Don't Give In To Bipolar Symptoms: Life is Precious

Bipolar symptoms can cause us to do dangerous things (Bipolar and Managing Extreme All Or Nothing Behaviors). Although not suffering bipolar symptoms, a family friend was killed yesterday morning in a work-related accident. He was admired and loved. After learning of the accident, I felt my heart breaking.

I live my life as if I am invincible. I drive maniacally and participate in potentially dangerous behaviors, and I do it all while thinking that nothing can possibly hurt me, that I am too young, and that I have so many things to accomplish. Are bipolar symptoms a part of that thinking? Just yesterday, though, our family friend, who was loved and always helping others while doing the things that he loved, was gone in a split second – taken away from us. I'm sure he thought the same things as I do, that nothing could possibly happen to him. That he was too young and had so much to live for.

I feel as if I should have known him, that I should have taken the time to talk to those people who end up losing their lives in car accidents or suicide or other terrible things, but then again, we can't all live our lives in guilt, thinking about the people who have left us, those people that we did and didn't know.

We always talk about how mindfulness is an important component in our treatment for bipolar disorder, but how many of us really implement it into our daily lives? The next time you angrily pass that person in the fast lane or feel yourself getting irritable and angry and explosive, take a second to stop and think about your life (Cause of Death: Bipolar Disorder, Mental Illness). Is what you're about to do worth it? Will you regret it later? Will it cause you to lose a valuable relationship?

Take that break that you feel you need. Take a vacation, reflect on what's important to you, and always tell your loved ones how much you love them. Rid your life of all negative stressors if you can, and take a second to "stop and smell the roses." No one ever knows what life has in store for us.

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