Sometimes, while having bipolar disorder, you feel like you are driving a tricycle. With the bike, you are not able to do as many things as you once would with a different mode of transportation.Wheels fall off making it harder to climb. Riding a tricycle is like being in the depression phase.It is hard to even get on the bikea(bed) let alone have the energy and motivation to push on. It might even be hard to step onto the bike itself as it is all too alarming.
Mania is like riding a space shuttle. The sky is the limit and there is nothing you think you can’t do. You feel in control with all the buttons and levers to manipulate. You can go anywhere you want to go. While on a space mission, it might feel like you are on the top of the world and in your manic state you most likely are. You eventually have to come back down to earth and this usually results in a deep depression.
Since most of us don’t ride tricycles and pretty much none of us have touched the moon, let’s try life without the easy bike and space explorer.
Bipolar disorder needs a balance. You can’t be going slowly all the time and can’t speed up too much either.
If you are looking for an analogy about what your life should like when you are stable, you should look at a car or boat. Airplanes can be used, but with caution as when you are manic you tend to spend money you don’t have.
So, are you having a day that you will use your tricycle, reach for the stars in a space shuttle, or you going to try and have a balanced day and settle for the car?