In essence I am talking about two separate, and equally devastating problems. Bipolar Disorder, along with any other incurable but treatable medical problem, may create two different and devastating responses by those diagnosed. Between these two is the healthily adjusted individual who has accepted and learned to cope with his/her illness. It is a fine line.
On one side of this fine line we have the individuals who deny their illness completely. Even though they have had ample evidence that "something is wrong", they are unable to handle the idea of having a psychiatric or mental disorder. They refuse medications, psychiatry appointments, and ignore symptoms that indicate they need treatment.
John was such a person. In the midst of a manic episode his life was out of control. He loudly and prolifically impressed his opinions on everyone he knew (and even those he had never met, sometimes stopping people on the sidewalk to talk). John's wife and children were beside themselves with his actions his entire quality of life changed. He was out till all hours of the night "hanging out" as he put it. He was spending money errantly buying new cars, replacing perfectly good household items and had even taken a trip to Vegas where he lost several thousand dollars. Everyone around him could see that there was something seriously wrong, but when confronted John denied it.
John is truly a victim. Those who abdicate to the illness rather do what they can to control it are the product of one side of the line.
On the other side we have Emily. Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder for five years Emily lives the illness. Her entire life is caught up in a round of doctor appointments, medications, blood tests and support-group meetings. She worries and thinks about her illness all the time and has become "a bipolar" rather than an individual with bipolar illness. Emily avoids challenges, withdraws from the community and work. Emily is a victim.
Neither of these extremes is healthy and finding the proper balance is paramount to living a full and balance life with this disorder.
So, what is a "normal" person with Bipolar Disorder? An individual who has accepted that he/she has a major mental disorder has taken the first big step. Acceptance of Bipolar Disorder comes through education,reading, understanding his/her own symptoms, knowledge of his/her triggers and more. Acceptance comes through support, feedback and advice not just from professionals but by other individuals who share bipolar disorder. Acceptance of Bipolar Disorder means knowing that you have a mental illness, not that you are a mental illness. Acceptance means the ability to live, love and carry on with your life.
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