My mother suffered from maniac depression. This title has been updated to bi-polar. There were times in my childhood I do not recall my mother being there. My grand-parents did the best that they could to take care of us. My dads parents hired in a set of sisters Sally and Ann to clean the house and take care of us. One of them would spend the day playing games with me and my brothers and sisters and the other would take care of the house and yard. My mother would spend the day in her bed away from all of us.
The National Institute of Mental Health defines bi-polar having three major types. The first sees the individual having manic episodes that last at least 7 days or manic symptoms so severe that the individual needs immediate hospital care. Depressive episodes are present as well and last at least 2 weeks. Having both depression and manic together can happen as well. The second type of bi-polar has a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, the full blown manic episodes are missing. The third type o Bipolar known as Cyclothymia sees the individual suffering from hypomanic symptoms as well as numerous periods of depressive symptoms lasting at least 2 years or 1 year if the individual is a child or adolescent. The symptoms of hypomanic episode and depressive episode is missing.
My mother is not alone in her illness as there is an average of 2 out of every 100 adults who suffer with bipolar. More than 1/2 of these cases started during their adolescence. About 75% of people with bipolar disorder also met the criteria for another mental health disorder. There is no reason to be afraid to let others know. If you suffer with bipolar you are not alone and should look for help
I end this post with a quick question for you the reader. What is it that you would like to share with us about bi-polar?? Please leave a comment and let us know
I have Bipolar II. I am stable on a certain combination of medications. My mother suffered from schizophrenia throughout all of her years and died very young at the age of 46. I'm, now, 47 and think a lot about how medication/treatment has advanced to help people who suffer with mental health conditions so that we're stable and functional. I have a two grown sons, 20 and 28, am engaged to a wonderful man, work full time, and am actually a grandmother. I'm stable and quirky all at the same time. Not sure if my quirkiness comes from organic or environmental origins - or - just my personality, lol.
ReplyDeleteI just want to say to my bipolar comrades:
There is nothing wrong with facing this medical health condition and breaking down and taking meds. It's the best decision I ever made. It took a long time to find my exact 'cocktail' if you will, but, let me tell you... I'm moving and shaking and going forward. I look forward to outlasting everyone, lol.
Is Bipolar a difficult illness? It can be. Is Bipolar manageable? ABSOLUTELY!
Love, Me
thank you so much for adding to this post. This was great that you shared from your heart from your own experiences. I have a mom, sister and daughter who suffer with mental illness bi-polar is hard to live with but as you so nicely said can be lived with a great life
Deletethanks for your visit
Our daughter suffers from OCD, BDD and Bipolar. It has been a long road for her but she has found a combination of medicines that are helping her. My prayers go out to everyone who suffers....
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing, it is important that others know they are not alone. Thanks for your visit today
DeleteI have a close family member who is bi polar, so I really appreciate you writing about the topic. Thank you for sharing this insightful post at Tuesdays with a Twist! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
ReplyDeleteyou are most welcome I believe this blog started out to share great recipes my first love and I have been using to also bring those subjects not talked about to awareness
ReplyDelete