The times I feel most understood in terms of my bipolar disorder are when I read #bipolarclub posts on Twitter. I don’t think people can really understand what it is like to have bipolar disorder unless they have it themselves. When people talk about their symptoms and their struggles with bipolar disorder, I feel so understood and less alone in my own issues in dealing with it.
I also have a sibling who has bipolar disorder and she and I have had many good chuckles over how similar we are in our reactions to life in light of our bipolar disorder. It’s important to connect with other people who are going through the same symptoms as you are, so that you don’t feel like you’re the only one experiencing them. For me, connecting with others who have bipolar disorder makes me feel like I’m a part of something valid and that I’m not just “crazy.”
When do you feel most understood in terms of your bipolar disorder? Tell me about it in the comments. Also, follow me on Twitter.
Write into the Light 
I feel understood in therapy or when I read what I wrote about my feelings or when I look at the tattoo of Abilify on my arm and think of the eight years I wasted because I didn’t want to face my illness.
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I agree with you completely. You don’t get it unless you’ve got it so to speak. We’re all individually unique yet fundamentally identical. Two people have bipolar yet they will be in different places mood wise. If I can offer you one piece of advice if you don’t mind me doing so, it would be to be yourself and become an expert in yourself and your bipolar by whatever you find useful.
I have found that since I accepted it and became aware of the way I am, I’m able to understand what others are experiencing from their own words.
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Great advice, thank you! Even after my bipolar diagnosis 13 years ago I am still trying to become an expert on myself and my bipolar. It’s often unpredictable and vague which makes it difficult to self assess. I lean more from my psychiatrist for that because she seems so sure when she gives me feedback on in my moods and behaviors, which is good because she’s known me for 12 years and knows in general how bipolar affects people.
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It is difficult with the phases we have. I try to write as much as I can when I can and then when I’m not able to do I have focused on that and what impact it is having. For example you might have no enthusiasm or expression. Try to write it down if you can and then see if it helps.
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I wrote these if they are any help https://livingthebipolardiary.wordpress.com/2023/05/19/living-with-bipolar-disorder-my-story/
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