining is the best method for me. Does that mean it is a part of my personality? Or genetics? Or some mixture of both? It’s a lot to ponder. I do think in general, having bipolar makes us susceptible to other symptoms that might not otherwise exist.
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Great explanation! That makes sense, especially where you said that, “our illness both creates new and amplifies existing traits.” Thank you
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all of what you said here makes sense. i dont think you have to change who you are to feel good. changing habits and things yes but not who you are. xxx
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Thank you, that helps me feel better
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