"Bipolar is my diagnosis...not my identity"

Hey Loves,

It's been a while since I've blogged and I want to share that a lot has transpired in over a year from dating to working in the mental health field. It has been filled with ups and downs. I've been heartbroken, lost, confused, identity crisis and all but I declared over my life that I'm going from mourning to rejoicing and dancing and receiving my beauty for ashes/double portion for my former shame.

I have to constantly remind myself with my mental health diagnosis that there is no shame in having a mental illness, especially when you are reminded that people walked out of your life or made fun of you for having a diagnosis or said cruel things to you concerning it. I know because of that I felt rejected, abandoned and alone and check myself in these areas to really work on affirming myself daily, reminding myself who I belong to and tell myself I am a Child of the Most High God. And it just really sat in my spirit after praying with a friend and she reminded me when I started to not feel well in that moment or had my insecurities with my diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder and said, "You are not that. You have it...it's your medical condition but it's not who you are. It's not your identity." That moment shook me. I almost cried quite honestly. Why am I holding onto the things of those people have said or done instead of the impact of work I've done to break the stigma when it comes to mental illness? Why am I holding myself back and waiting for that exhale moment when God wants me to smell the flowers today? Why am I grieving and mourning over the old when God is presenting new people, new opportunities, new open doors, and new forever partner? I can't take back what happened in the past but I can press forward in my purpose and make moves and be affirmed in my new identity that's found in Christ. Old things have passed away and all things become new. SO let me re-introduce myself..

Hi, my name is Sheree. My diagnosis is Bipolar Disorder and I seek medical treatment by taking medication and seeing a therapist frequently. I've been hospitalized in psychiatric unit a few times, had nervous breakdowns and episodes but I am more than that. I am more than my diagnosis. I am more than my highs and lows. My God has shown himself faithful in my life that HE is greater than my highs and lows and I have it tatted on me. My mission is to tell others being transparent in my own journey that sometimes it gets really hard. I'm always leaning on to God hard but I'm grateful for my support that I can lean onto when it gets hard too because sometimes wanting to give up becomes real. But I am reminded that God is faithful to keep you even when it feels impossible. With my diagnosis, God has made me intercede and pray in ways I've never imagined, made a me a more compassionate and caring person, and more humble for sure and when the thoughts or attitudes comes that's contrary to being those things, it seems like He wrecks me and conforms me into His image and likeness.. FYI I won't ever be God and will fall short because I'm human but I pray even though it can be difficult at times that I strive to become more Christlike daily.

My identity is not bipolar disorder. My identity is being the daughter of the most high God, intercessor/prayer warrior, friend, daughter, sister, cousin, niece, granddaughter, silly, down to earth, loving woman of God. And I'm going to affirm myself in that.

If anything God wanted me to mention on this blog is that He has not forgotten about the mental health community, especially the ones with a severe mental health diagnosis and to have HOPE. God is our El-Roi- "the God who sees". He sees us, He know us, He loves us and never leaves nor forsakes us even when others have. He has a plan for us and longs to redeem the pain of all trauma, in need of healing and restoration and all.

I want to encourage you about a chatline that I loved to chat with when I am going through stuff spiritually or need someone to talk. It's Free and 24/7: https://www.thehopeline.com/gethelp/

If you are experiencing suicidal ideation dial 988.

This is a great site for helplines: https://nowmattersnow.org/help-line

If you need prayer call into CBN 24/7 prayer line or submit a prayer request on their site: 1-800-700-7000. https://www2.cbn.com/prayer

Scripture I leave with you today and it's my favorite scripture, '

Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God bless you! He cares about you so so so deeply. He has a plan for you. Jeremiah 29:11

Love,

REE

Comments

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