Reversing the myths and erroneous information about the mental disorder Bipolar

?Reversing the myths and erroneous information about the mental disorder Bipolar

?As some of you know I’ve self-published my bipolar story in a book titled Bipolar Missionary, I wrote it to help heal my past and shape my future.?I received many encouraging comments on Amazon and posts on my Facebook page,?Bipolar Missionary. I grew to realize that my book was only the first step in helping people understand the mental disorder of Bipolar. ?

It is now my vision to begin another book titled?The Voices of Bipolar?where I am not the main character. My goal is to collect bipolar stories (voices) from those who have bipolar and those who support them (friends and family) and to meld them into a book of hope and understanding of bipolar for you, your family, friends, and the general public.

At a time when awareness of mental illness is increasing and perceptions are not keeping pace, I pray that we can share our stories (voices) into making a difference for all of us.

I have created?The Voices of Bipolar?Group (on Facebook) to provide a trusted and safe place where those with bipolar and those who support them may share their Voices, anonymously, or you may email your story directly to me.?([email protected]) Also please pass this on if you know of someone with bipolar.

You may share about any bipolar aspect you are comfortable posting, as long as it is in good taste. I want to feature differing and alike aspects of bipolar life, again with the purpose of changing misunderstandings and erroneous untruths. Please visit and consider posting or messaging me your story.

Chapter 1 will focus on Diagnosis because it is the first step in educating people about bipolar both from the person with bipolar and their support person. I have included a list of questions simply to stir your thoughts and focus, but following their order is unnecessary. ?May courage accompany your Voice by addressing these questions at your comfort level.?You may also share from any other aspect including those which don’t necessarily paint a pretty picture.

1: At what age were you diagnosed and how did that occur? 2: What was your initial reaction to your diagnosis? 3: How have friends & family reacted to your diagnosis? 4: How has the diagnosis changed your daily routines or life? 5: How does medication affect your daily living and emotions? 6: What would you say are the best & worst parts of living with bipolar? 7: What is the most important aspect you want others to know about you and bipolar? (Only your first name & age will be listed if you share then.)

This is my personal post on diagnosis:

Paul: “I am 78 years young. My diagnosis came about from a judge’s order to see a psychiatrist due to a manic episode. I was finally diagnosed 23 years ago with bipolar 2. After years of counseling, and a month-long hospitalization. What a joy it was to learn the actual reason behind my uncontrollable behavior, thoughts, and feelings. Throughout our marriage, before my diagnosis, my wife often said that she had never known anyone who was so desperate to get well. Her love and the love of God led to my diagnosis and medication. My Bipolar medication has given me the ability to manage my moods, whether manic or depression, and to control my reactions. The moods still come of course but I am more aware of when they begin. I have chosen to be open about my having bipolar with friends and family.

?Here are a couple of Voices Shared which may help you share yours:

Diane, 29: ?“Having a name for my symptoms brought peace to my family and friend support. My friends and family were hopeful that I could be treated with medication and possibly get my life back.”

William: I was diagnosed with depression at 32 and bipolar at 47. ?When I first received my bipolar diagnosis, I was scared. I believe my family; my wife and children saw me in a new light. They realized that I have a serious mental illness and that contributed to my emotions (often negative) bring extreme.

?Alice ?Age 37 ???My husband was diagnosed as Bipolar 1 with psychotic features in his mid-30’s. Looking back, we recognize that the symptoms were there. They just grew in severity over the years. I will never take a peaceful day for granted again! I’m also learning to weather the bad times with grace and let them remind me of this important lesson: “If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything.”

?Paula: It’s difficult for me right at this point to share a lot because I am dealing with PTSD and MDD. So, staying focused can be somewhat difficult. However, in saying that, I am seeking help with a psychiatrist for some hopefully new thoughts. medications and handling my life better. ?So, in saying that, I am not bipolar. I have been diagnosed for many years as bipolar and even told I was bipolar 3 (hmm).?I was misdiagnosed as my new doctor told me. I will be happy to share more as we go along on this journey. Thank you for your caring about others and your openness to talk about what has been tough for me to share all my life.