Bipolar Disorder, formerly referred to as Manic Depression, is a
chronic mental illness characterized by intense mood swings. These
swings encompass episodes of extreme excitement (manic) and episodes
of profound depressive feelings (depression). Manic states may
involve euphoria, heightened energy, unusual irritability, excessive
talkativeness, racing thoughts, distractibility, and a reduced need
for sleep. In some cases, mania can even lead to psychosis,
necessitating hospitalization.
In this blog post, we delve into Clara's journey as a mother raising
a son, Mark, who grapples with Bipolar Disorder with psychotic
features.
Mark's Childhood
"He had a troubled childhood," Clara recalls. Clara's family
relocated many times during Mark's childhood, and Clara feels that
Mark also didn't receive the paternal affection he yearned for.
Clara recounts, "For most of his youth, he desired to be with his
father, to love and be loved as a son. However, he did not get as
much attention as he wanted from his father."
When Mark was 12, he and his family moved to the US. Mark went to a
boarding high school, further separating him from his family. He
began showing the first symptoms of mental illness around this time,
with repetitive behaviors such as obsessively washing hands and
periods of depression. Mark's parents disagreed regarding the
significance of his symptoms and didn't seek the necessary medical
help during his adolescence.
The First Attack
Mark felt that his English was insufficient for a college education
in the US, so he returned to his native country for university. The
distance from his family, along with his earlier symptoms, caused
Mark to feel more depressed, further impairing his judgment. His
depression and his friends' influence led Mark to try alcohol and
illicit drugs for the first time.
Mark had his first full-blown manic attack in the first year of
college. Mania, in combination with illicit drugs, resulted in
delusions and hallucinations to the point where he was no longer
functional.
Clara says, "Eventually, his mania and delusions became so extreme
that he attempted to jump off a building." Fortunately, he was
stopped before he could. He needed to be hospitalized for a while
before he could go back to his studies.
Post Diagnosis
As if his struggles were not enough, his parents went through a
divorce, and his father left home, moving to another state hundreds
of miles away. To cope with the additional stress, he resorted to
self-medication through illicit drugs, hoping it would alleviate his
symptoms. However, they did the exact opposite and exacerbated his
symptoms to the point of more hospitalizations. Since his diagnosis,
Mark has had six significant attacks and is still struggling with
his Bipolar.
At times when he was non-compliant in the hospital, some of his
doctors told Clara that as an adult, it was up to Mark to take his
medication and stay in the hospital for the completion of his
treatment, that it was "Mark's choice." It was also Mark's choice to
quit his use of illicit drugs. Now that Mark was an adult, he was
"responsible for his own well-being."
However, Clara hasn't lost hope in her son, always accepting him
into her home and giving him a place to eat and sleep. Even to this
day, his family remains his main support system.
Conclusion
Clara's interview and experience help us glimpse into the reality
that is Bipolar Disorder and mental illnesses as a whole. This
interview also demonstrates the importance of love and support from
family in managing mental illness.
Through Clara's unwavering dedication, we are reminded that while
Bipolar Disorder presents formidable challenges, we can positively
impact the lives of those affected by this condition through love,
empathy, understanding, and persistence. We are also reminded of the
things we should be grateful for, as Clara recalls, "We were
extremely lucky that Mark was properly diagnosed early enough for us
to manage his symptoms. An early diagnosis and intervention is the
key towards management of the condition."
Sources
https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Bipolar-Disorder
https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/mental-health-bipolar-disorder