More on Bi-polar Disorder

In reading through my last blog (after some concern expressed by one of my mentors), it occurred to me that I need to clarify some things.

Please...PLEASE...understand that I am not recommending that anyone with Bi-polar disorder take the course of action I did. Bi-polar disorder can be a very traumatic, debilitating condition. It can wreak havoc on not only the person suffering with the condition, but also on those who love them. There is no shame in taking advantage of medical intervention...IF it works for you.

Unfortunately, I did not respond well to drug therapy. Instead, I went into a drug-induced psychosis. My quality of life was severely impaired by the drug therapy, and I was not willing to risk the possibility that shock therapy could rob me of my identity. For me, the choice was simple.

Should I have sought out another doctor who was willing to try different combinations of medications? Possibly. Thanks to the outpatient counseling I attended as part of my treatment (as well as doing a great deal of research on my own) , I have been able to manage my condition for six years now without the use of medications. This therapy gave me the necessary tools to make the decision I did. I learned a great deal about my disorder, learned to recognize the symptoms of the various cycles and was taught excellent coping mechanisms. Not everyone can do this...and, again, I don't recommend it for everyone.

The whole point to my previous blog was to point out how important it is for one to take control of their condition, choose the right course of treatment for themselves, and NOT be victims of their condition...not only for themselves, but for those who love them and suffer the impact of the person not taking the necessary steps to manage their condition. Learn everything you can about your condition; find out how others have successfully managed theirs. If medication works for you, by all means take advantage of it. But if it doesn't, get another opinion. Seek out another doctor if yours isn't willing to try different combinations of medications to find the right one(s) for you. Do what is necessary to help you function well.