I was just reading a very insightful blog called Being Bipolar and read about Bipolar Awareness month. I have dealt with major depressive episodes throughout my life and have been treating them with medication for most of my adult life with relative success. It is not something I talk about regularly but it is a fact of my life. I have a very dear friend that was diagnosed with Bipolar last year after years of turmoil and pain. Being with her when she was in a manic episode could be a lot of fun but I always sensed that they were not worth the lows that were inevitable.
She once told me that she felt like she was more herself when she was with me. That was one of the nicest compliments I've ever gotten. She is now on mood stabilizers and I hope so much that she can be happy and stable and keep her amazing spirit that I love.
The more we talk about mental illness the less stigma there will be. I read on the blog that as many as 50% of those diagnosed with bipolar attempt suicide and that 20% are eventually successful. I just wish that it didn't take so long for most people to get the treatment they need. If you think someone you love may be bipolar don't be afraid to talk about it. It is far too dangerous to hide from the subject. I remember that my friend asked me 6 or 7 years ago if I thought she was bipolar. I can't remember what I said but I remember thinking that it would explain a lot of things. I can't imagine how devastated I would have been if she had not finally gotten the help she needed.
Here are a few links to learn more about this illness:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder-easy-to-read.shtml
http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/Ecommerce?store_id=1121&FOLDER=1000
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5 comments:
I have that same fear, haha! i also have a bad habit of not filling them.
It affects many people not only the ones that have it but also the people around them.. glad you and your friend and many others are getting help and feeling better. =D
I have been diagnosed for several years now with it. The meds DO help!
Glad you are getting help and making this an issue in your blog for others to be more aware.
The sad part of so many of these types of illnesses is that when people are doing better they often take themselves off their meds and then all heck breaks lose.
Meds can make a wonderful difference, so can regular schedules of exercise and sleep. Routines are good, but often hard in this hectic world of ours.
Much luck to you and your friend.
Sandy
I was diagnosed with this and or borderline personality disorder as they seem to mimic each other. Anyway I am therapy and medication free now and out of hospitals for 11 years! How did I do it?! I embrace a very healthy and green life style and I design chakra,green jewelry! Here's to your health!
-artzstuf
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