I began to wonder today if there is any connection to bipolar disorder and being a Highly Sensitive Person? I also wonder how many people that suffer from depression and anxiety are also an HSP? It seems logical that people with highly sensitive nervous systems living in this century would. Doesn't it? Doing anything I could to numb my senses from such an early age to the point of inducing a chemical imbalance. How many others have done this to themselves?
I now see that I had suffered depression and anxiety before my initial manic episode back in 2001. Maybe not to the degree that I began to suffer them after, but still, it was there. Senses that are oh so sensitive. Feeling things deeper, minds that are always assessing situations, ears that are sensitive to sound, noses that are sensitive to smells, skin easily irritated. Is it no wonder that we would also suffer from emotional discord as well. I find it interesting.
All of the books that I have read on the subject of HSP have really helped me see that there is no reason to numb myself anymore. I just have to make adjustments to my lifestyle to be a happy well adjusted individual. I no longer require medication to manage my bipolar tendencies either. Times of distress tempt me to go that route at times although I know that it is really unhealthy for me. Especially being a HSP. The side effects are just too great.
I recently read an article that Robert found titled Lifestyle and Mental Health from American Psychologist 2011 that completely validated my efforts over the past 6 years to change my lifestyle for greater health and well being. All of the TLC (Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes that were mentioned as options to medications and benefits to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, are things that I have added to my daily life. I wish the medical world would encourage people out there to do these things instead of turning them into guinea pigs to test their pharmaceutical concoctions. I guess it's up to me to try to get the word out there that you can live a healthier alternative contrary to what is being prescribed daily to so many.
