Hi,

Today I’m going to talk about something different. I’m going to talk about the pain of childbirth. I know, you’re probably thinking well, what does that have to do with bipolar

disorder? Well, bear with me, and I’ll show you how it does.

In childbirth, there is immediate pain, but then the pain goes away. And in its place is something very beautiful.

I’ve done this, and I challenge you to do it, too. Ask around, and you will not find even one

mother who will tell you that the pain was not worth it.

Ok, let’s compare that to bipolar disorder. I’m here to tell you today that recovery from

bipolar disorder is every bit just as painful (you already knew that) but is also worth the pain.

When talking about childbirth itself, the act of it, the pain of it, that’s called the birth process.

Well, there’s something I call: THE BIPOLAR PROCESS. And the Bipolar Process can be

compared to the birth process. In the Bipolar Process, you grow in your stability like going from a child into an adult. In other words, you go from low functioning to high functioning.

See, learning to manage bipolar disorder is a process. It won’t happen overnight. And it will be painful.

You know I work out a lot, so in the gyms I’m always hearing the saying, “No pain, no gain.”

Well, in the Bipolar Process, it’s the same thing. There will be pain. But it’s like the childbirth process. Whatever pain there is, will be forgotten in the end, when you are left with something

beautiful – When you become that high functioning person with bipolar disorder – When you are stable and in recovery.

Now, remember that this is a process. And, like any other process…It will not happen overnight.

The birth process doesn’t happen overnight, does it?

But if you are consistent in the Bipolar Process…Just as in the birthing process…You will be successful.

There are many things in life that you can be successful in if you are consistent at them. And the Bipolar Process is one of them.

Consistency is one of the things you must have to be successful at it. Persistency is another thing you must have to be successful at it. It also helps to be determined. You will want to set realistic goals as well. Self-care is important. Taking the right steps toward recovery will help

you reach stability through the Bipolar Process.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave