Most people don’t understand mental illness. They believe that mental illnesses are either no big deal or horrific. And they’d be right … and wrong.
Mental illness is no big deal when it’s under control. There are lifestyle changes — for example, I can no longer stay up late with my bipolar (II) disorder. I have to have a set sleep schedule every night and sleep for about 9 hours a night. This is necessary not only to help monitor changes in sleep (which could be mood swings) but to keep from creating mood swings. I also monitor my energy levels for the same reason, and I don’t push myself beyond my limits.
I would not say my mental illness is horrific, but the potential consequences of mood swings are great. So far, hypomania has yielded some tension in relationships, incomplete projects, and somewhat risky behavior. My examples of the latter are going fishing in a deserted park at 2 AM and getting in the car with a drunk driver. It could be so much worse. Depression on the other hand is not only unpleasant, but can lead to suicide.
My bipolar is a lifetime thing controlled by medication and taking care of myself. I have not had either a depressive or hypomanic state for many years, so it’s mostly maintaining medication and good health practices. I regularly talk to my psychiatrist to monitor my moods and meds. I can live with my disorder; it’s neither trivial nor horrible.
Words Like Me 