Management Monday: Force a Smile. In essence, fake it till you make it. And sometimes, you won’t make it, and that’s okay. But when you have people you have to see and you’re having an episode, plaster a smile on your face and pretend for your own sake, if not for the people you’re with. Those of us who struggle with mental difficulties and usually pretty good at pretending. But, every once in a blue moon, you might be able to convince yourself with that smile that you are okay… at least for a little while.
General
Too Good to Be True
Welcome to a new chapter of my life. True change has taken place. I’ve come to the cusp of change several times before in my life, but always returned to the disgusting belief that Bipolar won’t let me be who I want… and though it is true Bipolar has an affect on what I do, I understand now that it doesn’t decide my entire identity. I make necessary adjustments for Bipolar, but I decide who I am!
I’ve remembered the past few years when I stopped working. My fall crashes were the worst they’ve ever been. My confidence was non-existent. I spent most of my days feeling sorry for myself, sitting on the couch and watching movie after movie. Was all of this because I stopped working? I don’t know. I just know that my last three years have been exceptionally difficult for me, and I didn’t want to face the same story again this year.
So, I began searching for something. I remembered how well I did in my higher education classes, and decided that learning something new had to be a part of my path. Getting a job also had to be a part of it. I went through countless ideas, hundreds of path options trying to find something that felt like me. I will say, bipolar played a huge part in this process- what can I do while depressed? Is this idea from Bipolar grandiosity? (there were a lot of those)- the one idea I kept coming back to was learning how to code… and maybe even taking it as far as becoming a full-stack web developer.
WHAT!?
So, I started online classes. Though I haven’t gotten very far yet, I have LOVED every minuted I’ve learned to code. It’s something now that I am excited about- which is way better than the depression I usually feel this time of year. Is it too good to be true? Maybe. Bipolar will still have a say in my long-term progress in the coding business. But, in the meantime, it’s giving me a feeling of worth and reminding me of some strengths. I’ll stick with it for as long as I can.
Arts/Entertainment
When I’m Alone
Michelle Black Oct 13, 2021
Something is wrong
Something is missing
As much as I try
Connection evades me
Emotionally exhausted
My thoughts get in the way
Self-neglected and lonely,
I forget how to pray
No one wants to listen
to my burdens or life story
Repelled by what’s inside my head,
No one wants any part of me.
Editorial
Schools Acknowledge the Need for Mental Health Days
This past week, I was made aware of a newer mental health policy that made this mom jump for joy. In the district where my children go to school, each child is allowed 2 days in any given school year to stay home for mental health reasons without it applying to their overall absences.
I don’t know how widespread this type of policy is for students across the United States, but as far as I’m concerned… It’s about time! Mental health has long been ignored, avoided, and even laughed at. It’s about time society recognizes the influence mental health can have on an individual, especially a child, for good or ill, and take the proper precautions.
Thank you to whoever put this policy in place! And to any other person reading this, I encourage you to take similar steps in your own area. Mental health is important. There are strategies to manage it positively. In order to truly make a difference, you must raise your voice and let it inspire changes such as these.