Entry #32: You Can Only Grow Once You Know!
Is your life the best it has ever been for you, or the most difficult time that you can remember? No matter who you are, “We all have a story.”
The way we can help each other is to acknowledge that it is human to go through similar adversities. I know what I have been through, and I have come out the other side. These times in my life have made me who I am. I started out with our title today because personal growth comes from overcoming what we thought might take us down. However, if you are the type of person that always decides that you will never give up, your life will be fulfilling.
No one said life is fair or easy. It never will be. The least helpful question you can ask yourself is, “Why me?” That question will only take you down a road of self pity. It leads to emotionally being stuck in a cycle you may not be able to get out of on your own if it is your go-to way of coping. It isn’t coping at all. Reach out to someone you trust to help you start the process of standing tall again. The best thing you can do is take time limits off of your healing process. It takes as long as it takes.
I have severe bipolar depression, ADHD and PTSD. I’ve created a life where I don’t allow myself to ask the “why me” question anymore. I used to feel bad about myself. I’ve been hospitalized three times. One stay for a month was only two years ago because my meds stopped working. I needed all new meds. I now accept that being admitted isn’t a failure. It’s where I get well again. This is just part of my story. To be human is to experience similar challenges which are:
- grief and loss
- self- doubt
- mental health struggles
- loneliness and isolation
- heartbreak and rejection
- conflict with family
- financial insecurities
- physical health issues
I am inspired as we head into fall to go in depth into these topics. Happy September!
Stephanie Preston creates powerful, humorous videos on managing bipolar disorder symptoms. She is a Social Service Worker, Health Care Aide and suffers from severe bipolar depression herself. She is the proud wife of St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston, loves being a grandma and is Crossfit obsessed. Follow her at www.tiktok.com/@bipolaronthebrain and www.facebook.com/bipolaronthebrain.
