You’re Just Like Me: JCROWE79

This week my guest blogger is Jcrowe79. Visit her AWESOME blog, and make her apart of our BP family!

Thanks JCROWE!

_______________________________________________________________________

So you have a mental illness.. Which one?

I’m Bipolar 1-Mixed and Eating Disorder

 When were you diagnosed & how old were you?

I was diagnosed in October of 2008 after a highly manic episode that caused me to leave my husband an turn to other vices, then one day I woke up and it was all over and I had nothing left.  It was at that point I needed help.  I was 29 at the time of this incident.

How do you cope with your mental illness?

The positive ways I cope with this illness is I take my medicines, I NEVER go without them!  I use talk therapy, I see a dietician, I read books, crochet, take walks, exercise, and I use this blog as a way to express myself.  I learn every day a new way to cope as it is a constant process.

What are 3 words that you would describe how your illness makes you feel?

Broken, Flawed, and deep

What are some ways you relax from your illness?

I love to write.  In fact my blog has made it much easier to write as I can do so much more typing than using a pen.  I love playing with my children.  They love me for being mommy, they don’t see me as any of those three things above and it is the happiest and most normal I ever feel.  I attend church and read different Christian literature and fiction literature to keep me grounded and strong in my faith, but to also keeps my creative side flowing.

What is some advice you would give to your fellow soldiers fighting this fight?

Take your medicines!  This is the first step.  I understand that side effects can be disruptive, but work with your doctor to find the right balance.  Understand that the medicines can only do so much.  So you need to work with a therapist and talk it all out.  It feels amazing!  Find something that helps you escape, that is healthy and just for you.   Get your rest, sleep is crucial.  Lastly, slowly work on finding the courage to come forward and speak your truth.  When you come out with your disorder there is a certain liberation that allows you to be freer and who you are; it un-cuffs you from the chains that can keep you down in the dark.

Tell us your blog or how we can keep in contact with you:

Follow my blog at jcrowesite.wordpress.com

___________________________________________________________________________

If your interested in being featured as a B.U.L.’s(Bipolar, Unemployed & Lost) weekly GUEST BLOGGER, please email the above questions and answers to bipolarunemployedlost@gmail.com. We will feature your Q&A! I’d love to hear your experience and motivation to fight this horrible disease. Anonymous Welcomed!