Bipolar Blues

Hi my name is Natasha and I’m bipolar. I don’t know if my doctor will frown upon this but I have to talk about it. So yes, I’m one of the estimated 4.4 percent of U.S. adults who will experience bipolar disorder at some point in their lives. Bipolar disorder is said to affect 1 percent of the population worldwide. About 50 percent of bipolar patients have a family history of the condition.

And yes, currently, I do take lots of antipsychotic medication for this disorder. Hopefully it will whittle down in terms of just taking one or two meds. It is probably the most challenging thing in my life. Yes, I hurt a lot of people with my manic episodes and had to beg for their forgiveness. Yes, it sucks.

In addition to the prescribed medication, I take magnesium and vitamin B supplements with my multivitamin. Vitamin D is suggested as well, particularly with these winter months filled with limited sunshine. I haven’t made up my mind yet, plus cost is a consideration.

Right now, I just want to stabilize my behavior while raising my energy level. The fear is another manic episode around the corner and trying to prevent it before it gains speed in my head. I have been blessed with a really good support system and I don’t take it for granted. But things are different now. I pray that knowledge is power in the end and there will be fewer episodes to conquer.