Five Ways to Function as an Undercover Bipolar

People who suffer from bipolar disorder don't always look the way you'd expect them to. Most people imagine a crazed emo kid with a razor blade in their hand, but in reality, it could be your coworker, neighborhood mail carrier, or even the bank teller.

I have been functioning as an "undercover bi-polar" for years and it can be pretty difficult to pretend that I am among the "normal" people. As a mom, an office piss-on, a Scout leader, and a ranch assistant, most people don't see my giant "I'm bi-polar" label I'm expected to wear. I had to learn to function in society and blend in with the "normals".

If you think you could be one of the 5.7 million Americans suffering with this disorder, read these 5 tips to help you function in a not so "I'm freakin nuts" type way:

1) Take Your Medication

I could not stress this enough. People on medication seem to think that once they start feeling better, they no longer need their meds. WRONG. You're feeling better BECAUSE you're taking your medication. If you are not prescribed medication or you think what you are taking isn't working out, see your doctor right away. This is crucial in hiding your crazy. Not only could it save your life, it will save your relationships. Bipolars who go unmedicated are a roller coaster ride with no exit for everyone involved.

2) Give Yourself a Time-Out

No, I don't mean standing with your nose in the corner for 5 minutes (you'll look like a quack). There are always situations that can trigger an "episode". Large crowds, noisy eaters, other people's bratty kids are just a few examples. Whatever the situation may be, you might start to feel sorry for yourself or angry. Acknowledge these feelings and get the hell out of the situation for a moment. Something as simple as your favorite song playing in your ear while you count to 20 or moving away from that perfect couple sitting next to you in the movie theater can really make a difference.

3) Take a Mental Health Day

It's like a sick day, but you lie about it. Every once in awhile, you just need to NOT go to work that day (but please at least call in and make something up, we don't need to be fired...that defeats the purpose of this article). That doesn't mean you use that day to lay around the house staring at all the happy people on Price is Right. That means do something you actually like doing. You need it, I promise. My last mental health day was spent trail hiking with my dog, watching her piss on random plants, and pretending my cell phone didn't exist. When I got back home, I felt refreshed and ready to start functioning the next day.

4) Get Some Damn Sleep

It's easy to fall into a manic routine of 3:00am video games and Mountain Dew but this is just a SUPER bad idea. Being overly tired can be detrimental and cause mood swings bigger than the pile of cheese puffs that you will most likely devour while you're awake staring at the boob tube. Nobody likes a cranky zombie with experience points, ESPECIALLY if that cranky zombie is so tired that they forgot to take their medication (see tip #1)

5) Toxic People Make It Worse

There are those certain people that just rub you the wrong way. Just a small 6-word sentence coming out of their mouths can make you want to punch babies (I don't really punch babies...it's an expression. Put the phone down). This kind of person is what i call "toxic". They might not look like the creature from the black lagoon, but damn does it feel that way every time they're in your presence. They might be a great person to someone else, but for one reason or another, you just can't mesh. It's time to let that person go. Whether it be a cousin, a significant other, or an acquaintance that just drives you nuts..you have better shit to do. Ignore their messages, hit "hide posts" on their Facebook status, find a new acquaintance.

Being bi-polar doesn't have to be a giant neon sign on your forehead. Instead, let it be a sticky note...and don't let it wear you

#mentalillness #bipolar #comical