Why I Share My Bipolar Story

Reflecting on the initiative of International Bipolar Foundation on ‘World Bipolar Day’ celebration and blogging as my little contribution to the bipolar awareness, I recently asked myself, ‘Why am I so passionate about this bipolar talk? Why am I driving it and publicizing it as if my life depends on it?’

May be in some ways, my life depends on it. Or perhaps, my fulfillment and happiness rely on it. I realised that I am always happy to share my bipolar story because I am convinced that it will encourage someone out there who may be lost in the depth of hopelessness that conveys depression.

I recall clearly that in my early years of being diagnosed bipolar, I was without encouragement. I couldn’t even muster the courage to tell anyone I was diagnosed bipolar let alone encourage someone with my story.

So what brought about the change? In retrospect, I believe that my value system did. I respect truth. I dislike deceit with a passion. It hurts me badly when someone consciously presents a lie to me as truth. As a result of this, I am quick to ask myself, ‘how do I want the people I relate with as friends to feel by not telling them the truth about my mental health status?’ Will I be fair to them if Imislead them to make an uninformed decision on how they will relate with me in a relationship? How would I explain the obvious signs of depression or manic when it occurs?

And If I tell a lie to explain away the sometimes very obvious symptoms, how will I ever gain their trust and build a confident relationship with them again? This brings to mind the story of the Israeli young girl that was taken captive and became a maid in Naman’s household. Imagine how her boldness and courage to tell her story (story of the awesome work of her God) helped Naman get healing from his leprous condition. Permit me to illustrate the importance of sharing our story to encourage others with the story of Rahab in Joshua 2.

As a result of what Rahab had heard in the past about the LORD, God of Israel, my God, she was sensitive to the happenings around her and was able to make an informed decision that saved herself and her household, this also gave her an opportunity to be part of the Israelites by marriage, consequently she was also one of the progenitors of Jesus Christ! (Joshua 6:17, 25, Matthew 1:5)

Doesn’t the stories we read on the pages of the bible and those of notable achievers encourage us that we will overcome our peculiar trying situations? The mindset usually is, if this person I just read about or heard about could survive this, then there is hope! I, too can survive this! This is usually the starting point of hope for most of us. Please be encouraged, make up your mind to be hopeful despite the hopelessness of the situation, because God can fix this, and you will blossom forth by His grace. (To be continued next week)

2kings 5:2-3, Joshua 2:8-11, Joshua 6:17, 25, Matthew 1:5