Of course everyone’s life journey is different when it comes to the details but more or less we all have some key features that unite us. We have the happy memories, the milestones and content moments of our lives but also the low points, tragedies and tough times. When it comes to my bipolar story it is a colourful journey, including the wide spectrum of colours from magical magenta, ambitious oranges, stormy grey to just black. Perhaps we share some uniting features in our stories. May my story provide you with hope that although tricky and spiky, bipolar can be manageable and even mildly amusing upon reflection. Simply put, it gets better, but then it gets worse and then better again. Each time you learn a bit more about yourself. You level up… Evolve.
I like to remind myself: “Don’t ask for a lighter load, ask for a stronger back.”
Diagnosed at 18 after a psychotic episode which resulted in hospitalisation. Medication helped stabilise me but resulted in me putting on a lot of weight. 2009 was my recovery year. I had case managers visiting my house who eventually persuaded me to participate in group sessions. I went to Art space, fitness classes, tennis and slowly I regained my confidence and began to come to myself again. In 2010 I started university and successfully completed an Education Degree. In 2014 I started working as a teacher and have been employed at the same school for 10 years.
Recovery is a process. I recommend you arm yourself with a good team. Good luck on your journey, may it be colourful and full of happy moments and overall contentment.
Sounds like a success story. But of course it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
In 2017 a series of events led to my hospitalisation. I spent 4 months between MHICU (intensive care unit), general ward and then eventually Rehab Centre at Prince of Wales. A cocktail of antipsychotic medications had no effect and the decision was to administer ECT. Recovery from this episode was epic. I lost confidence in myself and my ability to teach, my memory was affected, it was scary coming to myself after having three months worth of deleted memories. People would tell me stories of what I had done but I had no recollection. This was a very confusing and scary time in my life.
Lucky to say I’m fine now. I got through it with the help of my team. My family, support network, psychologist, psychiatrist, medications, exercise, structure and routine. Slowly I rebuilt and came out fragile but more knowledgeable about myself and my condition. I managed to return to part time work July 2018 and eventually in 2024 to full time. I worked 4 days and had a mental health day on Wednesday to make sure I wasn’t rushing into anything that would cause me too much stress or cause me to relapse. Although it was a pay cut, my first priority was and always will be my health. I remind myself that I am replaceable at work but I am not replaceable to my family.
Recovery is a process. I recommend you arm yourself with a good team. Good luck on your journey, may it be colourful and full of happy moments and overall contentment.
I like to remind myself: “Don’t ask for a lighter load, ask for a stronger back.”
