This past October 6 through the 12 was National Mental Health Awareness Week.
Here are comments discussing the reality of one form of mental illness, bipolar disorder or manic-depressive Illness. A neurological dysfunctioning of the chemicals in the brain, the condition affects approximately 2.3 million Americans or almost 1 percent of the population. Beginning at adolescence or early adulthood, mental illness can also appear for the first time as late as age 40 or 50. Suicide is the number one cause of premature death among people with bipolar disorder with 15 percent taking their lives as a result of negative symptoms (depression) that come from untreated illness. Individuals diagnosed have mood swings that alternate from periods of severe highs (mania) to extreme lows (depression). These mood swings are totally unrelated to events in a person’s life. The swings affect their thoughts and feelings, and their physical health, behavior, and functioning. Although there is no cure at present for bipolar disorder, the disease is highly treatable. The National Advisory Mental Health Council puts the success rate at 80 percent.
Emmie Pombo has been recruited by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) as an advocate hoping to bring knowledge and understanding about mental illnesses and struggles that go along with them. Here are Emmie’s quotes from a recent NAMI publication:
“As someone who has struggled with bipolar disorder since I was nine (unusually early), there are several misunderstandings I have faced from others because they had no idea what the condition is actually like. And for those of us with bipolar disorder, these interactions make us feel as if we’re not loved or supported. The assumption that those with bipolar are more troubled due to the name of our illness is just a lack of understanding. In truth, the severity of mental illness varies across (the total of all behavioral health) diagnoses.
Another common assumption is that since people with bipolar disorder swing from mania to depression, those are the only emotions we’re able to feel. That doesn’t mean we don’t feel confusion, peace, confidence, happiness and all sorts of other emotions, too.
Many of us with bipolar disorder have learned how to put on a ‘normal face’ for the outside world. We have learned…how to use our tools and coping skills to keep symptoms under control. For someone who actively works to manage their emotions and take care of themselves, others may not even know that they struggle with mental illness. Please keep in mind that we’re not a danger to society you probably can’t even tell us apart from anyone else.”
***Note from Joanie Koplos: Many adults with the problem are talented and successful actors, dancers, musicians, artists, and writers.
“During a manic episode, people with bipolar can have what’s called a bipolar blackout. During a blackout, the individual is not aware of their surroundings or actions and has trouble remembering them afterward. Remember to be patient when someone is experiencing a blackout or an episode, and to offer help when they come out of it.
Much like other mental illness, bipolar disorder cannot be “cured.” People with bipolar disorder will still have swings from time to time. However, the introduction of therapy and/or medication can significantly help a person’s mood, actions, and well-being. Bipolar disorder can be treated – and a person can learn to live well with bipolar disorder – even if being cured is not currently possible. Having bipolar disorder does not make you any less of a person or that you will necessarily have a harder time getting through life. With the right tools, there is always a way to live with your mental illness and find the peace, rest and understanding you deserve.”
