I Am Brave, and I Am Strong, and I Am Going to Prove It.

Once again, I am faced with another Bipolar episode.  Over the years, I have almost gotten used to these; I cannot even count the number I have had since diagnosis in October of 2009.  This time around, however, I am doing a few things differently, having more successes, if you will.  Here they are:

1. No one knows what's going on unless I want them to know it.  I am basically acting normal in public, so no one can tell from my behavior, and when I tell someone, I do it calmly and quietly.
2. I am continuing to do school work.  I have to, because finals are coming up.  Just while in this episode, I have started making math flashcards and revised a paper.
3. I still seek comfort from my friends and family, but I only need to talk to one or two people--not my whole contacts list--before I can move on with my day.  And if no one is available to talk, I do not get totally desperate; instead I find a way to comfort myself.
4. Every day, I remind myself that life was not always like this, nor will it always be this way.  I used to feel well, and one day I will feel well again.

I think that's a pretty good list!