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It's nice to see how others are coping with the challenges of this illness, especially when there is progress in managing it. One key for me that took me many years to accept is that the illness does not go away. What can change is the skills I develop to manage this chronic condition. As I develop these skills, I still have some very bad times, but I have more coping strategies and can get through them better without succumbing to a major episode. And thankfully there are some good and even very good times as well.View Thread





Also, I wanted to say, Wolf, that your work at the library is such a positive thing to be doing and obviously brings you joy, always a good thing. And Cookie, I appreciate the succinct and sensible message that "we aren't super heroes so don't beat yourself up. Life's too short." Easier said than done for me, but definitely something to work towards.View Thread

I am no longer able to work full-time. Also, some days I have so little energy that I don't get out of bed until noon or so. Other days I am quite energetic and able to work on household chores and creative projects. I get regular therapy both from my psychiatrist and from a bipolar support group that meets weekly. I also do some volunteer work and do a small amount of low stress paid work as well. So I am not without activities. Still, I feel I should be doing more.
I am told by others that I am managing my illness very well, and that my main job is to take care of myself and not have a relapse. This makes sense to me, yet I still find myself judging myself negatively for not being busier or more active.
Are there others like me out there? In my heart and my mind I think I need to be more self accepting and not try to gear up again for the more high stress life of working full time. I honestly believe working full time is too much for me, and thankfully I have disability and do not have to work full time. How can I be more self accepting and less harsh on myself?View Thread

The difference is that he now has a psychiatric illness, and it's not something you can fix just through an effort of will power. I agree that he is probably not lazy, but is instead suffering from an illness that makes it appear that he is lazy. The more compassion the family can show him, the better off he will be, as you point out. I also like your idea of asking the young man to help with household chores. This can be done in a compassionate manner, saying "we want you to stay here until you are ready to move on, and you have our love and support. However, we also need you to give back by helping with some chores around here." If done in this gentle, non-judgemental way, as opposed to "You are being lazy and you better pitch in around here" he may be more receptive.View Thread
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