Understanding the role of comfort is critical for getting Bipolar IN Order. To do so, we must measure comfort at each level of intensity for both mania and depression. When we compare comfort levels to awareness, understanding, functionality, value, and the time before escalation, we find the optimal intensities where bipolar is an advantage in our lives.
In any aspect of life, those who only seek comfort are consigned to mediocrity and boredom. Those who judiciously step outside their comfort zone and challenge themselves are the ones who learn and grow. This is equally true with mania and depression.
The best growth, though, happens just slightly outside the comfort zone. Too far outside and the lack of comfort can cause you to shrink instead.
Too many times, bipolar people step too far outside their comfort zones and find themselves at an intensity of depression or mania that is far beyond their control. Many of them become so frightened by it they hide inside their comfort zone hoping to remain there the rest of their lives. They accept a diminished story of their lives because they believe they have no other choice. They fear one wrong step will rapidly escalate back to an uncomfortable and out-of-control state.
When we carefully assess comfort (along with the other criteria) at various levels of intensity, we find close relationships between understanding, functionality, and comfort. One’s level of understanding, if accurately assessed, predicts the levels of functionality and comfort, for example. One’s level of comfort also influences the ability grow in understanding and function more effectively; all three are intimately tied together.
Such assessments lead to a far more accurate identification of the demarcation lines of an individual’s comfort zone. These assessments also help the individual to recognize the next level of intensity where depression or mania has just begun to go too far. The ability to find the zone between the lines is the key to success. We need to cross the line and go outside of our comfort zone to grow, but not so far that lack of comfort harms us.
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Thank you for writing this article. I never really thought about my illness this way. I just wanted to let you know that I posted the article on my Bipolar Bandit FB page, on Twitter @bipolar_bandit and on Pinterest.
If you are on FB and interested in joining a closed group “Advocay for People with Mental Illnesses” please let me know and I will send you the link. I think we all would benefit from your ideas.
Thank you Bipolar Bandit. I will be sure to check out the group.
Well said, Tom. And your article applies to every area of life, not just bipolar or depression. I think that everyone achieves Bipolar in Order at a different pace so one shouldn’t get discouraged if it seems to be taking too long. A work of art, a masterpiece, takes a long time to perfect, but eventually if gets completed. And that’s what each of us is, a masterpiece in the making.
Awesome, Tom.
Thanks Jeanette, You bring up a very important point. One of our lessons is about acceptance. Part of acceptance is we must accept that progress takes time You make that point beautifully in your comment.
I very much resonated with you article…I’ve heard almost the same words about job choice. I finally did take a job that pushed me. While initially caused me some new episodes I ultimately found a happy medium, developed some skills and have lived without meds and without episodes outside normal range of ups and downs for 7 years.