Ode to Bipolar Disorder
If you are suffering, don't be afraid to ask for help.
I wouldn't be where I am without you, But fuck, You make things so hard sometimes. Coasting through life unmedicated, Just so I know what I'm feeling
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About the Creator
Ashley Lima
I think about writing more than I write, but call myself a writer as opposed to a thinker.
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Comments (12)
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Become a paid subscriber to get access.Nicely expressed Ashley. Reminded me of Garden State a bit. Keep swimming.
As a sufferer of a slew of mental health illnesses I am so glad you found a way to cope with it.
I know a family member just diagnosed, and I have worked with people who have it so bad they had to locked away. It is a serious situation, so glad you have found out how to deal with it. Our brains are so multi faceted and mysterious.
I have several people I know and have known with BPD and I think that they all would love your take on living daily life. You gave a fluid description of your experience flawlessly.
I dont have bipolar disorder but I do have a wide variety of other mental issues. It took me awhile to learn to swim too and now I just go with the flow. Your poem was very relatable!
Glad you have learnt to ride the wave Ashley!! ☺️ I guess comments might not be the place for this, but how does one do that.. expect it and acceptance?
This is beautiful. If I picked out all my favourite lines it would end up being the whole poem. So brave if you to share your experience with this as well.
This poem makes me feel really proud of you. Might seem silly as someone who's never even met you, but I can tell you've gone through a big journey to be able to write this. Bravo for your perseverance and clarity!
You seem to surf very well, so keep on! I was my uncle's caretaker abroad when he was at the worst of his bipolar; he was far too heavily medicated and the toll that alone took on his mind and body was atrocious. Although there's an underlying exasperated tone to the poem, buffeted about on uncontrollable waves, you seem to recognize the gift of creative energy and scope it gives you.
One of my friends has bipolar. Every few weeks he’ll get an idea, like move across the country and work on a farm, and then actually really do that. Im the other way and will just do the exact same thing every single day, out of laziness ir perhaps fear to do something new, so i find it kind of inspiring.
Ashley, the photo you chose to go with this piece... and then the depth of this piece itself... Oceanic. There is no other word. This piece inspired so many feelings in me - and yet I find none of them carry any words. Only one thing feels right to express: 💙
Beautiful, Ashley! Love this!