Life Events and Bipolar Disorder
June 4, 2017. This date sounds innocuous but in truth it looms large. June 4, 2017 is the day my youngest son graduated high school. I am beyond proud of him, especially because he faced some serious developmental challenges in his younger days. I am excited for his new adventure as he gets ready to march off to Indiana University in the fall. Although this is a very exciting time, there is a dialectic that arises I celebrate.
My bipolar disorder seems to be triggered at least in part by the impending changes to our family dynamics. My first reaction is to be angry that I am feeling this way at this very exciting time. My kinder gentler self is trying to acknowledge that even very exciting times may prove difficult with my illness. I know June 4 signifies a very important milestone, and also the first phase of the new chapter of my son’s life. I will celebrate with him and with the rest of my family and I will try not to let my illness get in the way.
-Sheryl
