"I just remember feeling so much relief ... like I could breathe."
Transcript
Before my diagnosis, my life just felt so out of control. My mind felt so out of control. So, having my psychiatrist tell me "You have bipolar, it's treatable, there are medications that you can take, and we can come up with a treatment plan for you just like you would come up with a treatment plan for someone who has cancer or someone who has diabetes or high blood pressure," that was really powerful and affirming for me.
I remember sitting in front of him, and I was sweating as I’m telling him everything that I had been experiencing, just letting it all out. When he started telling me what it was (based on family history and on my own personal mental health history), I just remember cooling down, and I remember feeling so much relief … and I felt like I could breathe. All of a sudden I felt all this air in my lungs, and I could just exhale and it was just okay.
Comments
I felt the same way after I came out from under chemical restraints. Relief. My first experience with the behavioral health system was when I had my breakdown. I ended up in the hospital. And became violent and was put under chemical restraints for 5 days till they could control me without the sedations. Once I was told I was bipolar 2, things made more sense. Now my son tells me when my moods are "off". Thank you for letting me share
I have been diagnosed with bipolar 1, agoraphobia, PTSD, ocd, social anxiety, and major depression. Each day is a struggle. My biggest challenge right now is that I can only sleep 4 hours, then I am up. I also suffer extremely vivid nightmares from the PTSD.
Thanks for sharing your story, Brent. Talking about your experience with mental health helps others know they are not alone.
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