Your heart beats as you hear the text coming in. You don't want to look at it for fear of what it might say. You leave it a minute before picking up the phone,keeping the screen turned away and slowly slowly peek at what it says...
Dating is a stressor. A big one!
The fear, the bravery, the self doubt, the rejection, the anticipation, the exhilaration, the success. Powerful emotions all.
Having recently started dating after a tough breakup with my wife three years ago,it's coming back to me what a wild emotional ride it is. Being single and seeking the affections of others, 'dating', is terrible for your emotional well being.
I've noticed since I started some behaviours creeping in that I have a watch on. Staying indoors all day on a nice sunny Saturday for example.
Largely since I split up with my ex I've cultivated a very stable lifestyle. Work, home, 8 hours sleep, kids on the weekends. Nothing has really stretched me too hard emotionally, until now.
I say this to myself as much as to anyone reading this with bipolar.
If you're heading out into the world of dating, make sure all your other supports are rock solid to help you through the emotional minefield ahead:
- sleep 8 hours a night
- see friends (especially supportive ones) every week
- don't miss even one dose of your meds
- stay active and exercise at least a couple of times a week
I believe bipolar doesn't have to be in any way restrictive on your life and your ability to be happy and successful in any way. We just need to take care of our mental well being (which everyone should do!) a little more fastidiously than others.
