July 4th Holiday Bipolar Blues (but not in 2014!)

Blog From 2009: (I’m receiving comments asking if this is an old blog- nope! It’s new- my goal was to show you that I wrote the same thing in 2009 that I would write today in terms of holidays and bipolar disorder. I’ve learned that holidays are not for me in many ways, so I simply skip the ones I find stressful. I’ll be watching the World Cup on this holiday, so it’s a lot less stress this year!- here’s the post from a few years ago- but the sentiment remains the same. )

I am constantly astonished at how much trouble I have with holidays! It’s never ending. Yesterday was Independence Day here in the states. We do some major celebrating on that day. The weather was gorgeous here in Portland, Oregon.   I go to a party every year on this day. I went yesterday as well. I was pretty depressed though- and all I could think of was how other people were at better parties- and that I never get to go to cool parties. Etc. This was absolutely ridiculous as I was with friends!

If you look at the other holiday posts on this blog, you will see similar thoughts. Something about the holidays brings out the bipolar symptoms in full force. It’s the pressure of having to have a good time. Last year I went to see friends for the New Year and my birthday and it helped a lot!  I always try to learn from my past in terms of staying well- for next year I know that I need to have more than one plan for the 4th. Maybe a few parties to go to where I can pick and choose. Or maybe I can just to go another country. ha ha.

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I am planning now for my summer holiday plans.  It’s ridiculous that I have to do this and people laugh at me- but it’s just the bipolar!

I know this is a very premature question- but do you have plans in mind for the July 4th?

Julie

PS: 2014. My nephew David- who is 12- asked me to go to the fireworks with him on the 4th. I am so happy he wants to be with me! I explained that in terms of my bipolar, the crowds, the late night and especially the noise from the actual fireworks! He understands.  Bipolar takes stuff from us, but over time, you learn what you can and can’t do and it gets SO much easier!

Related posts:
Bipolar Disorder and Holiday Cheer
4th of Julie
Closed: I hope you had a great holiday season. The next call: Bipolar 102 will be announced soon.