Bi Polar bracelet

bi polar bracelet by “F” recovering addict

Very often when an addict stops using s/he finds an underlying emotional/psychological problem. This begs the old chicken/egg question; did drug addiction and use cause the mental health issue or was it the precursor that prompted the individual to use in the first place? It may be an attempt to self-medicate a pre-existing condition. Common dual diagnoses include alcoholism/drug addiction and depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, various personality disorders and obsessive/ compulsive thoughts and behaviors. Treatment may include short or long term psych meds and therapy. This bracelet was made by a recovering opiate addict who has been diagnosed with bi polar disorder. The funny thing is she didn’t even think about that while she made this bracelet for herself for fun. Not once but twice she spaced her whites and her browns so they fall on one half of the bracelet; effectively dividing the bracelet into two sides. The bi polar disorder asserts itself in this great looking half and half design. Bi polar individuals may be prone to black/white thinking, all or nothing thinking, wide mood swings, polarization in relationships and extreme behaviors. Her recovery includes both medication and learning new ways of thinking. Art therapy is a great way to learn and practice new, balanced skills in cognitive, behavioral and spiritual areas of life.