Teens

What I Learned About Bipolar Disorder

"Accentuate your superabilities and minimize your disabilities. And don't let the disability make you feel
less than, because everyone has a challenge to overcome, whether they admit it or not."
Aviva, age 22

"Sometimes you cry. Sometimes you laugh. But no matter what mood you're in, you are still Bipolar."
Ciara, age 13

How I Feel About Taking Medicine

"I have to remember to take my medication three times a day or I could have rages or depression that
might have to have me put back into the hospital. I do know how important it is take my medication all the
time, but I do know that other bipolar people will sometimes think they are cured and stop taking their
medications. If I do this, I know I will go back to rages and depression and not be able to control myself."
Samantha, age 13

Suceeding in School and Beyond

"I try to remember to stop and think before I do anything, but that is not easy. I was put on a new
medication that is helping me to stay focused at school, and I am doing much better. I now have a few
friends that accept me for who I am, but it is still very hard to deal with everyday."
Samantha, age 13

Getting Along With Others

"When I'm at school I'm usually one year younger than all of my friends. I dont think much of it and maybe
they dont either. People have always teased me because I act differently than they do. When I was little I
would cry about it. But now, even though I'm going through an even harder life, I ignore what the people
around me say. I cheer myself up by reading my comic books, watching cartoons, and drawing pictures.
"...Because even when your heart hurts the most, you have to continue to fight your battles. If you ignore
the pain, you will most likely drown in your own tears." That's what I always remind myself of!"
Rebecca, age 13

"If somebody provokes me into wanting to fight, I think to myself they are not worth it and walk away!!"
Big John-age16

Hospital Stays and Doctor Visits

"What you can do is make the best of it."
Isaac age 13

"Advice I might give about staying in the hospital would be: It helped me to get away from things, my family
too, so I did not do something I would later regret. The hospitals were not that bad, but after a few day I did
want to go home. My mom visited everyday and I talked to her all the time. She was able to call me, or I
was able to call her. My mom bought me a beanie baby each time I was admitted. That also seemed to
help me. I also brought pictures from home, of my dog, my mom and brother, that seemed to help too."
Samantha, age 13

When Parents and Teens Disagree

"When I'm angry or sad I tend to blame things on my parents and family. But I have learned that I can't
blame my family for how I'm feeling because they are trying to help me. Even when we disagree, I still love
them."
Ciara age 13

Telling Friends About Bipolar Disorder

"It is hard for me to express what bipolar disorder is and how it effects me to my friends. But over the
years, I have learned you can't always keep it to yourself. It is better for your close friends to know but you
don't have to tell everybody."
Ciara age 13

How Bipolar Disorder Affects Me

"I suffer with bipolar 2. I first suffered with mainly episodes of depression in highschool. Then as a young
adult I have noticed more manic episodes. I cannot help but notice that I cannot sleep sometimes with my
"racing thoughts" I constantly am thinking. I have noticed that I can try and sit in the dark and breathe
deeply. I also have those thoughts of "why did I have to have this" "why me" "will my daughter have the
same life?"

What I have as an answer is this: I may have a mental illness but it is because I am supposed to. If not I
would be unable to relate to some people. We all have what some call short commings. But sometimes
the short commings are what will make us stronger."
Susan- 23 yrs old.