I promised in my last blog to introduce tools for dealing with bipolar "highs," whether really "up" (mania) or just somewhat "up" (hypomania). Actually, I think rather in terms of being hyper-normal (above normal). Why would we want to be brought down from such heights? After all, they feel so good. And we feel so productive when we're there.
There are two problems with being "high." First of all, we are not ourselves. Ask my wife. My own "tells" of hyper-normalia include making unwise decisions, buying stuff I really don't need, making promises I later can't deliver on, running away at the mouth with things I later wish I could retract, etc. The list goes on...
The second problem with being "high" is the risk of crashing and burning. Like Icarus, we fly too close to the sun, the proverbial wax melts, our wings fall apart, and we plummet to the ground. What goes up must come down.
There are actually many tools for controlling those hyper-normal "highs." These include medications (yes, it is okay for Christians to take medications--see my blogs regarding medications) and meditation (yes, believers can do a Christian version of meditation--see my blogs regarding meditation). But let me introduce what I call "the Drone tool."
As you know, drones have revolutionized the film industry with their ubiquitous aerial views. But drones have also revolutionized the toy industry. For something like $25 I recently purchased a toy drone that fits in the palm of my hand. It almost flies itself. The learning curve is quite shallow. There are two joysticks. The right stick controls forward/back and right/left. Leave it alone and the drone just hovers as if by magic. The left stick controls circle-left/circle-right and altitude. You can think of this stick as the throttle. Push it forward and the motors turn faster. The drone rises. Pull it backwards and the motors turn slower. The drone descends.
So here's what I find. When necessary I can use the drone analogy to throttle back my "motors" and my altitude. I can do this with a real drone, or with an imaginary drone in my mind. When I sense I am in "up" territory, I pull back on the imaginary stick in my mind and imagine myself slowly descending. I bring the drone down from ceiling level to eye level and hold it there.
So there you have it. It's that simple. Think of it as a tool to "throttle back" those hyper-normal tendencies. At the same time, I hasten to add, flying a real toy drone is great fun! It can be a wonderful distraction from whatever ails you. Try it. You might like it!
Blessings,
The Christian Bipole
Comments