October 24, 2006
Denial…..Don’t Even Notice I Am Lying.
Hmm clever.
One of the most common threads between most people with Bipolar disorder is a tendency to think that they really do not have it. Who really likes to think of themselves as mentally and bodily different than their fellows? Why the brain chemistry goes through highs and lows is anyone’s guess. Medication compliance is a real difficult thing. Take for instance my former neighbor across my street, that poor fellow was doing terrific on meds, anger management, and getting a hold of his temper…. Until recently went off his meds because he did not need them anymore, and tore up his house and went into a rage that frightened his poor family to death. That guy is no longer enjoying the comfort of his family anymore, nor will he ever again.
Ok, I know what many of you may be thinking, that it’s all about the meds, but I do not believe it is. The first thing is acceptance, because until I accept that I have an illness, I will not do the things necessary to correct it. It’s especially tough for people with bipolar disorder because the highs feel so good, and it’s so hard to remember that really it’s a swing and not a stable state of mind centered in reality.
The thing that keeps me compliant is my kids. I used to have many outbursts that they bore the brunt of, and I have had very few now that I’m on my meds. I still have a tendency to get overwhelmed and frustrated, but its much more muted, with signs of self control.
I also practice prayer. Attend meetings. Have a mentor, (it could be a counselor) but in my case a mentor, who helps me structure my days so that I do not get overwhelmed.
Bipolar Disorder, in my case Type 1, is a very serious illness that requires constant care, that’s what keeps me on my toes. That’s what keeps me in the race rather than wanting to permanently quit life, because the thought process to do that is hard wired very strong in my brain.
The gene pool for manic depression in my family is another story for another day.
Hmm clever.
One of the most common threads between most people with Bipolar disorder is a tendency to think that they really do not have it. Who really likes to think of themselves as mentally and bodily different than their fellows? Why the brain chemistry goes through highs and lows is anyone’s guess. Medication compliance is a real difficult thing. Take for instance my former neighbor across my street, that poor fellow was doing terrific on meds, anger management, and getting a hold of his temper…. Until recently went off his meds because he did not need them anymore, and tore up his house and went into a rage that frightened his poor family to death. That guy is no longer enjoying the comfort of his family anymore, nor will he ever again.
Ok, I know what many of you may be thinking, that it’s all about the meds, but I do not believe it is. The first thing is acceptance, because until I accept that I have an illness, I will not do the things necessary to correct it. It’s especially tough for people with bipolar disorder because the highs feel so good, and it’s so hard to remember that really it’s a swing and not a stable state of mind centered in reality.
The thing that keeps me compliant is my kids. I used to have many outbursts that they bore the brunt of, and I have had very few now that I’m on my meds. I still have a tendency to get overwhelmed and frustrated, but its much more muted, with signs of self control.
I also practice prayer. Attend meetings. Have a mentor, (it could be a counselor) but in my case a mentor, who helps me structure my days so that I do not get overwhelmed.
Bipolar Disorder, in my case Type 1, is a very serious illness that requires constant care, that’s what keeps me on my toes. That’s what keeps me in the race rather than wanting to permanently quit life, because the thought process to do that is hard wired very strong in my brain.
The gene pool for manic depression in my family is another story for another day.
posted by gentledove at 7:52:00 PM
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