It can be exceptionally easy, especially with social media, to live life in comparison to other people. That becomes even easier when the people you’re comparing yourself to feel like the more successful versions of you. Add in a mental health diagnosis like bipolar disorder, and it can feel like you’re not living up to your potential.

• What is Bipolar disorder?

So what is it that these famous people have to say? Do they experience bipolar disorder the same as everyone else? Here are 10 quotes that might clue us in:

1. Carrie Fisher:

“At times, being bipolar can be an all-consuming challenge, requiring a lot of stamina and even more courage, so if you’re living with this illness and functioning at all, it’s something to be proud of, not ashamed of.”

I have this quote printed out and hung on my mirror so I can remind myself that I’m living and functioning with pride.

2. Demi Lovato:

“It’s possible to live well, feel well, and also find happiness with bipolar disorder or any other mental illness [you’re] struggling with.”

This quote is one that I come back to when I need to believe in something more than mood swings.

3. Catherine Zeta-Jones:

“There is no need to suffer silently and there is no shame in seeking help.”

This one reminds me of The Mighty-where we all create a community.

4. Jean Claude Van Damme:

“All the commotion around me, all the water around me, moving left and right around me, became like a lake.”

I really like this one. So much of mania, and definitely depression can feel like you’re doing your best to keep your head above water. Here, Van Damme is talking about how medicine helps.

5. Mariah Carey:

“Until recently I lived in denial and isolation and in constant fear someone would expose me. It was too heavy a burden to carry and I simply couldn’t do that anymore. I sought and received treatment, I put positive people around me and I got back to doing what I love.”

I think it’s completely reasonable to feel like you’re unwilling to face your diagnosis in the beginning. What’s important is that you keep trying, day by day.

6. Russell Brand:

“And the image of myself as compromised and inconsistent made me want to withdraw from the world even further.”

This one goes along with number five. You just have to keep trying.

7. Stephen Fry:

“If you know someone who’s depressed, please resolve never to ask them why. Depression isn’t a straightforward response to a bad situation; depression just is, like the weather.”

I can’t say the number of times I’ve heard that I needed a reason to have depression! I just have it, no reason necessary.

8. Pete Wentz:

“I went to therapy … but I think that the idea that there’s a one size fits all [solution] is one of those myths. Everybody figures themselves out in a different way.”

This is super important. Not every therapeutic intervention will work for you. Having a healthy relationship with your therapist is a big deal.

9. Patty Duke:

“My recovery from manic depression has been an evolution, not a sudden miracle.”

This quote reminds me that I have to be patient with myself. And if you’re on a med change, this becomes even truer.

10. Mary Lambert:

“In my episodes, I tend to oscillate quickly between hyper anxiety, paranoia, suicidal thoughts and shame … I have been on medication for 5 years, and that initiated a drastic diminish in the intensity and duration of episodes. I also do frequent energy work, TFT and a whole lotta self talk.”

There’s no shame in having bipolar disorder. You’ve got to get through your life the best way you know how. And that usually means coping techniques and self-care!

Although there are plenty more famous people who have become an advocate for themselves and living with bipolar disorder, I would wager that their experiences are a lot like everyone else’s — mine included. And maybe instead of comparing, it’s nice to just know that somewhere out there, other people understand what you’re going through.