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My Playlist for a Bad Day With Bipolar Disorder

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Bad days are tough for just about everyone, but when you live with bipolar disorder, pushing through can feel impossible. Here are some songs I listen to when I’m having a rough day.

• What is Bipolar disorder?

1. “Colours” by Grouplove
I choose this song because it talks about change and strength but also weakness.

2. “A Casualty” by The Kopecky Family Band
I choose this song because when I hear it, I hear the begging in his voice. I sometimes beg for someone to save me before I fold in on myself.

3. We’re in This Together” by Nine Inch Nails
I choose this song because it makes me think how my husband decided to marry me despite knowing I had bipolar disorder. Sometimes when things get really bad, I just think ”We decided to do this, we’re in this together.”

4. “Death With Dignity” by Sufjan Stevens
I picked this song because sometimes I feel so sad that I don’t even want to get better. So I think about dying, and how it wouldn’t be with dignity if I killed myself.

5. “Smile Like You Mean It” by The Killers
I choose this song because I smile a lot and don’t mean it. It reminds me not to be fake and let people know my true feelings even if it’s hard

6. “First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes
I choose this song because sometimes I have to live each day as if it was the first instead of the last, especially when I come out of a deep depression.

7. “Jesus Christ” by Brand New
I choose this song because he talks about not being scared to die but scared about what happens after he does die. When you suffer with a mental illness such as bipolar, suicide kind of comes with the territory, so hearing someone else sing what I am feeling is a beautiful thing.


8. “We Don’t Know” by The Strumbellas
I choose this song because, once again, it’s an artist describing my feelings. It’s nice to put this one last because it shows you hope along with despair. I think it’s always important to have a little bit of hope at the end of your playlist!

If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page.

If you need support right now, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You can reach the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741-741.

Originally published: October 2, 2016
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