Bipolar and Me, Part 1: Acceptance

Part 1 of a two-part 'vlog' discussing my mental health condition known as Bipolar Disorder.

In Part 1: I discuss the ramifications of categorising Bipolar Disorder as a 'disability' and how that label has in turn affected my perspective on the illness, inadvertently prolonging my own acceptance of having the illness.

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdbeORfhAm0

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• disability
• living
• allowance
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[recury]

@91Metaman91 & @marvelous211

Guys, I don't want the comments section of this video to turn into a platform for other people to argue their political leanings, beliefs or race issues. Please stop making assumptions about each other and if you must, please continue your discussion via more private means.

I wont tolerate any accusations or inflammatory language designed to provoke other people.

Thanks.

[mentalhealthhelpUK]

Is the person you're seeing a CPN? we have also had positive experiences with the support of CPNs :)

[recury]

@mentalhealthhelpUK

Hello there :)

The person I was seeing in Southampton was a CPN. I believe the individual I am seeing now at the CMHT in Lambeth is also a CPN. I have had mixed experiences in the last few years however, it really does depend on the patient/CPN relationship, in my opinion.

[FATGAINER100]

Is it just disability living allowance and job seekers allowance you recieve, or are there others? Any help greatly appreciated, R.

[recury]

@FATGAINER100

Hello,

In respect of benefits, this appears to be somewhat of a mine-field, particularly for those with mental health issues. In my opinion, it is not made clear enough by the government or the DWP as to what an individual is entitled to. This is probably because an application needs to be made before you know if you are legible.

At present I am in receipt of long-term Incapacity Benefit and Disability Living Allowance. From my experience, 'you wont know until you try"

[Xephon212]

What are you listening to in the background? It sounds familiar but I cant place it.

[recury]

@Xephon212

I had a compilation mix I had put together (I like to make "mix-tapes" for fun) which I had playing in background while I was talking. It depends what song was playing at what time in the video for me to be able to identify it.

[ANTJMS]

What a brave video for you to post Lee. I hope your therapy helps you overcome or live with your illness, and you receive the support you deserve from all who love you.

Please keep your buddys close and continue to discover new ways to deal with this.

All the best and once again - Bravo! - for taking the huge step in addressing this in public. Cheers Anthony

[macmurphy95]

Thanks for posting up such a helpful video. I was diagnosed finally with BiPolar 2 at age 39. I think the right diagnosis helps with acceptance and with planning how to deal proactively with the illness. I really wish you well

[MrSpemat]

I started getting manic every summer at age 4 and have always been hyperactive, for me I have done best on Depakote and Ritalin as a combo that helps me all year and my attitude toward mania is to laugh about it... cruising in limos, thinking one had powers, thinking everyone is in love with you and robbing drug dealers and laughing about it... is therapeutic because it laughs off the worst of it it rather than shames it... many geniuses are manic depressives... Kay Redfield Jamison is bipolar.

[Nautilus1972]

@Nautilus1972 I was suicidal for about five years, and alcohol and other drugs didn't help. Maybe LSD and shrooms did, they opened my mind and helped me to explore the workings of my mind and the universe and my place in it. Now I find life amazing. I don't drink or do drugs and quit smoking, I've got two amzing twin girls and it's all good. There is light at the end of the tunnel, hang in there, but get off ADs if you're on them. Yoiu will come out so strong on the other side, I promise.

[Nautilus1972]

Hey man, first thing - get off the drugs. Talk to therapists by all means, but keep away from GPs and people pushing drugs on you. SSRIs etc. mask the problem not address it. I beat depression without their drugs but it's a long process of just hanging in there and reading the teachings of Buddha (worked for me at least) and NOT taking their drugs. We create our own reality, we choose how we feel. Once this starts to sink in you can get better. It does not last forever.

[Xephon212]

@jerickzane Thanks!

[jerickzane]

@Xephon212 Dragonette - Here I Go

[Creationcentral]

@Creationcentral Before I had no control over my actions, just feeling i am "going along for the ride" and more of an observer of my actions. After quitting my job, I enjoyed Christmas, and then I tried to go to college. Too 2 classes. Had to drop both because I just could not focus. so then I enjoyed doing nothing for 4 months. Now taking 2 summer classes online. I feel being social, listening to music, avoiding stress will help bipolar people (and me) return to normal. Have routine is good.

[Creationcentral]

I read a comment on here that the feeling is like "stuck in your head". I had the same thing. Through a miracle / process, I am gradually coming back to my normal self. It has been two years! I used to listen to techno music. It stimulates my brain and helps for some reason. I noticed the music you were playing in the video was the same kind of songs I listened to. I find that not having school or work for 4+ months, listening to calm techno / trance music helps. I believe I can come back.

[Creationcentral]

I was called Bipolar long ago as a kid. I of course disagreed and didn't know what it was. Then, after getting a girlfriend and breaking up with her 9 months later, I started my first job. The job was extremely stressful in some cases where I had to manage the whole store by myself. With all this stress, I totally lost my mind. Like a window being broke, my mind shattered.

[soymiguelalejandro23]

Great video papa I am Miguel from the states and I live with Schizoaffective Disorder which is a mix of Schizophrenia and Bi Polar Disorder. Yes it certainly is a disability and a major one. This can end our lives as we are more prone to committing suicide than the general population and our brains are not working quite as well in some areas such as mood regulation and executive function to name just a few that can be critical for holding down work and taking care of ourselves etc.