How My Dad has Helped me with my Bipolar Disorder

As I have mentioned many times before, my mother has been very supportive of me during my life regarding my mental illness.  She went into psychiatric nursing to learn as much as she could about my mental illness, she has listened to me so many times and seen me shed many tears.  She has loved me unconditionally even though during times I was the sickest I have been outright cruel.  Because of her, I am still alive.

Tomorrow is Father’s Day and therefore I want to talk about how supportive my dad has been too.  He has been there when I need to talk. He gives great advice and I wouldn’t be here if it went for his support and love.   I have been blessed with two wonderful parents. They both have accepted me for who I am.

I admire my dad. He has always been a hard worker. He is creative, intelligent, goal-driven, a leader, and loves his family.  I am so proud to be his daughter.

There have been so many times he has listened to me when I have been in tears.  Neither one of my parents allow me to have self-pity. However, they both understand that my depression and mania are chemical imbalances.

When I was first diagnosed, it was devastating to our whole family.  However, my parents stuck by my side and helped me get through it all.  There were nights I would not sleep at all and one of them would stay up with me.  There were times when I was manic that they had to literally rescue me.

They would have take time off and travel from NY to Florida to get me admitted to a psychiatric hospital or take me back to New York. There was one time that I disappeared and they had to use law enforcement to find me. I had bought a new car and had gotten engaged (using their money for the engagement ring).  My dad was able to get the car salesman to take the car back and got the ring returned.

Out of all the things that my dad has done for me, I vividly remember one night he stayed up with me when I was about 17 and got me through the night. We talked about so many things and him caring meant so much to me. Another time, I remember him trying so hard to get me to relax when I just couldn’t because I was manic. Yes-he was probably frustrated, but him wanting to help me  meant a lot.

When I was diagnosed, I would have understood if my parents were embarrassed.  I know they kept my illness from others mostly at my request.  However, they never let me know think they were ashamed of me.

They have continuously throughout my life let me know that they are proud of me and admire my strength.

I love my parents so much and have never doubted their love for me.  I have heard of so many people that have been abandoned by their families.  Some are told that they don’t have a mental illness. Others  have no desire to learn anything about their mental illness. Living with someone who has a mental illness is not easy.  However, my parents have stuck by my side and I know they will continue to do so.  I sometimes wonder why. I am not sure if I would have stuck around the way I have treated them.

Thanks Mom and Dad! Happy Father’s Day Dad!!!