Thanks for this, David. Your transparency and humanity are important not only for those who are trying to manage their bi-polar disorder, but for the people who love these folks. Our oldest adult daughter lives with us because she refuses to use medication and as a result can’t keep a job. We know we can’t force her to do anything; we simply hope that a stable environment and affordable rent will help her stabilize so she can begin to put the pieces of her life back together. She too is lucky; when manic she spends money she doesn’t have, which has gotten harder to do since she had to get rid of her credit cards. She is smart, kind, beloved by animals and small children. She has so much to offer. I think it is the loss of the potential of many of those with bi-polar that is hardest of all to accept.
My best to you and all who struggle. Your stories matter. Please keep telling yours.
This was brave to write, and inspiring to read. Thank you for sharing your story in such a way that many of us can see parts of our own lives, large or small, in it. We all have problems; what metters most is seeing them, and recognizing the commonality we have with others.
Thanks, David, for your candidness, and the beautiful writing.
The more our struggles with mental illness are out in the open, the better we all will be. It took me over four decades to find the correct medication and palliative actions, and I hope it doesn't take you as long!
A very touching recounting of your journey. Thank you for your willingness to put it out there, and thanks to our mutual friend in Twilight for recommending it to me. Wishing you all the best.
As you can see by my Substak pen name I'm still afraid to come out of the closet (so to speak) about my bipolar 1, at least professionally. Curious and jealous that you were able to accept or realize the nature of your illness by your second episode. It's also awesome you were able to find a routine though walking and music that helped you work the episode out on your own. As someone who has been hospitalized a few times due to MANIC induced psychotic episodes , it took me years to understand that the meds are only roughly 30% of the equation that solves one's bipolar riddle.
Without doing much research it appears that your first (at least noticed) manic episode appeared into adulthood. Giving you at least some semblance of identity before being labeled bipolar. From what I understand on average most people get diagnosed between 18-22, a very confusing time for young adults even if they aren't being called crazy. Such was my case. "I'm not crazy, you just don't like the new me!!!"
While most don't start seeing a therapist until post diagnosis, you were already ahead of the curve with open minded friends looking out for your best interest! Glad to hear you got a med regimen that works for you. See folks you can still be medicated and creative! Looking at you Ye :) -Cheers!
Thanks for this, David. Your transparency and humanity are important not only for those who are trying to manage their bi-polar disorder, but for the people who love these folks. Our oldest adult daughter lives with us because she refuses to use medication and as a result can’t keep a job. We know we can’t force her to do anything; we simply hope that a stable environment and affordable rent will help her stabilize so she can begin to put the pieces of her life back together. She too is lucky; when manic she spends money she doesn’t have, which has gotten harder to do since she had to get rid of her credit cards. She is smart, kind, beloved by animals and small children. She has so much to offer. I think it is the loss of the potential of many of those with bi-polar that is hardest of all to accept.
My best to you and all who struggle. Your stories matter. Please keep telling yours.
Thank you for sharing this. I wish you the very best.
This was brave to write, and inspiring to read. Thank you for sharing your story in such a way that many of us can see parts of our own lives, large or small, in it. We all have problems; what metters most is seeing them, and recognizing the commonality we have with others.
Love you Swanny- miss you a lot!
Thanks, David, for your candidness, and the beautiful writing.
The more our struggles with mental illness are out in the open, the better we all will be. It took me over four decades to find the correct medication and palliative actions, and I hope it doesn't take you as long!
Love you, my friend.
David,
A very touching recounting of your journey. Thank you for your willingness to put it out there, and thanks to our mutual friend in Twilight for recommending it to me. Wishing you all the best.
Jim Nathan
Thank you for sharing David!
As you can see by my Substak pen name I'm still afraid to come out of the closet (so to speak) about my bipolar 1, at least professionally. Curious and jealous that you were able to accept or realize the nature of your illness by your second episode. It's also awesome you were able to find a routine though walking and music that helped you work the episode out on your own. As someone who has been hospitalized a few times due to MANIC induced psychotic episodes , it took me years to understand that the meds are only roughly 30% of the equation that solves one's bipolar riddle.
Without doing much research it appears that your first (at least noticed) manic episode appeared into adulthood. Giving you at least some semblance of identity before being labeled bipolar. From what I understand on average most people get diagnosed between 18-22, a very confusing time for young adults even if they aren't being called crazy. Such was my case. "I'm not crazy, you just don't like the new me!!!"
While most don't start seeing a therapist until post diagnosis, you were already ahead of the curve with open minded friends looking out for your best interest! Glad to hear you got a med regimen that works for you. See folks you can still be medicated and creative! Looking at you Ye :) -Cheers!