I want to change, to break habits that are ruining my life. I try, I want it badly, but I fail to see that willpower alone isn’t enough. Bipolar disorder isn’t something you overcome just by wanting to, just like a diabetic can’t control their condition through sheer determination.

Unlike physical illnesses, mental illness tricks us into thinking recovery is entirely up to us. But it’s not. We need treatment, support, and the understanding that willpower won’t fix everything. Accepting this isn’t giving up, it’s facing reality.