9 ms·
I have a similar history to yours (except GenX not millenial). I've built a decent career for myself, but have always struggled with SAD and bipolar symptoms.
by modfodder 13y ago
I have a similar history to yours (except GenX not millenial). I've built a decent career for myself, but have always struggled with SAD and bipolar symptoms. When I feel good I'm sure it's something I can control, but as soon as it sneaks up, my life goes into self-destruction mode. I always feel bad about complaining about the effect this has on my life as my income is typically in the top 10% in the U.S., but still feel most of my potential gets lost in the struggle.
- benched 13y agoI could have written this comment about myself verbatim. The way I see it, there is so much variation in brains and personalities. You can find in the distribution people who exhibit what look like discipline and constancy. There's also everyone else.
- Cthulhu_ 13y agoI'm no psychologist, but part of what I'm reading here is guilt and pressure about your 'potential'. Trying to pursue that potential and whatnot will probably only make your problems worse or equal. It's not a bad thing to aim a bit lower and just find balance in things.
- modfodder 13y agoI hear what your saying, and I've done some of that thru the years. But it goes beyond just lowering expectations, I'm already pretty chill about whatever life brings my way. It has more to do with bouts of depression that have regularly slowed and occasionally sidelined my ambitions as well as an additional stressor on family and relationships.
- dan00 13y agoPerhaps you wouldn't be as good without these "downtimes". I think a lot of the true potential thinking is just misguided.