I came across this article on eHow.com. It discusses how the Internet can help you cope with Bipolar through education.
What this article fails to mention is that the Internet itself, in addition to computer, cellphones, TV and similar technology, is a HUGE trigger. It can set off or fuel episodes. Especially, if a bipolar has symptoms of becoming MANIC, his/her access to Internet should be limited/monitored as they have a tendency to reel off and as soon as you know, they’re writing long embarrassing emails at 4 AM in the morning or planning a sexual rendezvous at some sleazy dating site. Trust me, I would know!
Education helps and the Internet can be a great asset for finding out more or interacting with other Bipolars for support or to maintain a blog about your cycles. But computer/Internet is no substitute for participating in one-on-one HUMAN interactions in a need to understand and educate yourself better about the disease. Also, there’s a lot of mis-information out there. Always, rely on your health-care provider for facts and when you get the facts, cross-check them on the Internet, because sadly, not all health-care providers are up-to-date on latest medications and medical advances, especially given the evolving nature of psychiatric medicine as new things keep getting researched every other day. While we’re on the subject, let me clarify that this blog is not meant to replace professional healthcare, not that anyone takes me that seriously, anyway :P
Bipolar is a serious mental illness, of all psychiatric disorders it has the HIGHEST suicide rate. They should at least put a disclaimer on that article, if they’re trying to suggest that an ‘Internet Access’ and ‘Personal Computer’ is all you need for surviving Bipolar. And by the way, I tried commenting on there, something’s up with their comments engine -it won’t let me sign up to comment.
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