Can you have bipolar disorder and have one thing that keeps you happy throughout every episode?

Question

For the past 2 years I have been rapid cycling between depression and mania(i have bipolar 1).

This sounds pretty loserish, but during this time there is this tv show, and honestly I just realized, its the only thing that makes me smile at all, it doesn't matter what type of episode I am going through, just watching the show lifts my spirit up and gives me a feeling of hope. Its like I can watch reruns of it again and again and ill never get tired. Nothing else nowadays makes me smile.

I kinda feel like a loser I have to turn to a tv show to keep my self sane and from committing suicide.....

Answer 1

I've got the same thing, so it's definitely not stupid and doesn't make you a loser in any way - tv can really honestly help, especially comedy shows. My favorite thing to do though is stumbleupon. :) Keeps me busy for hours!

Answer 2

First of all, going through manic-depressive phases is not "loserish" and shouldn´t make you feel like a loser at all. It´s not something you´ve chosen to be and therefore not something you can simply switch on or off, thus making everything your responsibility.

If this particular TV show makes you smile, go for it. If it is something that makes you happy, lifts your spirit etc., watch re-runs, buy the DVD boxset.

Hopefully, in time you will get more stable (are you undergoing some kind of treatment?) and be less "addicted" to that show, in the meantime - be happy with it. Having something stable, having routines, having something that you know will work when you need cheering up is a great feat on the side. :)

All the best.