Before I start, I genuinely need you to know where I’m coming from with what I have to say today. Read on knowing, how intensely I understand what it’s like to NOT be stable but to be stuck in the grips of bipolar disorder. Read on knowing, I know what it feels like to be so bogged down, frustrated and angry with bipolar disorder. Read on knowing, that I know what it’s like to want to be freed from it.
I hear a lot from bipolar people saying how their meds aren’t working. How they’re a mess and in a pit yet, they just suffer through it. They don’t tell their psychiatrist or counselor. Please listen when I say YOU HAVE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. I know there are exceptions to basically every case of bipolar disorder. And I know it’s hard when you’re IN IT. But if you aren’t feeling right, if you’re feeling particularly bad, if you’re super manic, depressed and/or if you’re suicidal (or having another problem not listed), please, contact your medical professional, your psychiatrist, a mental hospital…whoever it is in your life who can help you. Get those meds adjusted. Seek that help that’s so badly needed. And for crying out loud, if you are having a intolerable side-effect, SEEK HELP.
This concept of self-awareness and communicating with your psychiatrist might seem obvious, but apparently it’s not. I know there is a waiting period sometimes with some medications after you start to take them. However, you must do everything in your will and power to have some self-awareness and stay on top of your moods. Stay on top of your mental, physical and emotional health. This is basically one of the top practical actions on my part contributing to my stability. I communicate with my doctor and he’s willing and capable of working with me. If he wasn’t, I would be searching desperately for a new doctor.
If you’re not honest with your psychiatrist then who the heck CAN you be honest with? My psychiatrist is my LIFE LINE. Telling lies is ALMOST equal to not seeing him at all. (I say “almost equal” because a good psychiatrist is perceptive. A good psychiatrist is always worth seeing. Never give up).
I know sometimes we might even have that nagging feeling that we shouldn’t bother our doctor. Or, the office or nursing staff may not be particularly helpful or friendly. I say, get over it. See past all of those inconveniences and make that call. Keep up with your appointments. Make notes of what you need to talk about during an appointment. I know I personally have a terrible memory and if I don’t write things down ahead of time, I won’t talk about them. And, annoyingly, as soon as I walk out the door and go home BAM, I remember. How frustrating.
Today, if you get nothing more from this article than the following, then I will have succeeded.
1. Be self-aware.
2. Communicate openly and honestly with your doctor.
3. Do it.
Sincerely, Honestly and Openly,
Mrs Bipolarity
