Originally Posted by The Batlord (Post 2105031)

Yeah. He asked about bipolar medication. I gave my experience with it.

Originally Posted by The Batlord (Post 2104996)

I've been inspired and motivated by them, made moves to improve my situation, and then a few days later the feeling was gone and I felt like I did before it happened, maybe with life improvements, but now the realization that it was all a chemical illusion rather than meaningful personal change demoralized me more than if it had never happened.

Manic episodes don't solve your problems. I guess self-discipline when you're not manic is the only thing that's going to help. But by all means keep chasing that dragon until you're stripped of whatever hope you have left. I'll be here at the bottom to give you a fist bump.

Originally Posted by WWWP (Post 2105064)

But I think what you're missing is that it's the depression that's actually the chemical illusion. And tbh all active personal change is meaningful. Finding a way to live with bipolar is not about trying to eliminate the ups and downs, the medications are meant for dulling those extremes, it's about figuring out how to set yourself up for success and expecting the mood fluctuations. It's possible to use it to your advantage, but it takes a lot of work and honesty with yourself.