Mood disorders are the worst form of disability, as the vast range of effects and symptoms can easily be mistaken for intentional behavior. You will come across well-meaning friends and family members who will suggest you to discontinue your medication. They will encourage you that there is nothing wrong with you, that it’s ‘all in your head’. They’ll tell you to take the responsibility of your own actions and toughen the fuck up. While they are your well-wishers who have your best interests at heart, they are not qualified enough to make that call.
Some reminders for you, in case you find yourself convinced that you are perhaps cured of Bipolar Disorder by somehow ‘dealing with all your issues head-on’:
- Bipolar Disorder is a chronic condition, much like diabetes, one cannot simply ‘snap out of it’ at will or by intention.
- Periods of recovery are common but a relapse almost ALWAYS occurs, if Bipolar is left untreated.
- It is true that the onset of first symptoms may be caused by stressful life events like death in a family, a difficult childhood, child abuse, a chronic illness, relationship or financial troubles or any life-altering changes BUT once the disorder triggers and progresses, it develops a life of its own. Once the cycle begins, psychological and/or biological processes take over and keep the illness active. Therefore, counseling and psycho-therapy, though helpful, cannot completely cure it.
- The greatest risk is the lure of mania, which patients mistake as periods of heightened wellness without recognizing the dangers of extreme recklessness, hyper-sexuality, optimism and the possibility of crashing into an even worst episode of depression.
- Patients skipping their medication are at a much higher risk of falling prey to drug-use, substance abuse, sexual promiscuity and taking irrational steps that may endanger one’s family, career or even life.
- Untreated people start experiencing more frequent and worsened cycles as well as stand a higher risk of suicide, stroke and heart diseases.
It’s very positive to hear someone tell you that you are normal, that you are just like them and that you need no help but the truth is, and you know this better than anyone, that a severe manic or depressive episode is just looming around the corner. Think of all the relationships you have ruined, all the opportunities you have wasted up until now by refusing treatment. By giving up medication, you risk losing ground of any improvement you have made so far. Assure yourself that medication for Bipolar is considered safe and effective and is getting better all the time.
Bipolar Disorder is considered a full-fledged disability in the UK and protection is offered to patients under the Disability Discrimination Act. In the US, you stand eligible to claim social security benefits if your disorder has progressed enough that it interferes with your day-to-day life. Unfortunately, in countries like Pakistan, there are no clear policies regarding mental illnesses and you have to put up with a lot of people calling you a mental or terming you as inept, unsocial and inadequate. It is their knowledge and awareness which is limited. It is a pity that the very same people laud and appreciate books or movies made on these very topics of awareness and yet when the time comes in real life, they exhibit nothing but arrogance.
Don’t forget to appreciate yourself. Don’t give in to those who say that you are not doing enough as this can trigger a depressive episode. The risk of suicide during depressive episodes looms large in the wake of life setbacks experienced as a consequence of repeated episodes.
The WHO estimates Bipolar to be the sixth biggest cause of disability. It is ranked above war, violence and schizophrenia as a cause of lost years of life and health. Off all psychiatric disorders, Bipolar Disorder has the highest suicide rate -So every day you get through, congratulate yourself for not giving up. Stay away from people that make you feel like a failure. They will never understand you. Get used to it, the world is full of them.
Finally, do not wallow in self-pity, there is no reason why you cannot deal with your illness and lead a full normal life, complete with relationships and marriage. But do not, under any circumstance, desert your medication or give up treatment in a bout of false optimism. While medication is one key element in successful treatment of Bipolar Disorder, psychotherapy, support groups, and education about the illness are also essential components of the treatment process. As they say in warfare:
Never underestimate your enemy!
Recent Comments