Happiness, it's an inside job

Went to a ladies' event last week and was truly blessed with the testimony and word of Tanya Glanzman. I guess I took a break from doing this blog because I felt like I wasn't really reaching anyone. Yet I've been complimented more than once for actually doing the blog to help people with bipolar or other mental disorders. So back to writing is the order of being called to do so. I don't know if any of you know my personal story living with bipolar disorder. Growing up I was always the loudest and most outspoken of the group. I did not take no for an answer. And if I wanted something badly enough I fought to get it. Not literally fought but I stood my ground with confidence. I loved life. I was slightly spoiled by my father's parents. Oh okay, I was really spoiled being the only granddaughter for 20 years. My mother's parents were deceased. By the time I was 5 years old, my parents were divorced, my mother had moved us around the local county at least 3 times in a year. Long story short, my mother being very young choose to move to Memphis, TN and give our dad custody of us. I'm going to give you a little background about bipolar disorder. The signs or symptoms can start to show up very early in life. If you are dealing with someone with bipolar or other mental disorders, do the research. I don't recommend finding the horror story of them all which you can find online, I recommend doing a google search and maybe reading wikipedia. With myself, the trigger that gave me the diagnosis of bipolar disorder was on December 18, 1996. I lost my husband of 2 1/2 short years in a one vehicle car accident. Almost a year to the date of his death I found myself sitting in a room with my dad, Aunt Sandra, and my brother wearing 3 hats thinking that Princess Diana, Bill Clinton, and Al Sharpton were telepathically talking to me and we were having a cigar party inside a limousine. Yes, I know you are laughing and guess what? It's fine. But the reality for me was REAL. Absurd but it was how I saw the world at that time. I shared this with you because if your loved one or yourself has these types of behavior just understand that they believe what they imagine is real. Be patient and find help with professionals. Now I do understand sometimes that drug abuse can bring on the same types of hallucinations. I did not abuse drugs so that was not the case with me. It was purely psychological. If you know someone battling addition to drugs please seek help for them or for yourself. Drug addiction is so stigmatized. It is a disease as well, look it up, do the research. As the anniversary of losing my sweet Keith approaches I just want to continue with this blog. Please comment or private message me on ways I can help you deal with mental disorders. I'm not a professional but I don't mind listening and giving advice about my years of living with bipolar disorder. I truly believe that God has called me to share my story and help those who deal with bipolar and mental disorders. Personally, I'm not a Christmas person. For 22 years now I've had a bah humbug attitude about this wonderful time of year. Of course I am truly thankful for why we celebrate this season. I just had a very hard time dealing with this time of year because Keith died tragically just one week to Christmas, 22 years ago. I try this time of year, I really try to enjoy the festive atmosphere. I do have to say that my children, David, and his boys have helped me start to love this time of year again. Please be mindful of those around you who have lost loved ones, jobs, income, or even pets. This can be a difficult time of year for many people. And if you know someone dealing with mental illness, this time of year can actually trigger emotions and feelings that only professionals can deal with. I am so thankful for the doctor who helped me and got the correct medication regimen I needed to finally live a "normal" life with bipolar disorder.