TP, I am encouraged to hear that lowering the lithium levels seem to be helping. Good news. I am sorry to hear that your daughter feels she has no purpose, perhaps if she read the Unquiet Mind that may help. And, you might share with her that my younger sister who is BiPolar (BP) with some other issues as well, went to Grad school for Fine Art and became quite an accomplished and successful Artist. Along the way,as she understood her own illness better she became an advocate for the 'disabled' (disabled is how she views herself and it gives her a forum to assist others) using art as the medium to teach and also to encourage other artists who are disabled. She used her illness to support others and has become quite well known for it. She not only does what she loves in her own home studio, but has art shows all over the country, but her most cherished job is teaching disabled kids/people and letting them know how important their work is. I am very proud of her for what she has done with her life and how she is so steadfast in her commitment to support others like herself.
Having grown up with so much mental illness all my life, literally surrounded by it, I have a different viewpoint and experience then most. All of those in my family who are 'different' also possess skills and talents ordinary folks don't have. Perhaps in one way their brains don't function in the average way, but their brains are very well developed in other ways, as if to make up for the initial anomaly. They are usually brilliant, creative and unique, and I believe with the appropriate support and encouragement, which I'm sure you are providing your children, they can lead remarkably creative lives. It takes more work perhaps, but the brilliance of their worlds can be such an asset to the rest of us. So many highly creative people have given the world great works of art, music, literature, and fought their own inner demons along the way. You might share with her the sheer volume of famous, creative folks who were BiPolar (BP), it's remarkable.
I wish you peace and calm on this path you are on, it is not an easy one but I believe it can be a rewarding and creative one. God Bless you and your family.
