Hi
What a lovely coincidence that World Bipolar Day coincides with National Doctor Day. I owe a debt of gratitude to "Doc Julie," my psychiatrist, for helping me navigate the unpredictable tides of bipolar disorder.
For decades, psychiatrists diagnosed and treated me solely for depression. But Doc Julie listened. She heard something in my voice during a story I recounted that alerted her we were dealing with something else.
She heard me.
Many people who live with bipolar disorder, especially bipolar II, the "milder" (Ha! Tell that to Ed!) form of the condition, exhibit symptoms of depression most of the time. Because "blue moods" and lethargy was my norm, the extra energy brought on when my mood flipped to hypomania seemed like a welcome reprieve.
But when that mood spun into obsessive behavior and thinking, it tipped off Doc Julie. She changed the course of my treatment and may have saved my life. I can't express enough thanks to her and the mental health professionals I've been so fortunate to have on my side.
I also recognize how fortunate (privileged!)
I am to have excellent mental health care.
Not everyone receives it.
The health care system is tough to navigate. Without a case manager or other advocate, the system sometimes leaves the people with the least amount of resilience, to fend for themselves. A that may mean no care at all.
Ed deserves an extra cheer here for the way he listens and offers feedback about the care I receive. He supports me in asking for the best treatment options possible.
So hats off today and every day for my doctors, too many to name over the years. If you have a doctor you love, today would be a good day to thank them.
The pandemic has challenged us all, and doctors have seen more than their usual share of misery. Yes they signed on for the task, but few of them anticipated the pandemic. They, like all front-line workers, deserve a little extra care.
If you or a loved one is facing a mental health challenge (who's not?), reach out.
I'm not a therapist, but will always listen.
And here are some professional resources:
If I was only allowed to make one suggestion for the rest of my life, I would urge people to seek help sooner than later. Too many suffer for too long or die unnecessarily.
You are not alone. You deserve help.
Okay. Enough with the serious stuff. Back to the unicorns!
