Finding Self-Worth While Living With Bipolar Disorder

Buy Sertraline Tablets Online.For those of us living with bipolar disorder, however, loving ourselves and maintaining high self-esteem or self-worth can be incredibly challenging. The symptoms of mania, bipolar depression, and the pervasive feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness that often accompany them are very real struggles. Over time, these challenges can pave the way for low self-esteem and diminished self-worth to take root in our psyches.

Striving for Stability Amid Unpredictable Moods

Since my diagnosis more than two decades ago, my moods have been predictably unpredictable.Buy Sertraline Tablets Online.

Jobs have come and gone. I’ve reduced my work hours, changed careers, faced discrimination, job loss, financial insecurity, and hardship — all because of the relentless symptoms of bipolar. A few years ago, I even lost my apartmentafter exhausting all of my medical leave at work and finding myself without income during a severe depressive episode.

Stability is something I’ve always both strived for and struggled with throughout my life.

Depression, mania, chaos … how can anyone expect their self-esteem to remain untouched by the impact of bipolar disorder?

Using Self-Care to Help Tame the Chaos Within

Looking for answers, I turned first to self-care practices to help me find calm in the chaos. For me, meditation stood out, offering space for quiet examination and reflection. It has been a useful tool for focusing my scattered thoughts and recentering myself when my brain veers into dark places.

One day, I came across a guided meditation on the topic of self-esteem. I listened to the 10-minute meditation — three times, in fact! I’d love to say it held all the answers, but it didn’t.

Still, it was very helpful in offering practical suggestions for improving my self-esteem. And, after meditating, I realized I already held some of the answers within myself all along.Buy Sertraline Tablets Online.

That meditation brought to mind a blog I’d written back in 2019, titled “Bipolar Depression Will Not Define Me.” In that piece, I emphasized defining my worth not by external accomplishments, but by my inherent value as a human being.

Pausing to Listen to My (Negative) Self-Talk

The guided meditation also touched on mindfulness and self-talk. To my understanding, mindfulness simply means bringing awareness to the present moment.

When I paused to really listen to the self-talk running through my mind, I noticed that most of it was negative and overly critical. I often judge myself harshly for things like my appearance, my weight, and my circumstances.

Building My Self-Esteem With Self-Kindness and Ongoing Support

Along the way, I’ve learned to lean on other self-care strategies to improve my self-esteem. Some of these include therapy, support groups, exercise, and being with loved ones

I’ve also made a conscious effort to explore new ideas and activities — things I might not have considered before. Through this openness, I’ve discovered interests that are uniquely my own, each one different from the next. I wouldn’t have uncovered these passions if I hadn’t intentionally sought them out.

Exploring new areas of life and finding hobbies that excite me has made a significant difference in my self-esteem — and, by extension, my self-confidence.

Openness and ‘What I Know for Sure’

Oprah says it best: I need to “think about what I know for sure.”Buy Sertraline Tablets Online.

Here’s what I know for sure: I am a kind human being. I am compassionate, intelligent, hardworking, brave, and loving. I have talents and interests that have nothing to do with bipolar disorder.

These are the things that define me. They are the foundation of my self-esteem.Buy Sertraline Tablets Online.

While bipolar disorder can certainly alter the circumstances of my life, it doesn’t change who or what I love, nor does it diminish the core qualities that make me who I am.

An Invitation to Self-Reflect

I encourage you to look inward and explore your innermost self. What makes you unique? What defines you? What are your talents and hobbies? Who and what do you love?

If it helps, write it all down. Make a list. Look at it often — especially when symptoms of bipolar disorder threaten to shake your self-esteem.

Let’s take time to celebrate ourselves and encourage each other to build our self-esteem.

We are all worth it!