- I have bipolar disorder and I'm exhausted. How long do I have to keep a constant check on everything I say and do? I take my medication correctly, I see a psychologist and a psychiatrist, and yet…
- How can I help someone who is experiencing a mixed episode?
- How is bipolar disorder detected? I mean, are there any medical tests that can identify it?
- Why is bipolar disorder so difficult to diagnose?
- Can diet have a positive influence on health? Aside from a healthy diet, are there any foods to avoid or any foods that are particularly recommended?
- Why can't I stay stable for long periods of time and why do I easily fall into depression?
- How should the family act when an affected person begins to experience euphoria without yet being aware of the onset of their euphoria?
- Is it positive for children to know that one of their parents has bipolar disorder, or is it better to hide it?
- My relapses aren't of euphoria or depression, but I do have very strong relapses of intense anxiety that turn into panic attacks where the feeling of impending death leads me to act irrationally. I'd like to know if this is normal and how I can manage it.
- In which episode is there the greatest risk of suicide?
- Why is it difficult for these people to adhere to their treatment?
- How can you support the family of a person affected by bipolar disorder?
- What is the risk that an affected person will "use" the disorder to manipulate people or conditions to achieve their own benefit?
- In altered states of consciousness, that is, when the person presents symptoms of delusional ideation, can psychotherapy help?
- Why is the medication dosage lowered for people over 65?
- Is lithium production related to inactivity?
- Can a person with bipolar disorder have relapses despite taking medication?
- How can you tell if you're having a relapse?
- As a professional, what is the best way to address relapses in people with bipolar disorder?
- Is it normal to not remember anything when you have a relapse?
- How can you help someone with bipolar disorder who is depressed without putting pressure on them?
- Is there an app where I can talk to and consult with an expert when I have a relapse?
I have bipolar disorder and I'm exhausted. How long do I have to keep a constant check on everything I say and do? I take my medication correctly, I see a psychologist and a psychiatrist, and yet…
It is crucial that we begin with some fundamental, non-negotiable principles. No one "is bipolar." To state something like that is to stigmatize oneself and therefore discriminate against oneself. A health problem does not define a person; it is not the essence of that person . It is a circumstance, "an accident," as Aristotle postulated. We ourselves must be the first to fight against stigma and discrimination. Words matter a great deal, especially in this context. To say, "we are bipolar," is the first step in identifying our identity with a medical condition. We could say, "I have a mental health problem," or "I have bipolar disorder," for example. But we will never be an illness!
That said, in my opinion, it's primarily about getting to know yourself well, with the help of the therapeutic team and reliable information. Having an excellent relationship with your therapeutic team is essential. If communication isn't good, or you don't have time to explain what's happening to you or ask all your questions, consider changing your approach. You have the right to do so. The focus should be on recovery . This generally means: "Living as well as possible, with or without symptoms." It's not just a medical issue; it's about developing strategies to have a purpose, to give meaning to your life (beyond simply feeling well). It's about having reasons to get up every day, recognizing that there are many facets of our lives that we need to develop and fulfill: financial independence, housing, education, rights, rewarding activities, and so on. And what I consider fundamental: a social network, emotional support, and shared interests.
Mutual support groups in the field of mental health
I highly recommend connecting with others who have been through the same thing. I'm referring to peers. Mutual support groups , associations, and informal support networks are a very powerful tool. It's possible to have a good life. Take good care of your sleep, manage your stress, lead a healthy lifestyle, and don't stop exercising. In this last sense, walking is part of your recovery process. And above all, try not to pathologize any discomfort you experience. All human beings go through difficult times. Stigma and discrimination, as you know, are an added burden that can be worse than the health problem itself. Fight against it, first and foremost, by not seeing yourself as "sick"; we are people, citizens, not patients.
